We took an excursion sponsored by Oceania at Gdansk: “Historic Gdansk and Oliwa.” Ship excursions are so easy. Book them, and show up! No intense planning and researching. It is by far the easiest way to see a port though not usually the least expensive; however, there is the added security of knowing that the ship will not leave any passengers that are on a ship’s sponsored excursion. So, there is peace of mind that comes with booking ship excursions, too.
The currency for Poland is the Polish Zloty. At the time we traveled, $10 US was equal to about 37 Zloty. The places we visited did not accept US dollars. Our guide indicated the currency exchange offices and told us which ones were reputable. When someone asked if the shops or public restrooms take dollars or euros, she said, “We use the Zloty in Poland. Could I buy anything in your country with my zloty?”
Since we were on a ship’s excursion (paid in US dollars) we could have gotten by without purchasing any zloty; however, I always like to buy a souvenir postcard and ornament and did not want to have to find an ATM to make a withdrawal nor have to deal with currency exchange buildings. We guessed at how much we might want to spend and went to a bank at home prior to the trip to order some Zloty. I got more than I needed, but used it to buy some amber earrings for my daughters and granddaughter and myself.
Our motor coach dropped us off outside of town and we walked several blocks toward the the Green Gate (which is not green) at the entrance to the old city. At one time the bridge leading to it was overgrown with grass and moss. That is how it got its name. This gate was built as an entrance for royalty.
On the way to the gate, we stopped to look at the canal that separates the old city from the newer city buildings.
We walked into the old city. I appreciate the wide, pedestrian streets. I really enjoyed the architecture. Some said they were reminded of Amsterdam. I guess I need to go to Amsterdam sometime to make my own comparison! 
These homes once belonged to the most important residents of the city. Before 1989 most of the buildings were owned by individuals. Now most are apartments, businesses, and hotels.
The Fahrenheit Scale. The man who invented that scale is from here.
A statue of Neptune
Our guide said that this residence is the place where many dignitaries including Ronald Reagan have been received. I bet it is impressive on the inside.
Outside the City Hall (pictured as the featured image in this post) hang measuring implements: one each for a foot, an elbow, and a fathom.
Golden Gate (1614) – built during the Golden time of Gdansk
Torture House and Prison Center just outside the Golden Gate
Great Armory. The decoration on top is meant to represent an exploding cannonball.
St. Mary’s Church – claims to be the biggest all brick church in the world. There are 400 steps to the top of the tower. (No, I did not climb them.)
Our guide’s opinion: “The most beautiful street in Gdansk” The street is lined with homes having beautiful terraces. In the south, we call those a front porch. The oldest house dates to 1451.
During our free time, I purchased a post card and tried to figure out how to buy postage at the post office. After standing back and observing, I discovered that I needed to use the kiosk to get a number that corresponded to the fact I wanted postage, then await my turn. I pressed “A” and hoped for the best since the only English word said, “stamps.”
The ticket number and correct window number to use were flashed on a display above the worker’s windows I went to window number 6 and pointed to my postcard and held up one finger. She knew English and asked if I wanted one international stamp. Success! 
I paid her in zloty and went back outside to meet hubby who had gone on an ornament hunt since we buy a Christmas ornament from each country we visit. The sky suddenly turned dark and the temperature dropped quickly. Of course, it didn’t look like it was going to rain at all this day, so we left our rain jackets on the motor coach. I purchased a plastic rain poncho at the shop and we went to the entrance of the old city to meet back up with our guide.
One last photo of the old city – showing a typical rainy day in Gdansk
We left the old city and climbed aboard our motor coach to head out of the city. During the ride, our guide passed around a laminated ration coupon like used during WWII. People were given ration coupons, but often the shelves were empty so the coupons did not do much good. 
Employment is much better in Poland now. In the 90’s there was 30% unemployment. Now it is down to 9% and mostly in the smaller cities and rural areas. In Gdansk, there is no unemployment; 100,000 Euro will buy a studio apartment with a kitchen; and residents can get a driver’s license at the age of 18 after having 30 hours with an instructor.
Our final stop was at Oliwa for an organ concert at the Oliwa Cathedral.
After the concert, many people lined up to use the public toilets. Cost – 10 Zloty or .50 Euro. I happened to have a 1 Euro coin in my pocket and handed it to the lady taking the money. She started to give me change and I smiled and waved it off. She smiled and gestured to someone who ushered me to the handicap toilet which was unoccupied and had no line. Sometimes being nice has its perks!
Back on the bus and headed to the pier – .On the way, our guide passed around a photo of the keyboard of the organ we just heard. Wow! I cannot even master one keyboard. The person who can play this organ is amazing!
This was another very long day of touring but worth every minute. Tomorrow we will finally get a sea day to rest up a little from all these back-to-back days of touring. Then on to Rostock, Germany – our port for visiting Berlin.