Gdansk
Morning on the Endeavour for many people begins with a trip up to the wonderful little library where one finds fresh pastries and coffee to start the day. Some people rest and take in their first infusion of caffeine in the quiet of this study, while other dutiful spouses can be seen departing with two cups in hand and perhaps a roll or two. These quiet moments provide an opportunity for reflection before the official start of the day, and among the voyagers, recollections of this early morning repast will remind us of the simple pleasures upon the sea.
Our day begins in earnest when our expedition leader, Tom O’Brien, comes on the P.A. system with a gentle reminder that the time has come to awaken. This morning he announced that the temperature was 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) outside, with changeable weather forecasted for the day. Now we get up and make our way to the breakfast, which is, as always, buffet style. A large repast is set out – juice, coffee, tea, and bread and cheese for some, while others go for the All-American eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes.
After breakfast we boarded our coaches for our exploration of Gdansk which included a private organ recital and a guided walk through the old town. As is usual, our introduction of the city ended in time to allow us time to explore on our own. Amber, long a staple of trade in the Baltic, caught the attention of many of us.
Some of us returned to the ship for lunch while others remained in town to sample local fare. Reports of delightful cuisine ashore punctuated the late afternoon conversation back on the ship.
Our afternoon options included a visit to the National Museum, the Maritime Museum, or free time in the city. By 4:00pm we were all en route back to the ship, either by bus, or a five mile Zodiac drive thanks to our intrepid Zodiac drivers.
In the late afternoon, Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland, came aboard and regaled us with stories of his life in the shipyards and his role in the overthrow of the Polish communist government.
Tonight was the Filipino dinner, which was widely enjoyed. A gentle rocking of the ship sent us off to bed and to sleep.
Morning on the Endeavour for many people begins with a trip up to the wonderful little library where one finds fresh pastries and coffee to start the day. Some people rest and take in their first infusion of caffeine in the quiet of this study, while other dutiful spouses can be seen departing with two cups in hand and perhaps a roll or two. These quiet moments provide an opportunity for reflection before the official start of the day, and among the voyagers, recollections of this early morning repast will remind us of the simple pleasures upon the sea.
Our day begins in earnest when our expedition leader, Tom O’Brien, comes on the P.A. system with a gentle reminder that the time has come to awaken. This morning he announced that the temperature was 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) outside, with changeable weather forecasted for the day. Now we get up and make our way to the breakfast, which is, as always, buffet style. A large repast is set out – juice, coffee, tea, and bread and cheese for some, while others go for the All-American eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes.
After breakfast we boarded our coaches for our exploration of Gdansk which included a private organ recital and a guided walk through the old town. As is usual, our introduction of the city ended in time to allow us time to explore on our own. Amber, long a staple of trade in the Baltic, caught the attention of many of us.
Some of us returned to the ship for lunch while others remained in town to sample local fare. Reports of delightful cuisine ashore punctuated the late afternoon conversation back on the ship.
Our afternoon options included a visit to the National Museum, the Maritime Museum, or free time in the city. By 4:00pm we were all en route back to the ship, either by bus, or a five mile Zodiac drive thanks to our intrepid Zodiac drivers.
In the late afternoon, Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland, came aboard and regaled us with stories of his life in the shipyards and his role in the overthrow of the Polish communist government.
Tonight was the Filipino dinner, which was widely enjoyed. A gentle rocking of the ship sent us off to bed and to sleep.
