Gdansk is full of history, and the present, at the same time. The streets are cobbled, the architecture is from the 16th and the 17th century, the people are extremely modern, the galleries are full of amber jewelry and art created by modern artists, the streets are filled with tourists and the atmosphere is divine. The city has practically no buildings higher than 6 stories, except for the multitudinous churches towering over the landscape, all of them older than you can imagine. Touching their brick walls connects you directly to the medieval centuries when they were built. Other buildings around the town are equally amazing. Visiting the torture towers and the stocks and other unspeakable centers of public relations make you thankful for the times we live in. Others, renovated in style and turned into museums offer a glimpse into the life styles of rich merchants, including their clothing, furniture, portraits, books, and jewelry. Walking around the city you will find amazing architectural details, painted fronts, decorated windows, and hidden backyards full of flowering trees and gardens. The people who live here appreciate the privilege of being part of the mosaic of the city. They honor the history and the heritage and the beauty that surrounds them. They are the custodians of this amazing place and have a real sense of the history of the places where they live. I am proud to have come from here and Gdansk will always be in my heart.