Warsaw

Monday, 19th September

A very early wake up call this morning saw us on the road by 7.30 am for the looong drive to Warsaw. We thought the tour guide was joking when she told us it could take up to 12 hours to drive 500 kms!

Our complete journey was through pine forests and farmlands - all flat land - with some corn, canola (second crop) and dairy cows being the most exciting things to look at. Our first stop was 3 hours after leaving Berlin - a bit too long to be travelling without a comfort stop. There was a mad dash until it was realised that we were now in Poland without Polish currency - toilets stops cost money. Fortunately the tour guide paid for us in a lump sum! Back on the bus to look at more trees and cows through the rain and low clouds before our lunch stop somewhere (we never found out where we were). The rain continued all afternoon - a very dreary day. Our afternoon stop was only 80 kms from Warsaw and the guide was still saying it could take us another 3 hours. It actually took only 2 hours in the horrendous, stop and start traffic, arriving at the hotel at 5.30 pm.

It was apparent immediately we crossed the Polish border from Germany - the style and standard of house was completely different. The houses were much smaller, mainly square concrete blocks; many were in need of much repair although some were well maintained with lovely flower gardens. The basic colour was grey, which really blended in with the grey weather.

The European buses and drivers have restrictions on the amount of time they may travel without breaks, which are also regulated. Our bus is fitted with some kind of electronic device which will actually cut the engine if the time limit is exceeded. With about 35 minutes to travel, our driver only had 25 minutes left of his allowable time. Of course, the engine cut out while we were in the middle of the road; visions of us all out pushing the bus flashed through everyone's mind! He was able to over-ride the computer, but would be severely penalised if the police checked.

We are staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Warsaw, which is a very nice hotel - probably the best bathroom we have had so far. In fact, the standard of the hotels, and service, has been wonderful so far. Dinner was at the hotel tonight (set menu), with a private room set aside for our use. Internet is also free in the lobby. :-)

Cat managed the long day very well, but wasn't all that impressed with Trevor's lunch - tripe soup! However, the bottle of vodka passed around the bus did improve his mood no end.