I have a secret to share with you all – I really, really like European winters! Some people think I’m crazy, especially since I’m from Australia. The fact is I love cold weather and I discovered that fact when I started travelling the world by myself in my early 20s. It all started when I was looking for the cheapest available flights from my hometown in Sydney. Early December was my best option and my backpacker conscience wouldn’t let me go any higher. When I got to Europe, I discovered two things: The cold air was really soothing on my skin, in a way that I’d never felt before, not even in the Australian Ski Fields (yes, there are some places that get snow in Aus!) I’m also a chronic sweater but somehow, even under 3 layers of heavy clothing, I was as dry as a bone. The second thing I realised, after several conversations with other backpackers, was that this ‘off-season’ meant that prices were generally lower than in the summer. Overall, I could do more with less.
If you’re reading this now, there is a high chance you’re exactly like I was: You chose to travel here at this time of the year to avoid crowds, pay less and enjoy the epic Baltic weather. Who doesn’t enjoy all the markets and the lights? (p.10) Let me say now – you made the right choice! If you somehow ended up in Tri-city because the mid-year plans didn’t work out, once again – Congratulations!
Cover Story
Oliwa Park’s wonderful light show during winter (p.10). Believed to have originated in the 15th century, the grounds of these 11.3ha gardens are a popular recreation spot for locals and newly-weds looking for that timeless photograph. More on p.53.
Photo by Patryk Kosmider
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The Story of Solidarity in Gdańsk
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