From Warsaw to Berlin

Big day on the coach today. Drove nearly 600kms. Only had three stops.

And the first one involved a toilet, of course! We stopped at a service station that had a McDonalds and the normal Servo shop. Everyone headed to Maccas, so I thought I'd be smart and go to the Servo shop. Very good move, except for one small thing. The door on the toilet didn't have a handle, and it opened outwards, and the toilet itslef was further inside, with no door either. So I weighed up the odds and thought I'll be quick!!! But sure enough, the door opens and there I am sitting in all my glory! Embarrassing all round! But that's the fun of the journey!



Stopped at another charming little town for lunch - Pozan. Again it was centred around the town square. The weather is cold today, and the wind was biting. There were all these stall holders though braving the cold to sell their wares. They must be used to the weather! I went to the pub for lunch - toasted ham and cheese and Cafe Latte. At least you know what you're getting with that!




More driving, then next stop was the border between Poland and Germany. The countryside was very flat and green. Typical agricultural country. The were many roadworks in Poland. Apparently roads weren't high on the agenda in the Communist regime. The roads in Germany were better, but we entered Germany from the East, which used to be EAst Germany, and our guide was telling us that the re-unification of Germany has taken hundreds of millions of dollars. At first all Germans were delighted with Germany coming together, but apparently it has sent the country broke, and they've even had to add a special tax to all Germans called the re-unification tax.

Poland - Germany Border

Another interesting thing that our Guide, Claus, shared with us was about the airport called Tempelhof, on the outskirts of Berlin. Apparently just at the end of WWII, Stalin had surrounded Berlin and was prepared to starve the Berliners out. But the Americans co-ordinated this big food drop at Tempelhof airport, so much so that planes were landing and taking off every 2 minutes - it was so minutely co-ordinated. The Berliners have not forgotten that, and have good feelings towards the Americans.

Not much else to say tonight. Lots of driving, not many highlights.
So, that's all folks!