Love, love ... Gdynia :)

These days, it is incredibly difficult for me to peel my face off the computer screen. Barely have time to get out of the house. Fortunately, a few weeks ago I did. And since it was the first time in weeks I decided I have to visit a place that is not around the corner from my house.

I heard that recently an embankment in Gdynia was opened, so I decided I had to check it out. I must say that it was worth it. 

I took us around an hour to get to our destination. I must say that three smartphones with navigation didn’t help much, and we still ended up wondering around. 

When I got to the point where I could see the sea, I was amazed. I felt I am in Greece or other South European country. Breathtaking views. As it turned out, the way down to the beach was also breathtaking. All because of a steep hill and thousands of stairs we had to conquer. 

The recently made embankment is beautiful. This area started out as a fisherman village. There are still remains of that, with rails that fisherman used to bring up the catch and colorful boats that I hope are still being used for fishing.

The embankment is pretty long - about 1,5 km. And since I had to find out where it leads to, I dragged my not-so-happy family till the end, and back (because we came by car, that we had to go back to :).

To sum up, this place became one of my favorite beaches in TriCity (although, not much beach there). I also managed to set a plan, that basically consists of me winning few millions zloty, and buying a house there. Maybe not the closest to the cliff, but in a nearby area.

House of Abraham

Don't worry, it is not a story from the Bible :) It is a story from City of Gdynia :)

Last weekend I happen to be in Gdynia. My sis and I were going to an event on the pier. I happened to pass by this strange building. I wouldn't have noticed it among the jungle of big kamienica and commercial building if it wasn't so small. I stopped because of it size. As always it made me wander, why such building exists in such environment. It clearly looked out of place. I think you would agree with me on that. So of course, I had to stop. There was a sign next to the fence so I took a picture of it for future reference:) Since recently my companions get annoyed with me stopping at random places for picture taking and exploring, I found this technique saves precious time. Now instead of standing by for hour or so I am ready to move along within 15-30 minutes :) As I later discovered this tiny building happens to be the oldest building in Gdynia. I'd say: good find!

When I mentioned this building to my party later on, everyone was surprised "I forgot Gdynia is such a young city". It is, that is true (the youngnessness becomes even more prominent when one compare Gdynia with nearby Gdansk). Therefore I think it is so important to remember places like this one. As I came around on Sunday afternoon I was ok with the fact that museum was closed (as I found out there was museum inside tiny building). I was to prompt you to go there during visiting hours and let me know what's there to see. Unfortunately I found out that now the museum closed :( Indefinitely :( So the building is just a gem to admire from outside only. Such a shame.

Let me tell you few things about the building and its previous owner. Tiny building was a home to one known as Antoni Abraham. This person is not much know in polish history. Certainly I didn't know who he was until now really. The building itself is from 1904 and as I said before is the oldest building in Gdynia (building was made before Gdynia got city rights).

But, let's go back to Abraham. How strange, that there is so many people that shape this world but we know just few of them. Antoni Abraham is one of those people. Born in 1869, he was a great patriot, he fought for Poland and also Kashubians, He is known around as king of kashubian. Not only was he an activist who took part in many rallies (many of which he organised himself), he also tried to educate people of importance of patriotism and freedom. He was great supporter development of Gdynia port. All his life he tried to activate local people to unite and fight against invaders. One of most memorable actions of his was going to Paris to take part in piece negotiations demanding to keep Kashubian area in Poland. It's hard to say if thanks to him Poland got to keep Kashubian area after I WW, but I'd like to think so :)

Night at the Museum

ESC and the Monument of Three Crosses 

This weekend I went for Night at the Museum. However there was no Ben Stiller, or exhibits coming alive at midnight. You might ask, how is that possible? The answer, as always, is simple. I went for the real Night at the Museum.

Emigration Museum and a ship as big as the building itself

Every year museums around Poland open their doors to visitors at night (from around 5pm to 2am). Not only the entrance is free (in majority:), there also are extra surprises that are one-off kinda thing.

You might see suitcases there

I had very ambitious plan. I wanted to start in Gdynia, at Emigration Museum as it was its opening day. Then I wanted to stop by European Solidarity Centre, as I never been since it opened. I also wanted to see Tower Clock Museum (who wouldn't! right?) and finish of at Westerplatte.

Or, a picture of modern supermarket

We got to the Emigration Museum around 6pm to discover a bubble-shaped queue in front of entrance to the main exhibit area . No worries, we got in in a blink of an eye (about 40 minute blink:). Main exhibit area reminded me of a maze, (the "road" was twisty:) each room was so different from the previous one. I did try to read about the exhibits and gain the knowledge of polish emigration, however I had others museums at the back of my head, so I read about 50% information, but I saw 100% of pictures :)

You definitely gonna see that and you will love it even more :)

By the time we got out the queue quadruple in size and transformed into a line, and I couldn't be more pleased with myself:) So I grabbed a bagel from food truck upfront and hit the road. The only problem was the time. It was 10pm already (how????). So, of we rushed off to European Solidarity Centre.

You might be able to leave a message here...

As we entered from side door and headed upstairs to the exhibition rooms I was amazed and very happy that there is no queues. Until we were stopped at top of the stairs and directed to cash desk to purchase tickets. Then I saw it. The queue writhed like a snake. Estimated waiting time: 1,5 hrs. As the bets on waiting time started rolling in a miracle happen: a lady came over and offered her tickets. I almost lost the tickets as I was so surprised I didn't respond to her and there were plenty of people that were more than happy to take advantage of the offer. Thankfully the lady had her heart set on me, for which I am more than grateful :)

and enjoy show here.

The next thing we did was speed touring. Even with our almost running pace it took us around 2 hours to walk though all the exhibition rooms. However I am not sure if I got them all, as I got a little bit lost in the meantime. I guess it doesn't matter as much, as I would have to come back because I got around 5% information and 40% pictures.

Resistors

Purposefully I am not describing any exhibition pieces and I don't want to spoil the fun for those of you who will go see it. For anyone interested in history, especially polish history both of the places will be interesting. Otherwise go to the beach instead:)

And you can admire rooftop view :)

Although I didn't "make the plan" I consider this year's Night at the Museum as successful. Did you ever got to experience the real Night at the Museum yourself?

Forest. Run.

So what did you do this weekend? I got lost in a jungle. Well, almost :)

Swampish river

I decided to try one of them orientation walks. Silly as I am, I imagined something in terms of a childhood game, I loved and played when I was young - Paper Chase. I found an orientation walk that offered different difficulty levels, to not be cocky I signed up fo the easiest one. The boot message said to bring compass, so I downloaded one on my phone (although I am not convinced it really works, but I don't know how to work a compass, so it was fine by me:).

Other "gamers"

Luckily for me, I managed to find "volunteer" to tag along. As we arrived I was full of enthusiasm, that unfortunately decreased by the minute (we got lost on our way to the starting point :(

Berry bushes

I determined to do the walk and come back alive. Even when at starting line I asked if I can be explained the rules of the game and was told that the remaining 5 minutes to my start wasn't enough time, or when I saw advanced team map in a shape of a thong (and as wide).

Our map

Time... Start! So off we went (in the wrong direction) about 10 meters away. I had no idea how to read the map we were given, there was no mark indicating where we (except start/finishing line circle). I'd just say: thank heavens for my partner and GPS! Half the time I didn't know where we were.

Polypore

According to the rules, we had 3 hours and 12 points to find. It took us 1 hour to find first point. Beginner's pace I guess:) I didn't mind though. I love forest, I grew up around it, played in it, so I was happy.

Intersection

During our 5 hour walk we saw rabbit hole, wild deer, duck and a terrifying wild snail. My partner lost his shoe twice, we ended up at swamp couple of times and most of the time we were pretty lost.

Can you see the duck? It is there.

Overall, if you like spending time outdoor and always say yes to an adventure, I'd say: Go on orientation walk! I explored Tricity Landscape Park, but there is plenty to choose from: bike orientation, night orientation or kayak orientation.

Feeding station

If you feel it's not your cup of tea, but still enjoy outdoors, I'd say: Go to Tricity Landscape Park. There is plenty of paths for both biking and walking. I was actually surprised how many people go to the park and take advantage of the peacefulness in the city.

Highway

But remember! Whatever you take with yourself take it back with you. Do not leave any rubbish in the forest! Ever!

Marine Station

Panorama, Museum of Emigration

I am so exited I can barely contain myself. I was very fortunate to take part in Instameet in Gdynia. We were visiting soon to be open Museum of Emigration. It goes without saying that I was more than happy with the whole tour. Mostly it is due to Mr. Marcin, who was our tour guide.

Entrance Hall

I can admit that I am not familiar with history of Gdynia, or it's - too see places. But whenever I ask any Gdynia native what there is to see in Gdynia, I don't get any more info than what I know already (sometimes even less).

Emigration Museum and the Sun

We got nice warm up walk with quite few "details" that I'll share with you later. But everybody knew that the museum was the real deal. I'll just add that this was my first InstaMeet, so I had no idea what to expect. I will also say that till last week I had no knowledge whatsoever of Museum of Emigration. Open or not.

"Emigration" wall

The museum is based in a station, that was in use between 1933 and 1987. Silly of me, but brave to admit that the whole time of the tour I thought it was a train station. I had it all figured out. Since it was the emigration museum and a station I figured it was used during WWII to ship people out of danger. The idea I had was that people where brought by trains to the station and then put on ships to emigrate. I was wrong there. My imagination fails me so often!

Original track from the crane

The museum is set to be open in early summer, so since they aren't quite ready we didn't see any exhibits. That didn't bother me. The building itself is a gem. They restored the original building that was open on 8th of December 1933. The building was enriched with beautiful glass that adds so much to experience and it is consistent throughout the building. You have the sleeve that is mirrors what is was there before (which was a fully working sleeve). Clever use of glass gives you so many reflections and angles. I was amazed. Truly.

Cafe, see beneath you :)

I promise you, I will get all the facts about the actual station by the time it's open. But for now I can't get over how it was restored and made into such a gem. I'll say people of Gdynia start spreading the word that such beauty is around the corner. The museum is very close to main town, but to get there one has to go through industrial area, also big surprise that such terrain still exist so close to main town. You even get a feeling of village-like life. I would live there if I could.

Waves at  French Harbour in Gdynia

Maritime Academy of Gdynia

Routes of two training ships: "Dar Mlodziezy" and "Horyzont II"

Sometimes it seems to me I should just abandon the idea of making any plans at all, as especially recently none of them came to life. Yes, again my planned post needs to be postponed. Instead I'm going to write, to my surprise, about a place I never thought I would.

Bell in the entrance hall to Maritime Academy

As my work took me to Gdynia. I was told I can write about Maritime Academy of Gdynia, so I was like " oh okay". But inside I was thinking "what could be cool about a school". Nevertheless I begun research about the history of the school. As it turns out, the history isn't long, but still quite colorful.

Outside of Maritime Academy building, Gdynia

17 days after first World War finished marshal Pilsudski ordered the formation of Polish Navy. As a result not only the Navy was formed, but also 1,5 years later maritime college was opened. It was first collage of that kind in newly formed Poland. The school was based in Tczew, a town located about hour drive from Gdynia.

Entrance Hall, Maritime Academy of Gdynia

Since this was the first maritime school in Poland there was not terminology developed to describe processes that take place on the ships, or elements of ships. Coming up with all the vocabulary was up to newly recruited academic faculty. Then and there a publishing house was established, and first books in polish of naval themes were published. Fist book was published in June 1927 by the title of "Budowa okretu" ("Ship Construction").

Maritime Academy, 1930, photo: http://www.am.gdynia.pl/

The school was moved to Gdynia in 1930 and by that time it was promoted to a higher education institution. The maritime college was housed in building that was specially made for that purpose. Unfortunately happy days didn't last long, as the II WW began. The school was made into an emergency hospital and most of the faculty and students volunteered to join the army in war.

Souvenirs at Tradition Hall in Maritime Academy.... and me :)

Surprisingly the National maritime college was the only school that operated during the war. Within the time of the war 300 students graduated. Of course it was impossible to conduct lessons in in war-torn Poland, the school's temporary headquarters were in Southampton, England and Buckie, Scotland.

Tradition Hall, Maritime Academy in Gdynia

Since the end of the war the school lived through few name changes and granted permissions. Since opening its doors to first students it became full-blown higher education facility that educates at four faculties. I visited Tradition Hall (open since 1978) located in the main building of Maritime Academy, where I was able to find out about the interesting history of the school and see for myself part of its tradition locked in pictures, flags, first edition books and souvenirs collected on round-the-world journeys.

Maritime Academy of Gdynia

Gdynia Downtown Beach

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach

Today was a beautiful day. And that is even an understatement. A true spring day, the sun was shining bright, warm wind was blowing gently and there wasn't a single cloud on the sky. Naturally I decided I must go to the beach, the only question in mind was which one :) Since I haven't been to Gdynia in a while, I decided to go there.

Gorgeous beach, Gdynia

Gdynia Downtown Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Gdynia. Not only it is close to the  city centre and seaside boulevard, it is also close to Kosciuszki square (where are all the bars, cafes, restaurants and ships :).

Ship masts in the sun, Gdynia

This beach is one of the few that has all the amenities that a beach should have: showers, toilets, changing rooms, medical station and sunbeds rental. The beach is also life guarded in the season. There are also volleyball station to use freely.

Volleyball field at Gdynia Downtown Beach

There is also a playground for children, so if you are bored of running after your kid, who is trying to build a sand castle, or find a perfect seashell, you can just stick him in a swing and both of you will be happy :)

Lovely day at Gdynia Downtown Beach

Gdynia Downtown Beach also seen its share of great events too. Every year it hosts a concert that attracts thousand of people, called Cudawianki (Wonders Wreaths) that celebrates the end of school year, and more importantly, the beginning of summer. This beach also hosted RedBull Air Race in 2014.

Shiny waves at Gdynia Downtown Beach

But the thing I get most jealous about is the students of Maritime Academy of Gdynia, who get to live by that beach. How, you ask? Pretty easy, as there are student dorms located, I'd say literally on the beach, but it might be about 2 minutes walk. Not only the dorms are are close to the beach, most of the rooms comes with stunning sea views, that would cause your jaw to drop to the floor. And who says that being a student is tough?

Student dorms, Gdynia Downtown Beach

To sum up. If you are looking for a place to tan in peace, maybe read a book in quite, do not go to Gdynia Downtown Beach. However if you like vibrant places with plenty and more to do, this is definitely place for you. So, have fun!

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach, take 2 :)