I know this is kind of strange. Anyone who knows me even just a little will tell you I am not a person who enjoys camping. I have to admit that the few times I’ve stayed in a cabin have been, to put it mildly, a total sleepless disaster. I have hiked in the woods, but saw giant bugs behind every flower and tree. Just not my thing. Two types of places though vie for my attention and I can never choose which is my favorite – the beach and ocean or the city (any beach or ocean and any city really).

Today, we took trains to Gdynia and Sopot. The former is a giant port and has an amazing museum, the latter is a spa town and has a wonderful boardwalk and beach. We got off the train first in Gdynia, and within a few minutes I heard gulls and smelled that unique salt water smell. Shortly after we were in sight of the Baltic.

We headed for what I have to say turned out to be the most amazing museum I have ever visited. We lucked out because today was a free day – no tickets to purchase. All the exhibits were on the floor above the ground floor. We went upstairs, there were story boards, and it was kind of blah. Then I noticed people going inside a doorway and followed and I was so impressed. The exhibit was huge.

It started with background and a historical perspective and drew you in. There were seats like on an airplane, a fiat, a configuration to resemble a ship, and so much more.

I learned about housing, electricity, media, infrastructure, food, the causes of emigration and much more. The exhibit went into a lot of detail, and I quickly realized how much of a gap I have in knowledge. Startling information like

I should have realized that the potato famine in Ireland did not just affect the Irish.

So much information to absorb and incredibly well presented. If you are in Gdynia make sure you visit the Emigration Museum.

Several hours after we arrived, we were ready to leave the museum, but needed food. Our friend and colleague David met us and took us to a wonderful pierogi restaurant. Such creative combinations for the stuffing.

After lunch Ola said she had a surprise for me, and when we got on the train, she said we’d stop at Sopot.

We made it back to Gdansk before nightfall, but not before we walked 25,891 steps. That certainly called for ice cream and pastry for dinner.

Such a beautiful city. Tomorrow is my last day in Poland – it’s time to go home. I plan to walk around Gdansk most of the day, and drink it all in.

Oh, wait – I didn’t mention our glance at Hel! There, in the distance is the Polish town of Hel.