June 16, 2025 – Krynica Morska to Gdynia – 80 kms – Urban Jungle
June 17, 18 and 19, 2025 – Gdynia – Urban Jungle
June 20, 2025 – Gdynia to near Elbląg – 90 kms – Zabytkowa Drewniany Dom Z 1887 Roku
Before leaving Canada I read an article in the Guardian by Jarodław Kuisz and Karolina Wigura about how Americans can learn from Poland’s play book for resisting authoritarianism. They explained, “Our eastern European political culture, shaped by historical catastrophes, has developed some antibodies against oppressive power.”
We visited the The European Solidarity Center in Gdansk, where the story of Polish resistance and their determination to fight oppression was on full display in a fabulous exhibition.
The Solidarity movement began in 1980 at the Gdańsk Shipyard, sparked in part by the firing of Anna Walentynowicz, a crane operator and activist. Her dismissal triggered a massive strike, which quickly expanded into a national movement led by Lech Wałęsa and others. Solidarity succeeded in becoming the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc, posing a serious challenge to communist authority. In response, the government imposed martial law in December 1981, banning Solidarity, arresting leaders, and suppressing dissent. Despite this, underground resistance endured. Ultimately the solidarity movement was successful in 1989, when Solidarity had sweeping victory in the first free elections. The peaceful toppling of communism in Poland helped ignite democratic change across Eastern Europe. For me, Poland’s peaceful end to its communist era is one of the most inspiring movements in twentieth century history.
Our visit to the museum was made even more meaningful because we went with our friend Ewa. I knew she had lived through this period and was involved in the Solidarity movement, but I didn’t realize to what extent. Even though she had been to the Solidarity Centre numerous times for cultural events, this was also her first time through the exhibition. As we moved through rooms covering different periods in the struggle she shared her personal knowledge of particular people and events. Some of the leaders she knew personally. And she was present at some of the key moments in the long struggle.
These are Polish lessons I didn’t expect to need, but increasingly I feel we must all study the successful battles against tyranny so that we too will have some antibodies in our systems to resist authoritarianism. I’m so proud of the efforts of the people of Poland, who pushed aside their fears and joined a peaceful movement that would lead to the crumbling of the USSR and the rise of democracies across Eastern Europe.
Yesterday we had another wonderful Polish lesson, this one on how to make pierogies. Cooking with Ewa was such a joy! We ate so many it’s a good thing we are getting back on our bikes to ride.
It was hard to say good-bye to Ewa, but we are all determined to meet somewhere next year.
To have been able to go through the Solidarity museum with a friend who had such a direct connection must have been inspiring. For a nation which showed so much resilience and an indomitable spirit through the degradation of WWII, the world can take notice of what obstinacy, certitude and resoluteness can truly accomplish.
” co za inspiracja “
It was an amazing experience to see it with Ewa. In these times I look for the positive lessons, I think they are the ones we need.
Those look yummy! Hope you are bringing the recipe home with you!
What’s with Gord in long pants??
We went to the Roman Catholic church that day, to a pipe organ presentation. 😀
Good synopsis. Also try cherry vodka.
It was no ordinary organ. It had angels with moving horns and golden stars that spun! Gord can certainly wear pants for that.
I like the way you travel: not as tourists but as participants. For a while, when you were here, you were Polish. I just told T, how well you were doing as pierogi makers. 😀
It was also an interesting experience to be able to look at our own country thru the eyes of friends coming from some other part of the world.
And I truly enjoyed our time together.
Oh to be able to speak Polish would be great too, but we are managing to talk to some of the people we meet with translating.
This has become such a great trip, and spending time with you will always be the most treasured bit.
I would love to try those pierogies – they look wonderful. what a great way to learn about cooking in Poland.
We will have to make them with you guys when we are home.