I was born soon after the fall of communism in my country and I had the unique chance to see how we, as a nation, have been recovering from that awful period in our history. Throughout the years of growing up I heard a lot of stories about life in those times - how it was forbidden to go outside after 10pm because you could get arrested or even shot by militia or how it was almost impossible to buy something else than vinegar or mustard from a grocery store.
I often seem to forget that now I live in times so different than only a few decades ago… so many things have changed and so many things have become forgotten…
My parents have always told me that the Shipyard in my home city had significant contribution to changing our history, not only in Poland but also in the whole Central and Eastern Europe. I believed it would remain 'immortal' and untouched to commemorate people and events that took place there.
When Gdańsk Shipyard is mentioned on television or in newspapers I can always see photos of Lech Wałęsa as the leader of striking workers or the entrance gate with the sign “STOCZNIA GDAŃSKA”. Throughout the years I have become intrigued by this place and the history, which lies behind its gate. For me, it has always been the most important shipyard in this part of the globe. When I arrived there to finally see it with my own eyes, I witnessed something completely different from what my mind had pictured.
A derelict place that fell into oblivion...
Did this place really deserve such fate...?
