If you want an unforgettable ending of the old, and a refreshing start of the new, we would like to recommend you to spend a New Years Eve in another country. That is what we did not too long ago when we lived in Europe. We had booked a flight from the small local airport heading to the colorful city of Poland called Gdansk. As we left early before any daylight had made its first appearance, we reached a snow-covered Gdansk around one hour later. One of the big perks living in Europe is that in just as little as an hour flight distance you can experience new cultures, new languages and different food that you never knew existed.
We had ordered a shuttle to pick us up from the airport who was located a short drive outside Gdansk. While we are taken to the address where our hotel is located I would like to let you know that Gdansk is the capital city of the province of Pommern. It is grown together with the cities of Sopot and Gdynia. Together they are called “The Triplet City”.
The first thing we do as we arrived at the hotel is to take a nap. It is still very early and I’ve been working during the whole previous night. A deep reflection that hit me halfway to sleep is that sleeping is the same wherever you are on this planet. Food, traditions and social culture are always different, but sleep is the same for everyone. We woke up a few hours later feeling all refreshed and ready to go outside and explore.
We are just a 10-minute walk from the old town of Gdansk. And it does not take us long to become amazed by the beauty this town has to offer. Not only is it rich decorated with history, they also have nice restaurants from all over the world. We find a little charming Italian place overviewing the main street of the old town. We will later during the journey try more local specialties.
As we walk out feeling a little bit more Italian than earlier (even though we are in Poland) we feel a festive atmosphere which is highlighted by a Christmas tree standing next to a big fountain, guarded by Neptune himself. We start to explore the big square which hosts artistic decorations on every building, each with its unique style and color. The style of the craftsmanship goes way back, but as a matter of fact, most of it was rebuilt after WW2’s harsh march through Europe. A reason why it looks in such a good condition today.
We are amazed and have to get some “Fika”. (if you wonder what Fika is, please watch our video about it …click here!) We find a nearby bakery and are greeted by a nice lady who ends up giving us more than twice that we ordered (Just to be nice). After a nice cup of coffee, we felt as warm on the inside as the friendly atmosphere made us feel on the outside.
It is getting close to midnight which means that the old year soon through fireworks will turn to ashes and rise as a brand new Phoenix.
We are heading with the flow as everybody else seems to be on their way to another square a couple of minutes away. We see a big stage with a band playing old rock classics. There is a big clock counting down and everyone is in a good mood. Firecrackers, Roman candles, fountains, and sparklers are going off everywhere. Here it is no restrictions on safety it seems like. We find a safe spot close to a brick wall where we have a good view as the final minutes turn to seconds, and finally into colorful explosions and fireworks.
We reach the moment when everyone suddenly is as good old friends to each other. Warm and embracing new years regards are being exchanged as arrows going in and out through the protective social walls we usually put up towards each other. Why can’t every day be like this? When did you last wished a complete stranger to have a good day?
As the firework dies out we slowly start to stroll back to our hotel. We take the back ways, walking next to the seaside of the town. It is nice, and the sea lays like a perfect mirror like a clean unwritten page in a brand new book, a new year is here.
While being in Gdansk we saw lots of tourist attractions, one by one in all its glory. Following is photos of what we loved the most and can warmly recommend if you are planning your trip to Poland and the city of Gdansk. Thank you for reading, and have an adventurous new year!
Find more information about Gdansk at http://visitgdansk.com/en/
or https://www.poland.travel/en also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gotopoland/
