Relaxing at Rinteln, Germany

We stopped at the Rinteln site on the way over into Poland but it was a quick overnight stay and we didnt get time to look at the town.  As the camperstop was a free site with a nominal charge for electricity and water we decided to return and explore some more.  It can be found at the coordinates N520  11' 32"  and E90 4' 42"51° 36' 25"

 The site is next to the river and over the road from an outdoor swimming and water park.

 The town is  very traditional wood based buildings and is really pretty.

Here we met the same lady with her Turkish rescue dog that we talked to at Burg and later the German van which was parked next to us at Wolfsburg parked again next to us at Rinteln.  we must all have the same routes planned!
We stayed for two night in the sunshine before we were planning heading back into the Netherlands after the weekend.

VW Autostadt, Wolfsburg, Germany

On our travels we were advised to vist the Volkswagon Autostadt in Wolfsburg.  Volkswagon have built a sort of theme park on cars.  Although we were not sure whether we were going to visit the cars or just to stay on their available motorhome camperstop for the night, it turned out to be one of the best visits of the trip.

If anyone is travelling across Germany and is heading for Berlin it is well worth the time to stop off at Wolfsburg.  Follow the VW Autostadt signs in the town and once there the Motor home night stop is signposted.  It might show on a Sat Nav POI as an amusement park.  There is free electric hook ups and water but no elsan disposal on site.  The parking only costs the same as their long stay parking which is free from 7pm to 6am and then 3E per day.  

We purchased a day pass but others went in after 4pm for a reduced rate and discounts for those over 60years and disabled. The central reception lead off to the education and renewable energy interactive section and lots of shops and restaurants.

There was a section for each make of car, this beautiful designed building housed the Porche models.

This below was a one off prototype Golf which was a mean machine for rallying

As part of the day ticket, we also had a panoramic cruise on the river boat to show the length of the manufacturing plant.  Site visits were also available

 The museum was fantastic with many old and unique vehicles.

They even have their own power plant on site!

This customised beetle had gold paint, rhinestones on the bumper and chrome and a pink damask interior.  It was definitely pimped!

Even this bike housed a V8 engine!

The view of the storage towers lit up from the camper stop.
One of the highlights is the musical water displays which the 10pm showing includes a laser light show.  Many locals head into the autostadt for an evenings entertainment.  It was definitely worth the visit.

Burg, Germany a bit of peace and quiet

As we couldn't wait to leave the big city behind we planned our next stop in a tiny village off the motorway heading east. Burg was quite small  but they had a lovely stellplatz in a restaurant guesthouse. We explored the village and stayed at the pension stellplatz on Thursday 22nd August.

We liked this town as it had its very own Adria Cafe.  It made us feel at home from our Adria van.

it may only have been the local post office but it was an impressive building.

Our own personal parking space! peace and quiet at last.  Well it was peaceful until we heard and tracked down the woodpecker in a tree!

Later another little van turned up with a lady who was touring with her dog. The dog was a lovely black shaggy thing which took a liking to Allan and refused to move from his feet after being petted up. We were told it was a rescue dog from Turkey; it obviously ignored instructions in every language.

Up to Berlin, Germany

We left our little convoy on Monday 19th August in Krakow.  John and Chuck still have another few weeks to spare but we have to get back to the UK and our ferry was booked.  They were wandering off to the Czech Republic but we decided to head off alone back into Germany.  I think we needed time to learn the ropes and adjust to the touring lifestyle by ourselves.  Our main task was to get out of Poland without a working sat nav, but we we were heading straight up the motorway toll roads it wasn't too difficult.  I was wondering what other drivers were moaning about the state of the roads in Poland until I took the main motorway.  The road north was new with obvious rest places built and gantries for tolls.  However on the southbound side, the road was in original distressed concrete blocks with weeds and holes every metre.  No wonder everyone was complaining.  we had found a few unusual road surfaces in our travels from brand new under construction roads, to ones with 2m x 3m holes down 4inches to the bedrock but not coned off so drivers were having to try and swerve around the extreme potholes.

 Our first stop was just over the border in Germany in a little village of Dobern.  We had found the site in the Bord Atlas at co-ordinates N51° 36' 25" and E14°  36' 43" this turned out to be a lovely little stellplatz where we were the only one parking there.  The small site had electricity water and showers and a very friendly owner of the village guesthouse who made us very welcome all for 8Euros.

After relaxing there for the night we set off again the next morning for Berlin.  our first impression was not good.  As we dropped off the motorway into the centre of the city to find the stellplatz, half a dozen young men jumped out at the traffic lights and squirted a liquid at the van.  They smeared the liquid over the screen in the pretence of washing the windscreen.  They banged on the windows and tried the cab and habitation door handles to try and get in demanding money.  After all the journey through Poland where people were warning of incidents we had no problems and were made welcome.  Only in Berlin were we accosted.  We tried to find the site recommended in the centre Mitte but as all the roads were dug up with major building works and one way systems were in place we soon gave up and headed off for the next overnight stop at Spandau.  What a bleak site that was! as they were charging 15Euro per night there were very little facilities and they charged extra for the showers and water.

The local M45 bus took us into the centre of Berlin into the Zoo Gardens bus station and from there we boarded the sightseeing bus tour.  While the tour was interesting and there were some lovely historical buildings, we really didn't like Berlin and couldn't wait to get out of the big city.

 The last Russian border

 remnants of the Berlin wall showing the East side Gallery of world renowned artists

 The Brandenburg gate

 ...and finally after putting up with the sights of Berlin, a hard earned beer or two  in the local beer garden.  Well if that was Berlin we have seen it and its time to go.... other places to see.

Sunday 18th August 2013 Krakow

Today its a chill our day in the van. We are still at the camping Clepardia site in Krakow and as its so hot we have done the washing and planned our next stop overs and routes.

Tomorrow we leave the site early and part company with our little convoy. As we have to be back in England for that dreaded four letter word WORK.

Our friends are continuing the journey over to the Czech city of Prague before heading back up through Germany. We have to go straight into Germany on Monday so we can have time to visit places there.

The free wi-fi on the site is quite good and we have completed the planning. But now its time for a beer and a relax in the sun.

Saturday 17th August visiting the Salt mines.

After much deliberation whether to drive in the van or catch the local buses we decided to just go on the local tourist trip. At that time we found out that the trip was not really suitable for disabled access in the small bus and also with the guided tours. Doreen decided to stay and visit the local lido as it was so hot. Once we had undertaken the trip ourselves it was really not wheelchair friendly. We were so glad we didn't attempt the trip by local transport as the driver arranged everything for us. It was absolutely amazing and highly recommended for anyone in the area.

Friday 16th August 2013, Krakow old town

Off we set armed with bits of paper in English with bus and tram numbers on how to get into the historic old town centre. We cobbled together the zlotys in change needed and found the right bus stop and bus. It was lucky that the bendy bus was new with disabled facilities so we could get Doreen on easily. However when we got off the bus it was not quite so easy. We asked a local the way to the centre and were directed via a subway underpass across the main road. There were steps and what what appeared to be a step ramp for wheels. It was a challenge to get the wheelchair down and even more of a challenge to get it back up the other side. Even a small local boy had his hands over his mouth in shock waiting for a disaster.

We finally navigated our way into the the old town square. 

The buildings eere beautiful and the place was full of music traditional dancers and local handicraft stalls. 

Chuck and Doreen had great fun shopping for bargains after lunch. We searched for a birthday present and looked at the local trinkets. It was really too hot at 33 degrees to wander around the town and when we met up again it was straight back to the bus stop. 

The stop was just outside the local supermarket and a bottle of local gin was bought. Just to test it of course for quality. With a slice of lemon and two bottles of tonic later the tester bottle was given the McKelvie seal of approval, empty. Must buy more!