A Cultural and Coastal Journey through Northern Poland
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
The Road Not Taken – The Famous Highway to Hel
While sitting by the coast, watching the Baltic shimmer in the late afternoon light, we had a thoughtful discussion—should we head back to Sopot by ferry or explore Gdynia by land? The idea was tempting, especially since the land connection between Hel and Gdynia is an interesting one.
We later realized that had we booked a one-way ferry, we could have taken a train or taxi along the iconic road known as the “Highway to Hel.” This narrow stretch of land—a peninsula turned causeway—connects Hel to the mainland like a long, sandy arm hugging the sea.
Historically, buses that took this route bore the route number 666, a number often associated with superstition and Satan in Western culture. Though humorous and widely photographed, the number sparked controversies over the years. Eventually, due to religious protests and public pressure, the number was changed to 669. But the original nickname “The Highway to Hel” still lives on in postcards, memes, and traveler tales.
Unfortunately, we had already booked return tickets on the ferry, so we missed that adventure. But such is travel—you never catch every train, and that’s what makes each journey so unique.
Back to Sopot – With Stories in the Heart
With Hel slowly fading behind us, we returned by boat to Sopot. The sea was calmer now, and the evening light made the waves shimmer like silk. There was a quiet satisfaction in our hearts—we had touched the edge of the map, had laughs, shared deep conversations, and even made small travel mistakes that turned into stories of their own.
Hel, in all its uniqueness, had given us a day of wonder, whimsy, and warmth.
Evening Reflections in Gdańsk
A return from Hel, thoughts about children and the future, and the serene night along the Motława
From Hel to Gdańsk: A Ride Through Memories
After a long and fulfilling day that included Sopot and Hel, we returned to Sopot by ferry. It was already getting late, and after a brief pause, we decided not to head toward Gdynia, though it had tempted us earlier. Instead, we took a taxi ride directly to Gdańsk.
The taxi driver was either Turkish or Azerbaijani—we couldn’t tell for sure—but the Turkish songs playing inside the car created a warm and familiar atmosphere. Those melodies transported me back to my travels in Istanbul, especially to the car rides with my friend Gamze, when the hum of Turkish songs and the distant view of the Bosphorus created moments of peace and beauty.
That’s the strange and beautiful thing about music—it can make distant cities feel close again.
Children: The Carriers of the Future
As we passed through a neighborhood, we noticed a group of young children, perhaps on their way home from some activity. Their laughter and chatter filled the street like birdsong in spring.
Imran said something that deeply struck me:
“This is the generation that will soon take over the world.”
And he was right. Among these carefree children may be doctors, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, writers, environmentalists, human rights lawyers, digital creators, space explorers, AI ethicists, quantum coders, urban planners, caregivers, and peacebuilders. In the age of AI and rapid technological evolution, even professions that we cannot yet imagine will likely be shaped by them.
The sight of that group—a cluster of innocent, joyful future-shapers—left a strong impression. It reminded us that hope lives in classrooms and playgrounds, in scraped knees and sticky fingers, and in curious minds yet untouched by the burdens of adulthood.
Back at the Hotel: Preparing for Tomorrow
We reached our hotel in Gdańsk, a bit tired but content. Before anything else, we gently reminded the hotel reception to confirm our early morning taxi for the next day, just to be sure that everything would go smoothly. Travel, after all, is made up of tiny details. A missed taxi could shift the whole rhythm of a carefully choreographed journey.
The River, the Breeze, and the Spirits of the Night
Gdańsk at night was as charming as ever. The same comforting breeze, the soothing sounds around the Motława River, the aroma of food and drinks, and the hum of conversations from open-air cafes mixed to form a calm, almost poetic energy.
Colorful lights shimmered on the water’s surface, reflecting a palette of dreams, nostalgia, and fleeting beauty. And somewhere in that magical stillness, we smiled again at an old phrase from earlier:
“Encounters of priests and angels.”
Perhaps these were not literal, but rather metaphors for the kind of peaceful, blessed encounters that happen on meaningful journeys—when you’re deeply present, when your heart is open, and when the world whispers, “You are exactly where you need to be.”
A Warm Evening at Mon Balzac
Conversations over dumplings, a new connection, and a peaceful farewell to Poland
Dinner by the River
After our light stroll and reflections near the Motława River, we found ourselves drawn to the cozy charm of a restaurant called Mon Balzac. It had a unique elegance—modern yet intimate. Luckily, we found a table with the best view, right by the large glass window overlooking the river and the beautiful wooden walking path, gently lit under the dim night sky.
Inside, the atmosphere was alive—laughter, cutlery, and soft background music wrapped the space in comfort. The restaurant was still relatively full, a testament to its popularity and warmth.
Pierogi, Laughter, and Good Company
The menu was limited at that hour, and we settled on vegetarian dumplings (pierogi), the only available option. But it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. There’s something about simple food shared in good company that makes even the most ordinary taste extraordinary.
While we ate, we laughed, exchanged stories, and reflected on our journey—the beach at Hel, the Molo in Sopot, the pier, the ferry ride, the music, the encounters, and the little details that had made the day so memorable.
Meeting Magda: Kindness in Unexpected Places
While we were chatting, a kind young woman named Magda, working at the restaurant, joined us in conversation. She had an open and thoughtful nature.
We learned that she had lived and studied in Edinburgh, Scotland—a city full of history and wind, of literature and rain. I mentioned that I had taken a course at Dundee University, not far from there. That connection—no matter how brief—felt like a soft thread weaving our paths together, across countries and shared memories.
She hadn’t visited Stockholm yet, but she told us she had explored southern Sweden. I encouraged her to visit the capital someday. She smiled, and we wished her the best for her life ahead.
It’s always special when strangers become stories you remember.
Time to Rest: Bags Full of Clothes, Hearts Full of Stories
With the early morning return to Stockholm ahead of us, we decided not to stretch the evening too long. We walked slowly back to our hotel, our minds full of memories and our feet a little tired, but happy.
Before sleeping, we double-checked everything for the next day. Our taxi was confirmed, shoulder bags/ rucksacks were mostly packed, and the alarm was set. Everything had gone according to plan, something rare in spontaneous travels.
Returning with More Than We Carried
When we finally returned to Stockholm, our bags may have carried dirty clothes, but our minds and hearts carried fresh perspectives, new friendships, emotional reflections, and a rich mosaic of experiences.
It’s amazing how much a short trip can give you—not just the places you see, but the people you meet, the thoughts you share, and the version of yourself that you discover in those fleeting, foreign moments.
We had left with curiosity and returned with gratitude. (Concludes)
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
