09/20/2009 - Gdynia, Poland

Took a tour recommended by Ola - thank you Ola. The tour was excellent and our guide was wonderful. Konrad, apx. 75, was a child during Nazi occupation and a young man when the Russians occupied Poland so he has seen it all. He had some interesting stories to tell. First stop was Oliwa Cathedral where we got to hear beautiful organ music and look at the incredible wood carvings that surrounded the pipes. Then we drove by Lech Walesa’s house, which is pretty well hidden behind a fence and trees, but I was able to get a few pictures. Next we went sightseeing in Gdansk Old Town built in 997 A.D. with detailed talks about all the important buildings. This area was 80% destroyed at the start of WWII, but has been restored to its original beauty. We saw the entrance gate then the jail right behind it where they hung many thieves and adulterous women. Rapists were tortured until they died, but adulterous men were only locked in shackles for 4 hours. Such injustice! We strolled the “long street” where the old mansions, all connected, are now shops & restaurants. We were also able to get into St. Mary's Basilica between services and see the huge, hand-made clock in action. Chimes and has moving pieces. Once a day at noon (we were there) the clock sends the 12 apostles out, followed by “death” and the angels ring the bell 12 times. Amazing workmanship! We had a delicious lunch of perogies, some filled with cabbage & mushrooms, some with pork and some with wild hog. EXCELLENT! Then we drove to the Solidarity Monument where Lech Walesa shipyard was located. Quite a moving memorial. Next we drove to the promenade of Sopot (beach resort on the Baltic Sea), which is known for its health spas, pier, beach and lots of little shops, restaurants and bars. Our final destination before return to the ship was driving through the downtown area of Gdynia. Beautiful day - some times VERY HOT. Had an early dinner and went to bed - we did a lot of walking today - much more than we had expected.

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Part of trip: Baltic Sea & TransAtlantic cruises

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