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.