In Gdansk

We spent 3 days in Gdansk. George had got a flat through airbnb, which was comfortable and with a washing machine,which we used considerably! On the first day there, he took off to Munich by train and plane, to hear his daughter in an opera performance. He came back the next day. Jetting around Europe, etc. We spent the first morning doing nothing particular but actually quite a lot. Then into town by tram,about 5km. Went to “I” to get general info and details of our onward ferry to Hel in particular. Then walk around, which took us to St Mary's church. Enormous and impressive and it took a bit of time to “do” it. Then it started to rain, and the rain became serious. We recommend Pellowski for hot chocolate on a rainy afternoon, then on in the rain and home in a tram with everyone else wet.When not pouring with rain, this is a poor photo of part of the main street.

and here is rather striking Pieta in St Mary's

Mind you, not as impressive as the one in Durham cathedral

Overnight, it really rained and rained. There was a stream by our building and this had risen and risen overnight and flooded the lower levels – we were on floor one. Much shouting and it seems some were flooded out. The stream was very full by the morning but not overflowing. A continuous sound of pumps. Here it is, later, when no flooded.

Next day, again not an early start but off to see around. We went to see two churches, St Catherine's and St Bridget's (this was important in the early days of Solidarnosc, when the parish priest took an important role), looked at the old mill.  Outside the mill, chidren were playing in a fountain

 We suddenly remembered the ferry booking. So along to the place, off the waterfront, and a walk down the waterfront, stopping for hot chocolate and cakes. This included looking at the celebrated Gdansk Crane.

Met George back at the flat. He was keen to see the new museum about the Gdansk ship building workers, the rise of Solidarnosc, and beginning of Polish democracy. We went also and it was/is fascinating and showed detail of pivotal events. The to a tram stop for a tram to the National Museum, art gallery, and it was just like London. No tram our way, 4 or 5 the other for about 15 minutes. But one did come. The museum was a bit of a disappointment except for a small temporary exhibition of 14^th and 15^th century items.

Next day, we left Gdansk by ferry to Hel. A bit of time in the morning to visit part of the maritime museum and see the inside of the crane and an exhibition of boats from rural 3^rd work communities.

The ferry ride interesting. The sun came out and has been out ever since (at the time of writing, more than a week later).

During all this time, kathertine has kept her diary up to date, sometimes in more difficult circumstances:-