As I've mentioned before I get no form of payment or kick back for running my website and blog, in fact it costs me personally to keep it up and running, which I don't mind in the slightest as I really enjoy writing it. If I recommend something it only comes from my desire to help other people. So I have to make it very clear now that I don't get any kickbacks from the Polish tourist board either because this blog is probably going to sound like I do! Hahahahahahahaha...
Have you ever been to Poland? if yes then you'll know it's a truly beautiful place. If not, like me you may have some misguided preconceptions of what it would be like. Before I visited last year I thought Poland would be very grey, drab and austere looking, marked by its communist rule with boxy, dull buildings. I don't think I could have been more wrong if I tried, it's startlingly beautiful. The architecture is incredible, so far I have only visited Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia, Malbork and Turon, passing through pretty villages in between these cities, picking out chocolate box esque houses I'd see myself living in along the way.
I absolutely love Gdansk and Sopot. They're very different to each other but both are spectacular. I've been twice now to these cities and I love them more each visit. The cafe's and bars are great for chilling and people watching (one of my favourite hobbies, that and looking at houses on Rightmove hahahahahahaha, such a rock and roll lifestyle huh?).
This trip we went to Torun too, recommended to us by a darling friend who we visit in Poland. Torun is famous for two reasons, 1, it's the place Copernicus made his discoveries that the sun was the center of the universe rather than earth and 2, and more importantly it's the home of the most delicious gingerbread I have ever tasted!! Testament to that is I brought 4 kilos of the stuff home in my hand luggage. Torun is very similar looking to Gdansk but more of the buildings are original, Gdansk suffered greatly during the war and has painstakingly been reconstructed.
Packing for this trip I checked my weather app continuously for 10 days prior to going, I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed. We only take hand luggage for short breaks so it's fairly restrictive on what I can take. Stoma stuff is an obvious must, which I usually spread out over all the bags rather than in one solid mass. The trick to packing just hand luggage is to have enough clothing should the weather turn packed into one little case. I know for this trip I wanted comfort and warmth, although it was a very nice 18-20 degrees while we were there, there can be a chill in the air this time of year.
Gdansk is a stunning, stroll round this beautiful city taking in all the sights it has to offer plus take a trip down the river on a Galleon to Westerplatte, The landing point at which WW2 broke out.
ABOVE; Cardigan from TK Maxx, Blouse from Gant, Trousers from Primark, Shoes from Tory Burch, Bag from LV.
BELOW; Jumper from The White Company, Trousers from Next, Shoes from Tory Burch.
No matter what time of year you go, I've been in June and September I would advise you pack a cardigan or jacket, although the weather was glorious on both visits you can still get a sharp breeze off the Baltic sea. Probably best to pack some trainers (sneakers) too, I forgot mine and had to buy some there, nice to get a souvenir on holiday though.
Enjoying more of the sights Gdansk has to offer plus a visit out to Malbork around 45 mins from Gdansk is well worth a look, it's the largest castle in the world, built in 1231 It's one of two UNESCO world heritage sights in the area, the other one is in the aforementioned city of Torun.
ABOVE; Shirt from Abercrombie and Fitch, vest top from M&S, Jeans Eden jeggings Dorothy Perkins, Shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bag from LV. Above right, me with my baby son Benny.
Top from Whistles , Vest from M&S, trousers from Dorothy Perkins, Shoes from Tory Burch, Sunglasses borrowed from benny as I forgot mine and he and hubs banned me from buying any more at the airport on account that I never remember to take them out with me ;)
Sopot is a spectacular seaside resort, one day I'd like to stay at the Grand hotel (pictured), it's stunning, but for now we had to make do with a day trip, at only 7 and a half miles from Gdansk it's a very doable trip out. The pier is well worth a trip too.
Top from Hollister, Vest from M&S, trousers from DP's
ABOVE; Rain mac from Tommy Hilfiger. Although It didn't rain the whole time we were there, a light coat does keep the windchill off down by the sea.
Polish food is delicious, it must be good seeing as my boy tried loads of new things, very much enjoying the Golabki and Pierogi, which is a big deal for him as he has the narrowest food palate of anyone I've ever met. I don't eat meat so I had the veggie version of Pierogi which were delicious.
It's so nice to go on a city break that doesn't cost the earth too, value for money doesn't even begin to cover it. I think it's fairly clear I'm very taken with Poland, I really would recommend it. Learn a few basics with the language and it'll get you far, most people under 30 speak perfect English but it never hurts to show willing anywhere you go (hi/cheerio is czesc pronounced 'chesh-ch. Thank you is dziekuje pronounced djenkoo-yeh). The only down side if you pushed me for one is getting back on the plane is chaos, so my advice, check your bags into the hold and wait till the bun fight calms down and stroll onto the plane at a leisurely crush free pace.
So for now it's 'do widzenia Polska', see you next year I hope. :)