| View Blog
|
| Poland - what a great surprise!
|
|
|
We arrived late in Poland this morning due to a bad storm at sea last night. We decided just to take the bus into the old town as we had so little time. How sad I was when I discovered what a wonderful old town Gdnsk was. We are utterly charmed by the architecture - tall narrow houses, built on top of each other, but each with an individual character and all with wonderful details. There was another old building being carefully restored because of the beautiful murals on top of the terracotta painted walls. I could have walked down that street all day just taking it all in. I can't say the people were terribly friendly but they should be very proud of their lovely city. The strange thing about the Baltic, to me, is that I have no sense of belonging in any way. I am so happy to have seen it all but I felt none of the sense of identity I get when, for example, I'm in rural France or old parts of Spain. It is steeped in history, much of it political and it would take months to learn about every country. As it is I have been given a small taste for what it is about and I'm happy that I made the visit.
Yesterday, being at sea, gave us more opportunity to meet some of our other passengers. It amazes me just how wealthy people are. We met some New Zealanders with a multi million pound home in Surrey, England but with homes all around the world as far as Mexico and Hawaii. They keep housekeepers and gardeners in every one. They were delightful people, at least I found him so, but I can't help making the comparison with the lovely crew, many of them seperated from their children for 6 months at a time. I'm sure, in their own way, they help to make life better for others, but I didn't see a lot of compassion which saddened me. I just have this awful thing in me which longs to make things better for people and also makes me so greatful for all that God has given me. I prayed last night in the middle of the storm and received a great feeling of calm. I don't envy anyone, honestly, but sometimes on cruises like this I see how ill divided the world is and I long to change it. Poor old Bryan says if I had money I would be seriously dangerous and he is so right!
I shall be back in Ireland tomorrow when I will make my first visit my daughter's home to see my little grandson. Then it's home to see the dogs. Big sigh of contentment. I shall resume writing on my return but thanks to everyone of you who have kept me company on the journey. Blessings to all of you, E. |
|
Posted by overthehillandfaraway on 2008-06-24 06:25:12 | Rating: | Views: 52
|
| |
|
|
| Blog Comments
|
|
|
|
Hi Auntie E,
That little city sounds fantastic. Imagine living there full time. How peaceful it would be.
Dangerous with money?? hmmm I think I'd take the risk..
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, it's been my pleasure to read about your holiday.
|
|
Posted by EasyToSay
on 2008-06-24 06:57:20
|
|
|
|
|
Looks like I have some reading to catch up on. The one good thing about vacations is coming home. Nothing like sleeping in your own bed. Have a safe return kiddo :)
|
|
Posted by pitapie50
on 2008-06-24 07:06:16
|
|
|
|
"I just have this awful thing in me which longs to make things better for people and also makes me so greatful for all that God has given me."
The last word I would use to describe your compassion for others and appreciation for all you have is "awful"!
|
|
Posted by Meredith
on 2008-06-24 10:20:02
|
|
|
|
Pita - great to hear from you again and you're right - home is going to be great.
Meredith - what a kind girl you are. It helps right now as almost half the ship are sick due to really bad weather.
Easy - It has been great but I'm ready for home now and looking forward to catching up with all your blogs.
Prelude - hope things are better with you - you sound cheerful
Colorado - Isn't home just the best but you have to travel the world sometimes just to discover that
|
|
Posted by overthehillandfar...
on 2008-06-24 12:16:05
|
|
|
|
I felt the saw way about Poland. I actually have some pictures of a few streets because I had never seen anything like that. Where I grew up the houses are very close but these were on top of each other and all different.
I read the part about if you had money you would want to help and I can identify with that. I am always wanting to help friends with their issues and I realize that I can't fix things all the time. I am so glad you are back home and had a wonderful time!
|
|
Posted by prelude2it
on 2008-06-24 13:20:03
|
|
|
|
|
Tagging along (through reading your posts) on your journey has been most enjoyable. Excessively wealthy people unsettle me a bit. They possess so much excess while much of the world has nothing. I believe there is enough in this world for everyone ... if each person only took what they actually needed. Glad your trip was wonderful and you are heading home. Peace.
|
|
Posted by ColoradoDreamin
on 2008-06-24 16:52:39
|
|
|
|
|
|
