POZNAN, POLAND

     I went to Poznan for a day back in 2011 to visit my cousin who was studying at the University of Poznan. It is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland.

     It is most known for the renaissance building standing at Poznan's Old Market Square, formerly acting as city hall. The bugle call of Poznan is played daily from the City Hall tower. Furthermore, the main attraction of the city are the goats. Everyday at noon, the goat figures slide out from the middle tower of the City Hall and butt their horns for a minute, you cannot miss the show if you're visiting Poznan!

     Find Malta in Poznan! No, not the hot Italian island, but a popular recreation area in Poznan, with a lake, biking and roller-skating area, and even skiing area. If you're a shopaholic, right next to this amazing area full of attractions there is a huge Malta Gallery with numerous big brands, a cinema and a gym. There is another shopping centre call the Old Brewery, which has a very interesting architecture.

     If you're an animal lover, take a trip to the local zoo to see beautiful tigers, elephants and other animals. Overall Poznan is a nice city with an awesome architecture, and I would love to visit it again and explore more parts of it.

 

SWIERADÓW-ZDRÓJ, POLAND

I WANNA RUNAWAY!

     I went to Swieradów-Zdrój in June this year for a weekend away with my family. It is a popular town for tourist with health issues in south-western Poland right next to the boarder with Czech Republic.

     

     It is situated it the Jizera Mountains, which are part of the Sudetes range, so this place is perfect for climbing lowers. For those who don't particularly like the long walks up the hill but like to admire some beautiful views, don't worry, it has a ropeway!

     The town centre is really small and charming with many souvenir shops and restaurants, a perfect place to go to in the afternoon.

     Look out for a water fountain with four frogs. If you touch a specific from whilst the water is running, you will be blessed with either money, love, happiness or health!

         The town is full of  natural medical resources which enable the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, hence why it attracts tourists and patients since the seventeenth century. So if you are looking for a relaxing holiday with a chance to improve your health, Swieradów-Zdrój is a place for you.

LEGNICA, POLAND

NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

     Legnica is a town I was born in and lived for the first ten years of my life, hence why I have a massive sentimentality towards it. It lays upon river Kaczawa in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in southwestern Poland.

     Town Centre is constantly changing, giving Legnica a modern vibe about it. The are three huge shopping centres, where you will be able to find absolutely everything you need, from shops, cafes and restaurants to cinema, children's play area and a hotel.

     There are many monuments around town. The "Herring Houses" are one. These are colourful buildings in the middle of town centre, where fishes used to be sold in the old days.

     House "Under the Quail Basket" is another monument based next to the theatre, that is famous for it's original shape and texture.

     Poland is a very catholic country, and so there are many churches around Legnica, including the cathedral in town centre.

     The monarchy that used to occupy the town left an amazing castle behind. Part of it is now used as a secondary school, however you can purchase a tour around the castle in a group of no less than three Monday to Friday between 10am-4pm.

     If you're looking for a place to eat I recommend the Don Giovani restaurant in the middle of town centre. It offers delicious food and desserts. It has an outside sitting area, a perfect place to chill on a sunny afternoon.

     When deciding where to go before hitting a night club I would advise you to try the "Sky Light- beach on a roof" bar situated on the roof of the Gwarna mall. You can enjoy beer or cocktails whilst sitting on sand surrounded by a beautiful view on Legnica. However, be prepared that the cocktails at a bar are a bit more expensive than in other places.

JASTARNIA, POLAND

OH, OH, SOMETIMES I GET A GOOD FEELING!

     I have travelled to Jastarnia for my first ever ladettes vacation in July 2012. It is a small seaside town (although the size suggests it should have been announced a village) on the Hel Peninsula. It is a popular holiday destination that mainly attracts families. Previous tourists like to come back to Jastarnia, they feel sentimental towards this town.

     If you are a young adult, do not rush to the beach, as all the families take all the good spots in the morning. The beach is full and there are plenty of kids running around, shouting. Trust me, it is not an ideal place for a hangover cure. It is better to arrive in the early afternoon, when all the families leave for lunch. You will be able to find the perfect spot, where you can lay for hours, tanning and listening to the sea breeze.

     Jastarnia lays upon the Baltic Sea. This sea is not the cleanest, however it is safe to swim. Nevertheless, the Baltic Sea is very cold, even in the summer months, so prepare yourself for a thermal shock each time you enter the water. The waves are usually present, so if you like them, this is the place for you.

     Jastarnia is one of the few towns in Poland that has an access to both, the Baltic Sea and the Gdansk Bay. So if you get bored of the waves, you can walk to the other side of town to enjoy a more still waters. 

     If you're a person that likes to stay active on holiday, there is plenty of water sports you will be able to choose from. There are instructors available if you're a beginner and want to learn something new.

     The town is fortunate enough to have a fantastic pier overlooking the Gdansk Bay. I can honestly say that the best highlights of my holiday happened on that pier, moments I will never forget. 

     I would strongly recommend evening walks on the pier. The sunsets you will be able to enjoy are a breathtaking view. Once you see that beautiful scenery, you will be coming back every evening for more.

     Food is very cheap. You can eat a meal for as little as 10 zloty, which is roughly £2. I recommend trying pancakes served in one of the restaurants situated towards the end of the town. They are big, and fill you up really quickly ( I was never able to finish mine), and of course they are extremely delicious! You will be able to choose between a great deal of ingredients, everyone will find a taste for themselves for as little as 20 zloty.  

     When visiting a polish seaside, you absolutely must eat a fresh fish at least once. These are fished in the morning and delivered to your plate by lunch. Such fish is a little piece of heaven you won't find elsewhere in the world. This taste is unique.

     There are many events organised by the council during the summer. I was fortunate enough to see the dancers from a TV show 'So you think you can dance', and get a photo with them. 

     There isn't much happening in terms of night-life. There is only one club, where all the people go. It is open until 4am everyday, so if you want a place to dance the night away, look for 'Summer Club'. Instead of going to bed straight after the party ends, I suggest you go to the beach and watch the sunrise at least once, again it is an amazing scenery.

     If you're not looking for a wild vacation, but a peaceful and cheap holiday, Jastarnia is a destination for you. You can book fairly cheap flights from London Luton to Gdansk with Wizzair. I have met some awesome people in Jastarnia, which I still keep in contact with. I made some great memories that will stay with me forever and spent two perfect weeks with my best friends. I wouldn't choose a different destination for my first holiday without parents.