Gdansk

June 12, 2011

Today, I took the ferry boat over to Gdansk with some of our cadets and some of the Russian & Polish midshipman for an afternoon in that old town. Cadets from each county got together in the ferry's forward salon and played a game of charades. Fortunately a few of the Russian and Polish cadets could speak some English and with sign body language that was enough to keep things going.

During the ferry ride we could see the resort city of Sopot and later we made our way through Gdansk's commercial port and down the Motlawa and Stara Motlawa. The Gdansk "Old Town" is more touristy than Riga with vendors selling amber jewelry everywhere, but it had a charm and authentic feeling to it. The area had been thoroughly bombed during World War II and stayed in ruins through the Soviet era. Since joining the EU, Poland has been able to revitalize its historical areas into economic zones.

In Gdansk, our immediate need was for Polish cash. We walked through Visa alley to the first bank where each us us valiantly tried (and failed) to get money. Fortunately, none lost a card! A little further down the street a sharp eyed deckie cadet spotted another bank where we were all able to fill our pockets with local "Zits." We went our separate ways and met four-hours later back at the ferry for a quick ride back to TSES and the Admiral’s Reception. The vast majority took these experience in stride, and enjoyed their adventure and the friendships they have made. Me, I'm sitting in a shaded cafe having a coffee and listening to classical music from a pair of street musicians. Sad that all hands are gathering to leave and so must I.