Today the next country is on the agenda: we are entering Poland. There are no border controls here either, everything is very relaxed. We notice very quickly, that we are in another country: everything is much nicer, neater and more modern than in the Baltic states. Construction is going on everywhere, you see large factories and many medium-sized and small businesses. The landscape has also changed: suddenly it is really hilly and the ground seems to be very fertile. When we shop for the first time, we recognize the next difference: here there are (Unfortunately) no euro yet, our brain cells have to grapple with currency calculations again. I am a bit surprised after the first purchase (at Lidl ☺): Food is even cheaper here than in the previous countries !
We find our first Polish parking space shortly before Lötzen (Polish: Gizycko) in Masuria. We find it a bit strange, that the German names of the localities are entered on our map, but of course only the Polish name is on the place name signs – very confusing. Of course we are standing by one of the many lakes, On which a lot of sailing boats and duck families are still on the move in the evening. On a walk along the bank, we also discover traces of hardworking beavers here.
The journey continues in glorious autumn weather ! We drive for miles through avenue streets, sometimes the trees are already very close. A sign warns of moose – times curious, whether we will see a Polish copy ?
Another sign warns of horse-drawn vehicles – and one thing is already coming towards us – the farmer drives his dung for a walk.
After a very adventurous route – the way became narrower and narrower, Henriette had to be careful, to get through there without scratches – we stand on a small hill with a breathtaking view. The boys have the whole meadow to themselves and let off steam.
In the afternoon we walk to the nearest town (5 Houses !), here we discover the remains of what was once a very beautiful manor. The main building looks like a small castle, the stable buildings are huge – but unfortunately everything has fallen into disrepair. Would be exciting, to know the history of this property ?
Our route continues towards Gdansk, we are looking for a nice place to stay. The access to the chosen place is unfortunately closed, so we have to go a few more kilometers. The city of Olsztyn (Olsztyn) we leave behind us without stopping and reach the village of Tukta. There is a small swimming lake here, where we park our vehicle. To stretch our legs, let's walk around the lake. Unfortunately we can't find a way and therefore march across country through the forest. Our 2 Guys think that's great, finally we're going to hunt with them :).
The time is changed from Saturday to Sunday, suddenly it's already over 17.00 Clock dark – a few days ago the sun went down 19.00 Clock under. Our automatic, furry alarm clocks still need some time, to get used to the changed times. We have been standing around like this for a long time 8.30 clock on ??
On Mondays we reach the Marienburg fortress – lt. Travel guide is the largest brick building in Europe, with the construction was 1274 started, after completion, the castle was the center of the German order. Of course, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The facility is impressively large and has been well renovated. As already suspected, Dogs are not allowed in the courtyard here either, so we just walk around the area.
In the late afternoon we arrive in the port city of Gdansk – respectively. Gdansk and find a free place to stay very close to the old town. We are about to make our way to the "royal road", the heart of Gdansk. We can't get enough of the many beautiful facades, Gables, Magnificent buildings, small alleys, Churches, City gates – in between always the Motława river.
That 16. and 17. Century are considered that “golden age” from Gdansk, at that time Danzig was one of the richest cities in Europe. Many of the magnificent buildings were built during this time, which were rebuilt true to the original after the war. New buildings fit very harmoniously into the cityscape, they are kept in the same style as their neighbors. It really is an impressively beautiful city, We hadn't expected that at all. Unfortunately, many restaurants and shops are also closed here, there are hardly any tourists in the city, that's really sad.
It is already dark, when we come back to our Henriette and we can admire the light silhouette from our window.
Wake up in the city: the first thing I hear is the church bells, 7sometimes they hit – you can turn around again – a short time later a garbage truck starts its work in the distance, Cars drive past us, in the distance police sirens honk. The city is slowly waking up and we decide, to go for another stroll through town after breakfast. Yesterday we had already seen nice pottery items in a shop, we are looking for that, find it again and here we buy a few friendly ones, Polish construction workers clay figures as souvenirs, they can now come to our house.
Just when we want to go on, a police car comes by us. The policemen tell us, that our truck is actually not allowed to park here. Hans-Peter is super friendly, apologizes and everything is ok. In the end, the two officers say, that they were actually just curious and asked, whether they can also look inside Henriette. Of course you can – meanwhile I know, that all men think our Henriette is great – and both we and the policemen drive on with a smile.
On the way we see a large tire dealer, we think about it for a moment, whether we have Henriette's tires here, the after 15.000 Kilometers now show sawtooth marks, should switch. Said, did, we turn around and drive into the yard. The owner comes out, speaks good German and is ready immediately, to rotate the front tires. After an hour everything is done, the bill amounts to – for German conditions – very cheap 42,- Euro. Hans-Peter pays with a 50,– € Schein and everyone is satisfied. In the evening we are rewarded with a sensational sunset on the way to the next trip. We land at the lake "Charzykowskie" near Konitz. We are amazed at our evening dog tour, what chic designer houses are here on the lakeshore !
Today is 28.10. – and what does that mean ? Clear, birthday is celebrated today !!!!!!
Because Frodo will 3 Years old and now he's really grown up. That it has to be celebrated appropriately, That goes without saying. So let's get ready for the party: Balloons are inflated, Lit candles and draped the sausages and cheese appetizers. Now quickly outside and take a picture very quickly – Frodo can’t wait any longer, to eat his feast. Party guest Quappo of course also gets one (little one) A little bit of it.
I think, Frodo would like to have a birthday every day – In any case, he was very satisfied with the catering service !!
Frodo is really a great dog and we are very happy, that we have him. In any case, we look forward to the next 20 Birthdays !
Then romp around with the little brother for a few more laps – a perfect dog day.
In the evening we hide our Henriette next to it 2 large trucks on Lake Malta. This is the great recreational area of Poznan, one can (fast) do all sports: swim, sail, canoeing, to go biking, jog, skiing, Bobsledding ………….. We leave it to running and swimming (Quappo, of course) !!!
After breakfast we go into town, in half an hour we will be in the middle of the beautiful market square. The most impressive building is the old town hall, the 1555 was completed in the Renaissance style. The big market place is huge – one of the largest in Europe, the small, colorful buildings all around have been beautifully renovated and are reminiscent of a town on a model railroad. Back at the car, we drive the last stage towards Germany. We cross at Stubice – without border controls – the Oder and we're in Frankfurt !!!
So, that was the last country on our trip: Poland impressed us with its visible prosperity and the up-and-coming economy. The contrast with Lithuania was very clear, We didn't expect that.
After a few days back home, it feels like this to me, as if we only 3 Weeks on the road – everything is back to normal that quickly and the routine is back to normal.
It was a wonderful trip and a great experience, to be on the move in such a small space for so long ! As the saying goes: after the trip is before the trip – we are already looking forward to the next big tour !
Very nice pictures and reports, we are already excited , what you will experience and document on your next tour.
Hello Frodo,
Congratulations from me on your birthday and of course all the best for you on your journey. I read each of your blogs with enthusiasm and I can only join in with other comments, You have made and documented an enviable journey.
All the best from Erfelden from Ecki