Day 7

The first half of Monday, Day 7 of the adventure, was spent riding on a train to Gdansk. We got up early, packed all our belongings, locked up everything, and left the hostel in Poznan. We then took a tram to the train station, where Pastor V. bought tickets and where we ate breakfast at KFC until the train departed.

We were sad to leave the shining city of Poznan, but I'm sure most of us were extremely happy to go to the more country part of Poland. I know I was, and still am. Gdansk is a beautiful town with a seaport and ships, tall buildings, and green rolling hills. Everything balances out almost perfectly. Even the weather seems to be accomodating itself to our arrival. The sun is out and the weather is once again back to its warm self.

The train ride from Poznan to Gdansk lasted for 6 hours, but it went fast because we occupied ourselves with switching cabins every now and then and mastering mafia, whist, and even poker. A certain few of us got in some sleep, but the others were just too overcome by the scenery that flew past us to even bother thinking about closing their eyes. It was a long ride, yet totally worth it in almost every way.

Upon finally reaching the train stop that was really ours, instead of just stops at other stations, we piled out and headed down to our new hostel. A few of our members had near encounters with poles once again, as we trekked down to the place that was to be our home for the next six days. The hostel itself is a lot nicer and more well kept. The only minuses are no internet connection in the rooms themselves, no washer and dryer, a shared building between the guys and girls, and beds that are not the most comfortable.

We settled ourselves in and then clambered our sleepy and hungry selves out of the hostel, heading towards the Old Town of Gdansk and to a restaurant where we had reservations for dinner. It was at the Sphinx once again, and as we sat down at outdoor tables, we felt a chill surround us. The sun had gone behind the clouds and most of us had not brought coats. Occasionally, throughout the course of dinner, beggars would come to our table, asking for food and money for beer. Of course, out of the kindness of our hearts, we didn't give them anything and told them to leave. I know, so kind, eh?

Gelato icecream was our dessert and then we explored Old Town until the time came to return to the hostel. The remainder of the night just flew by after that, and before we knew it, the building grew quiet and everyone was asleep.

Outside the train station in Gdansk.

The gorgeous river we pass as we travel to and from the hostel.

Some of the older buildings and ruins in Gdansk.