Wednesday, June 08, 2016

Gdansk - Part I

Gdansk, Poland is the birthplace of the Solidarity Movement in 1980 that lead to the downfall of the Soviet Union in 1990. We spent 4 nights in Gdansk. One day we visited the almost adjoining cities of Sopot and Gdynia. Another day we day tripped to Malbork Castle; about hour southeast by regional train. And one day we visited sights in Gdansk (see the next blog post).

We liked Gdansk a lot, partly because we booked an apartment that was between the train station (easy day tripping) and Dluga Street (the Royal Way); that is, almost in the shadow of St Mary's Church. But mostly because Gdansk is interesting, romantic and fun. I'm sure we'll be back.

Even though the walk from our hotel in Torun to the station was 2 kms, the view back to town from the bridge was worth it.
Gdansk, Poland

In Gdansk, the old Armory was just around the corner from our apartment, and its facade became an old friend.
Gdansk, Poland

The busiest tourist spot in Gdansk, especially when a cruise ship is in port, is the Royal Way/Dluga Street.
Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Lunch at Vegetarian Restaurant on Dluga Street.
Gdansk, Poland

Just off Dluga street is the new, black brick, Shakespeare Theater.
Gdansk, Poland

The Old Mill.
Gdansk, Poland

The spire of Old Town Hall.
Gdansk, Poland

The Old Town waterside.
Gdansk, Poland

The so-called Green Gate from 2 angles.
Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Evening waterfront strollers.
Gdansk, Poland

The atmospheric Mariacka Street looking to St Mary's church.
Gdansk, Poland

View of Gdansk Glowny Railway Station as we head there to catch the train to Sopot.
Gdansk, Poland

Sopot is a seaside resort town right on the Baltic Sea; a 20-minute train ride north of Gdansk with mansions, old hotels, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and many miles of beach. Here are some photos.
Sopot,  Poland

Sopot,  Poland

Sopot,  Poland

Sopot,  Poland

The Grand Hotel Sopot.
Sopot,  Poland

Sopot,  Poland

And just a few more minutes north by train is the port city of Gdyania with some Modernist buildings and its own pier.
Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia, Poland

We spot a Green Way vegetarian milk bar in Gdynia and each have a set lunch meal. Tasty!
Gdynia, Poland

How did this vintage Ford Mustang convertible get to Gdynia?
Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia, Poland

The Aquarium.
Gdynia, Poland

The ORP Błyskawica, a Polish destroyer of WWII vintage.
Gdynia, Poland

The Gydnia Market Hall.
Gdynia, Poland

Catching the SKM commuter train back to Gdansk.
Gdynia, Poland

The Gdansk Market House; outside and inside.
Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Our late evening stroll. First the Prison Tower.
Gdansk, Poland

Practicing my panning technique. Not quite there yet.
Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Looking down Dlgua Street.
Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, Poland

Malbork Castle is about an hour by train southeast of Gdansk. It's said to be the largest brick castle in the world, and was the seat of power of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights. Here are some shots from our day trip to the castle.....While waiting for our regular-speed regional train, we spotted this sleek fast train at Gdansk Glowny Station.
Railway Station - Gdansk, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Heating ducts in the castle.
Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Touring school groups in the Middle Castle courtyard.
Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

The courtyard of the High Castle.
Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

The Castle Church.
Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle, Malbork, Poland

The Grand Master's seat.;-)
Malbork Castle - Marbork, Poland

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