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Pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms

 

We’re back from the lake and back to travelling!

Yesterday we arrived in Sopot and got all packed up for the next leg of our trip. Thankfully we were able to leave some stuff with my grandma…so our bags are just a little bit lighter.My packing fuel were some delicious cabbage and mushroom pierogi from a local milk bar.

Perfect packing fuel

After packing we took a walk along the sea and said goodbye (until August that is). On the way back home we got a bit distracted by some amazing looking waffles, so of course we had to go test them out ourselves. And boy, these do not disappoint. 

Looking out to the sea

My Love is in love with waffles

———

This morning we set off for a medieval adventure with my aunt and my uncle. Our first stop was Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world (as measured by land area). Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this castle was originally home to the Teutonic Order, a catholic military order founded during the crusades. 

First views of Malbork Castle across the river Nogat

Heading to the main castle entrance

This castle is a true fortress, built to withstand any attack and so worth a visit. The audioguide was extremely interesting and we learned lots of fun facts!



First moat surrounding the outer castle, there’s another moat inside surrounding the inner castle!

Some highlights of the castle visit for me included walking through the many protective gates, admiring the ivy which hugs the castle walls, and of course visiting the old castle kitchen.

Imposing protective portcullis

Castle toilet, showing how important hygiene was to the Teutonic Order

Beautiful ivy adoring the inner castle wall


Castle kitchen with a huge meal spread out

Swords that would have been used in the 1400s

I also admired all the small intricate details to be found through the complex - everything had a specific meaning to it. 

Pelican statue on the top of the well

Intricate column decorations

Mosaics at the bottoms of a column in the dining area

Inside the castle there are also little exhibitions, and there was a very pretty one on amber where we got to learn about the history of this gemstone. Amber is formed from fossilized tree resin and is quite prevalent in the Baltic Region thanks to the large forests which were present here millions of years ago.

Chucks of raw amber

Plant fossilized in amber

Intricate amber cabinet

 After spending some hours in the castle, we fueled up with a delicious dinner, eaten at the polish time of 2pm. I had Zander fish with salad and fries, along with some chłodnik (chilled beet soup) to split with Liam. 
Fish & fries

Chłodnik

———

The Teutonic Order of Malbork Castle which I mentioned earlier established a significant stronghold in what is now Northern Poland. However, they desired continual expansion of their territory. This expansionist policy led to significant conflicts with Poland and Lithuania, which culminated in the Battle of Grunwald on July 15th, 1410. Every year a recreation of this battle is put on in the same field in Grunwald where the battle was originally fought. 

We were lucky enough to be able to be there for this recreation this year!

Looking out to the battle field

Annually, cosplay groups from all over Europe come to Grunwald and each play a part in the battle, either for the winning Poland-Lithuanian side, or the losing Teutonic Order side. Everything is recreated to the minute detail, from the armour to the weapons (albeit dull rather than sharp), to the timing of the charge.

Knights heading off the battle field

Teutonic knights wear a white tunic with black cross

Returning from battle

 There was an astounding amount of people watching and many folks are dressed up in medieval attire too. Many of the knights bring their whole families to this event and you can see little girls and boys running around dressed up… its so cute!

Little girls playing in a medieval camp

After the battle, we wandered through the ground where medieval camps had been set up along with various booths of food, drink, and goods. 

Camps where the reenactment groups live

Wandering through the market

Sadly, we did not get any armour

We didn’t get any armour, but we did get some Kvass (or Kwas Chlebowy in Polish). This is traditional fermented non-alcoholic Slavic drink made from rye bread, sugar, and yeast. It’s very refreshing and there are two types that we tried. “Light” which has less intense flavours and is more fruity, and “dark” which is quite rich and intense… and which I enjoyed more :)

Cheers with kvass!



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