Gdansk, Poland
Monday, September 2 – Yes, it has been a while (some big event in April kind of got in the way, what is the deal with that???) but we are on the road again. This time, Poland and the Lakes District of England!
We actually pre-gamed a little, spending Friday and Saturday in Philadelphia seeing Erin and Dom and a few other friends. But Sunday, after a final family brunch, it was onto to Newark Airport and the serious travel.
People thought we were crazy to fly out of Newark, but I blithely said, “we went went through Newark last year, it was fine”. You just knew I was going live to eat those words, didn’t you?
It was absolute chaos. First, all SAS systems were down when we reached the airport and we had to wait. Much to my delight, while we waited, several people thought they could form their own line ahead of everyone else. Needless to say, I gently advised them that was a poor decision. Fortunately, I was supported by all the others in line with me. Seriously, who does that???
Finally got through that only to discover that TSA was one gigantic scrum, Pre-Check and regular mixed together, no one knowing where they should be. Finally got to the TSA agent, and she couldn’t scan the boarding pass SAS had just given me. Says I need to go back to the check in desk –where, FYI, there are no fewer than 500 people in line because of the previously noted outage. Are you kidding? Thankfully, I had loaded the boarding pass on my phone the day before and that worked. Crisis averted. When we got to SAS lounge area, of course, it didn’t scan there either. Woman at desk says, “oh, they have a printer upstairs that isn’t working right.” Sure glad you think it’s a good idea to continue to use that! I swear, these blogs seem to write themselves when it comes to airports…
Things improved markedly upon boarding. I had submitted a low ball bid for an upgrade to Business Class as an early Anniversary gift to ourselves and it was accepted! Can’t justify it every time, but Dan and I were like kids in a candy store enjoying all the perks–I think the staff could tell we weren’t jaded regulars .
After the multi course dinner, we got in a little sleep before breakfast was served and we were landing in Copenhagen. Really tight connection, so had to put on the jets…of course encountered the classic crawlers walking 6 abreast but was able to apply the patented “Chris slither” (just ask Erin & Dan) to get around them, through immigration and to the gate with time to spare. Second flight was uneventful except I swear that little plane must have been part clown car…people and bags just kept coming in…I’m convinced some in the back must have been standing. However, I think we can all be glad there was no reprise of my Ryanair experiences, no matter how much you enjoy hearing about them.
Got to our hotel around 10AM, and much to our delight, our room was ready! There is nothing like a shower and change of clothes to beat back jet lag!
It was a beautiful day, clear, sunny and about 70 degrees. We just wandered, enjoying the scene and getting oriented. We had a lovely, if huge, Lithuanian lunch at an outdoor cafe, and then took the opportunity to walk to the shipyard area, where tomorrow we will explore the Solidarity sights in detail.
Finished with some fun beverages and sharing a salad and soup for dinner at the hotel’s bar. One last evening stroll, now we just try to make it to 9PM…it will be a challenge!
Tomorrow–Solidarity!
Day 1- 9,001 steps, 4.4 miles (but I deserve double credit for the ones at TSA)
Day 2 – 20,389 steps, 9.5 miles
Airport Transfer @ Arrival:
- Direct pickup arranged through hotel-highly recommend when arriving jet-lagged in a new city.
Hotel:
- Fama Residence: https://www.famagdansk.pl Highly recommend, friendly staff, located in heart of Old Town, excellent breakfast.
Best way to beat jet lag is to get fresh air, sunshine and a little exercise. Took a stroll through the Royal Way, down the Riverfront Embankment and out to the Solidarity sights which we will visit in depth tomorrow. Gdansk is highly walkable, with all major sights within easy reach.
Lunch:
Familia Bistro:
Hearty portions of authentic Lithuanian cuisine located in the Old Town, Waiter seemed very new and service was slow, but the food was delicious — just arrive hungry, it is a lot of food.
Dinner:
Fama Residence has an attached eatery, Pan Papuga, a place with a tropical vibe and a fairly extensive menu all day. After our large lunch, sharing some soup and salad along with a beverage was perfect for the evening.
Flying is never fun, and Newark Airport did not prove to be a relaxing experience. Yet, when you get to that new place and explore a city and a culture you have never experienced, it is all worth it!
Jet lag is real, it just does not make sense to plan any extensive sightseeing day 1 “on the ground”. I have found that a shower, perhaps a quick nap (no more than an hour) and getting as much fresh air and exercise as possible is the best way to combat it. If I can stay awake until a reasonable time (say 9PM) my body clock seems to reset.