Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Wow great bhai... some beautiful clicks. And as usual you are known to go off the normal route.

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Thank you so much appreciating, I am glad you like them.
The high above view was clicked from the watch tower of the castle.

Yes indeed, it was like witnessing the scenes from hollywood movies and old books.

Thank you Shiv
follow the heart ... always :P

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

@born2lead

Nice Nice !

Re: Ride to 'Hel' and back :P

Thank you Sajalsheth

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It was a swift ride straight to the center of Gdansk old town. Following the GPS navigation we reached at the parking between two glorious looking buildings. My idea of stopping at this very spot was to park the motorcycle near some landmark in order for us to be able to locate it conveniently when we return. Later we found that the two buildings were quite the landmarks - the main Town Hall and St. Mary’s Church of Gdansk. It was almost 6:45 pm and as late it may sound, it was not so late for Poland. The sundown was happening at around 8:30 pm and there is enough day light until 9:30 pm for sightseeing. I called the hotel we were staying for the night and updated that we were expected to reach there post dinner.

Parking in front of St. Mary's Church





The next 4 hours were just for the lovely old town. Gdansk is a port city on the Baltic coast and has a very important place in the history. In fact it was at the peninsula tip of Gdansk, where the German army landed on 1^st Sep 1939 – the beginning of WW II. Government has done a fabulous job in re-constructing the town to bring the life and colors back. Unlike other European and Polish towns with market squares, Gdansk has a long street called Dlugi Targ (in english – the long market). They say it has been the center of trade and important decisions in Gdansk since day one, no matter if it was under Germany, Russia or Poland. At one end of Dlugi Targ or the long market is the Golden Gate also called Zlota Brama. As you pass through the Golden gate and start the walk on the long market, you witness life brimming all through the long market with numerous coffee shops, restaurants and street artists performing. The other end of the long market is riverside of Martwa Wisła. The riverside reminds you a scene right out of the Pirates of Caribbean, with a long deck and multiple of those Black Pearl like ships, hosting dinners and taking the tourists for a ride towards the sea.

Through the Golden Gate


First look of the Long Market


Architecture from the WWII era


closer to the city tower on the Long Market


Neptune Fountain built in 16th Century


a short video of The Long Market


We were quite mesmerized and lost track of time. Had a delicious dinner at one of the riverside restaurant – Fish & chips. For someone who isn’t really a big fan of sea food, it tasted really nice. At last we had to call it a day at around 11 and reach our hotel.

The riverside at Martwa Wisła


The deck and the ship


does it remind you of Pirates of Caribbean ?



It was the end of a glorious day 1, covered almost 600 km and did a lot of things. But it still left us wanting for more.

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Woke up to a wet but bright morning, I slept like a wood and had no idea that it rained. It was only when I stepped into the balcony that I witnessed a freshly washed world around, shimmering in the morning sunshine.

view from the balcony in the morning




Bike parked below


Got ready and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Earlier we had mentioned to the hotel reception that we wouldn't eat Non Veg and that eggs would be fine. And we were served with -
Eggs with two yokes


After enjoying a stomach-ful, we left the hotel and went to the Gdansk old town. There are many historical sigh-seeing points, museums, churches and some of them can be visited with a ticket. Because we reached Gdansk late the last evening, we had to schedule a couple of visits for early today. The first one on the list was Artus Court.
Artus court used to be the meeting place of merchants and a centre of social life. The name was taken from the very popular medieval legend of King Arthur - a symbol of chivalry and gallantry. First in England, then in other European countries, his name was given to the houses where knights and aristocrats used to meet.

Great wall paintings in Artus Court






Hanging Ships in Artus Court




It is said that the hanging ships used to be the symbol of richness for the merchants. In order to avoid the embarrassment of explaining in words, the merchants used to hang a scale model of each of their ships in their business centers. Artus court was later sold out in parts to different groups. The merchant section has these ships.



The great furnace, it is said to be the biggest such furnace in the world.

The furnace also has pictures of historical figures in each tile. This was the first ever instance of putting these pictures of people with various religious beliefs together, abolishing the religious rules of the past. Artus court was the first ever place that revolted against extreme religious restrictions, and was open for people of all beliefs.

Saint Christopher, the most famous legend, in that he carried a child, who was unknown to him, across a river before the child revealed himself as Christ. Therefore, he is the patron saint of travelers, and small images of him are often worn around the neck, on a bracelet, carried in a pocket, or placed in vehicles by Christians.


When I bought my v-strom, I saw a small figurine next to the handle bar below the display meter. A Polish friend told me that it is Saint Christopher, the saint of drivers and motorists. I plan to continue riding with his blessings




a painting of Malbork Castle, which we visited a day before


Inside the Artus court are stories from all facets of life covering a span of over 600 years. Thanks to an English speaking guide, we could follow most of that we witnessed inside. The interior is one big Gothic hall. Since 1531 it has been completely redecorated - the walls have been covered with wainscot and friezes of mythological and historical character. The richly ornamented furniture and numerous paintings add to the splendour of the hall. The other interesting decoration is the 11-metre high furnace made by Georg Stelzner between 1545-1546. It is covered with 520 tiles depicting the greatest European leaders, both the Protestants - supporters of the Schmalkaldic League, and the Catholics, among which are portraits of Isabella of Portugal and Charles V.

The Artus Court was designed as an exclusive meeting venue for the local elite. Only in 1742, at the request of the town's mercantile companies, the Council agreed to change the Court into the exchange and the city lost its most famous inn.

Outside near the Long Market






It was almost noon and time to leave Gdansk old town.

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Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

I have been eating two yolked eggs in Gurgaon for some time now

Enjoying the travelogue

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Really? Wow, I had no idea about it until recently.

Glad, you are

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Thanks for sharing with us!

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Before finally leaving from the beautiful Gdansk Centre, we sat down for a nice meal of Fish & Chips. For someone who isn't too fond of fish, I was developing a real taste for it. Every single time I was hungry, it was Fish & Chips on my head. We were also presented with a quick spell of rain showers lasting only till the time we were eating. Imagine God's grace, sitting under a huge umbrella in a European Centre, having delicious meal, enjoying some rains in summer

It was finally time to leave for our next check point - Westerplatte, its a peninsula, located on the Baltic Sea coast in the Gdańsk harbour channel. It was here, on September 1, 1939, at 0448 local time, where Germany began its invasion of Poland, starting World War II.
It took us barely 20 mins to cross through city and reach the tip at the Baltic coast. As we started walking from the parking towards the Westerplatte Monument, we came across a few shops selling souvenirs (models of gas masks, guns, grenades, uniform etc). I could instantly see the familiarity with the equipment shown in many games - Call Of Duty. The walk further towards the monument had photo galleries and ruins of barracks which were bombed.

Repeated attacks by 3500 German soldiers were repelled by the 180 Polish soldiers for seven days, stationed in these barracks.






Photo gallery




Visiting the ruins does make you think that how striking a similarity is achieved by the organizations working on Games such as Call of Duty, and as much as I have enjoyed my share playing these games, standing at this site does take the fun away. Just imagining 180 Polish soldiers defending against relentless shelling, bombarding and 3500 enemy soldiers for 7 days, it brings shivers to your mind. Just past these barracks and photo galleries is a huge sign reading - NIGDY WIECEJ WOJNY (translates to WAR: NEVER AGAIN).

NIGDY WIECEJ WOJNY (translates to WAR: NEVER AGAIN)


Westerplatte the Monument in memory of the Polish Defenders

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Our next and also the last check point for day 2 was "The Sopot Pier". The pier in the city of Sopot, built as a pleasure pier and as a mooring point for cruise boats, first opened in 1827. It has a length of 511.5 meters and is the longest wooden pier in Europe. Apart from being a recreational centre, people around come here often for healthy walks, they say that the iodine content at the tip of this pier is twice as high as on land.
The pier was located approx 15 km from Westerplatte and took us about 30 mins through the city areas. Riding through this stretch, though the sea was not visible, the feel and smell of sea was making it evident that it is close by. Sopot seemed like the beach party place of Gdansk region, as we were closing on the most happening place - beginning of the Pier, we could hear lively music getting louder and louder. There were multiple eateries and restaurants, fun activities happening for kids and people of all age groups having a good time.

a short video of a happening place near the Pier of Sopot


an Indian restaurant in Sopot


the beach at Sopot


the Pier of Sopot


Yachts parked along the Pier




It was almost end of the day and setting was superb for a great sunset. The calm and soothing sea was making the walk on the Pier even more enjoyable. As we walked back towards the centre from the Pier, we saw a beautiful sunset. The amazing sight was interrupted by hunger pangs that got aggravated by the smell of grills all around. So it was time for yet another round of - Fish & Chips . Had a delicious dinner at the Sopot beach and went to hotel to call it a day.

the Sunset


walking back on the Pier


colors all around


the brimming centre of Sopot


To be continued ...

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

After a peaceful and relaxing sleep we woke up to a bright and wet morning yet again. It seemed more like a weather tradition to rain in the night right before a shining morning. Well we had a packed day in front, thus we got ready and were greeted by a lavish looking breakfast table.

Breakfast


and we ate it all :P


Our day today was to start at the 3rd and final part of Tricity called Gdynia. It was the major Sea Port of Gdansk region in early 19th century and over the years its significance as the port has increased many folds. Among the main attractions of the town are the Maritime Museum (preserved ships) and Aquarium.
We started with the ORP Błyskawica Destroyer ship, which served in the Polish Navy during World War II. It is preserved as a museum ship in Gdynia, and is the oldest preserved destroyer in the world.

General characteristics
Class and type: Grom-class destroyer
Displacement: 1,975 tons standard
Length: 114 m (374 ft 0 in)
Beam: 11.3 m (37 ft 1 in)
Draft: 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)
Speed: 39 knots (72 km/h; 45 mph)
Complement: 192

Armament:
1937:



1941:




a scale model of ORP Błyskawica Destroyer ship


the Gunship


torpedo, never imagined it was so big


the size of the shell, almost 4 feet


guns from the WW II










on left is the remains of uniform of Admiral Andrzej Karweta who died in Smolensk crash (2010) along with the Polish President, Admiral Andrzej Karweta was Commander of Polish Navy at that time, on right is how it was before


the communication channels


gauge meters






the tour on the destroyer made a lasting impression on our minds. It is almost impossible to envision so much of metal mass to host hundreds of lives on the sea for months together. While every single metal piece playing its critical and irreplaceable role in the system. The guide explains briefly about various people on board and their roles.
On the other hand this destroyer turned museum now stands as a symbol of courage and strength for the whole country, while paying a tribute to lives lost in line of the duty.
The whole experience is simply mind blowing.

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Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Nice, the museum visit looks real cool

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

Beautiful jouney this!

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P



Thank you Zestbiker

Re: Ride to "Hel" and back :P

After the ORP Błyskawica - the Polish Destroyer ship, next on the agenda was Gydina Aquarium, which was just a couple of hundred meters from the destroyer. As we walked towards the aquarium, our attention was caught by the "Pirates of Caribbean" look alike ship, we earlier saw at Gdansk hosting dinners. So one could choose to take a ferry for a day trip to Gdynia on it.





We proceeded towards the aquarium, but got quite depressed with a very long queue right outside the ticket counter. It even gave us thoughts of skipping it. However the Indian in us deduced a work around (jugaad) to by pass the queue and get in. I am purposefully keeping the work around a secret however I am really glad that we didn't skip the aquarium. Here are a few pictures and videos:
Apologies for the poor quality, mobile camera was all we had on this trip

huge sea turtles (dummies)




the wing span of this dummy Albatross is almost 6 feet, imagine the size. The guide told us the sea Albatross can continuously fly for 7 days without landing


Piranas


Star Fish




LionFish


glimpse of the colorful life beneath the sea










and the aquatic life on surface - anaconda


a whale vs a human to set things in perspective


and then we humans go around ruining it all


About 71% of earth is covered with water, and the living world below this water is far far more beautiful than the one on the land. Getting a closer insight to it make you realize of its vastness, its variety, its vibrance and most importantly its existence. Its ironical how we humans can be so ignorant towards it and the ecological balance over all. As much as we were in aw of witnessing it all, there was a guilt seeping out for not being considerate enough.

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