Highlights E Europe Day 13
Highlights E Europe
Day 13 – Tuesday, May 11, 2010 – We Drive to Poznan, Poland and then on to Berlin, Germany
A very thick fog greeted us this morning on our last day in Poland. We had an early departure at 7:30 so we were up and getting ready at 5:45.
Eva gave us her regular morning overview of our “Getting There Day” and because it was Paula’s (from Australia) birthday we started our day with a song to her.
Everyone was in a great mood today and sharing their experiences and adventures at dinner last night. We gave Eva the business card we received from our great Pizza dinner so she can pass on the information for her next group.
We also had our travel day geography lesson as Eva passed around the maps so we could see how we would travel our 600K or about 373 miles that we would cover going out of Poland into Germany and on to Berlin.
The drive took us across the central plains of Poland through miles and miles of fruit orchards, yellow rape fields, green pastures, and small homes with beautiful gardens both of flowers and vegetables.
Our morning stop was 45 minutes because we have such a long drive today; Paul has to have his required time off for a break.
In Kutno, a wide spot in the road, we had the choice of a fuel station coffee shop or McDonalds – we chose McDonalds as did many of our group. We bought them out of apple pies!
At 10:45 we left the truck stop and proceeded west through more agricultural land. To pass the time Eva organized a competition to see who could list the most famous Polish People.
We were given 30 minutes to come up with as many names as we could. Bill, our resident Polish Native, recused himself, but most played along. Even without a guide book, Gennie and I came up with 15 people and won the contest.
Taking notes and then writing the journal certainly makes a difference in our retention. The reward was a bottle of Polish vodka! Gennie would have rather had chocolate, but I was very pleased with our prize!
Our break from the bus was a trip to the industrial center of Poznan where we had lunch. Eva took us to the quaint village center and gave us several suggestions for places to have lunch.
We chose a kebab café and enjoyed a local sandwich and a Coke. We had to be back on the bus at 2:05 and continued on the motor way until we hit a stretch of construction delays.
As we were in a long line of trucks, Eva explained that this two lane road is the direct route from Russia, through Poland, and to Berlin. She also pointed out many “social workers” who stand along the highway advertising as “horizontal professionals.”
Eva and Paul had to revise our arrival time because of the detour and finally at 5:00 we managed to leave the construction zone and resume normal speeds. We crossed the border at the River Oder going into previously Communist East Germany.
The border is in the small town of Frankfurt-an-der-Oder. We stopped at the previously impossible to cross guard stations for a rest room break and a birthday celebration for Paula. We toasted her good health and happiness with a small glass of cherry brandy and Eva presented her with a card we had all signed as well as a gift of Polish chocolates.
As we entered Germany we noticed right away that the highways were in fantastic condition and the economy had improved in a matter of miles. In 90 minutes we were in the outskirts of Berlin driving past Templehof Airport, important as the landing field for the Berlin Airlift in 1947.
While Gennie checked her mail and waited for the bags, I ran over to the grocery store very close by to purchase fresh rolls right out of the oven, a few slices of meat, and cheese. We have been fed well on this Trafalgar trip so a light dinner was perfect.
We fell into bed after our long day, looking forward to knowing more about Germany and especially its capital city of Berlin.
Hotel: Hilton Berlin (Buffet Breakfast)
Comments
Every morning I have looked forward to reading the last days advertures and seeing photos with much interest. Great picture of my sister Paula on her B'day. Please say G'day for me
Post a Comment!Enjoyed your travel map
Maluch Fiat, Very Old Smallest Polis...
Poznan Old Town
Poznan City Hall
Polish Country Home
Happy Birthday Paula (left)
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