Beach & Volleyball (26. Sept.)

This past Sabbath afternoon, instead of going to Miechecino (out in the country), I decided to hang out with the 2 other missionary/English teachers at their apartment. We also went to the beach--about a 10 minute walk from their apartment.

Convenient, right?

Oh? Ok.

I guess there are plenty of Danish tourists that come here.

You know me; always trying to use my head.

Panorama of the beach (hi girls!)

Since it's a little warm (and then add the crisp sea wind), the tourists have been dwindling in numbers. Tis the end of summer, after all. 

As far as I'm concerned, this is the best time to come and enjoy walking on & along the beach. The fewer the people, the better.

Now, on to the Saturday night tradition:

Volleyball!

Church members and friends get together for a fun game every Saturday night.

If you're the worst player ever, even you will have fun and enjoy their company.

No pictures of me. My place is behind the camera, thank you.

Hi there.

Everything ok?

What are they up to?

Taking a break.

Oh, that was interesting.

One doesn't care, the other cares a whole heap more.

He gives this a thumb's up.

Hi

He humbles himself before the mighty.

I guess that serve was simply awesome, eh? (the look was priceless)

Danielle's efforts in mushroom hunting at Miechecino that afternoon.

She should be proud.

Wondering through old Kolobrzeg (24. Sept.)

Ah, I see I'm quite behind, so I'll try to share these quickly.

This was a day when I didn't have any classes, but did have great weather and gorgeous sunlight.

A kind of gate between the residential area and the city center.

A random gate among apartments, offices, and a grocery store.

Too bad I couldn't see any information about this structure.

The Fuse Tower (from 15th century)

Can you read it?

It's now the seat of the Polish Tourist & Sightseeing Society (PTTK in Polish).

Interesting to find the old among the new/modern.

Welcome to 1 of several parks in Kolobrzeg.

Complete with its own tortoise!

. . . and toad . . .

. . . and another kind of amphibian--with a lady who's not too happy about me and my camera.

Close-up of the amphibian's "leg".

Thank you, responsible dog-owner.

Yeap, you've got to pay to use the public restroom.

Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I obviously can't get enough of this structure. Remember, I do love architecture (even if I don't know the correct time period or other somewhat important facts).

But about this basilica, it was constructed around 1300. It was severely damaged in 1758, 1760, 1761, and 1807. Then, in 1945, it was gutted by fire.

Don't know about the restoration, but you'll see that they've gone very far in getting it back to how it was (or as close to it as possible).

This basilica is also the tallest building in the entire city. You can literally see the spires of this basilica from almost anywhere in the city.

More of the center--plus my school's office! (Instytut Jezykow Obcych)

I love how all the tourist info signs are trilingual.

I was told this fountain was a "lily". Ok.

Oh, to be a bird.

A row of shops in the park.

How often does 1 leaf fall in the center of another leaf?

Yeap, but that's more of a "Made in China" store.

In case you were wondering where you were . . .

. . . along here, you'll be reminded every 3 steps or so.

Along the Parseta river, which empties into the Baltic Sea.

Just across the street from the monastery.

Info about said monastery.

Thank you German, for letting me understand.

My humble attempt in stitching pictures of the inside. I'll do better next time.

The promenade along where I live.

Little bit of nature along the promenade.

Museum of Polish Arms & History of Polish Arms.

"Merchant's House"

This "Merchant's House" belonged to the Schlieffen merchant family. I guess it's an exhibitions place right now.

More info.

Continuing up the same promenade.

I've heard this place has the best ice cream. It's also just around the corner from my apartment!

Well, that was it for exploring the historical parts of Kolobrzeg. Now, let me show you something you should know:

Fruit prices.

Fruit prices continued.

Imported soy milk.

Yeah, they are kind of expensive, but of course there are so many other things too, but I didn't have the time or energy to make my own records of them (i.e. photograph them). But this should give you a kind of idea of what to expect, as far as fruit prices go.