All Trips

 There're HERE

Using this blog

OK, we've finished this trip so the blog is complete; it's here for posterity, warts and all. For us, it's a record of a brilliant trip through countries that were under Soviet rule only thirty years ago and have transformed themselves since that time. Their pride and cultures are fascinating and our preconceptions, in many cases, were wrong. Crossing into Russia for the drive to St. Petersburg was the culmination of a long-held ambition which didn't disappoint.

If you want to dip into our adventures, feel free but bear in mind that it consists of posts as updates throughout the trip, so it's in reverse order. Odd, I know.

If you really want to follow the trip in the right order here are some TIPS

START HERE for the beginning.. and remember read each page of posts from the bottom up to follow the trip in the correct sequence Really bonkers, I know... Why don't you just browse!?


Good Luck

The End

Well, isn't time strange? Not long ago we were planning this trip; now it's finished - but it lives on in this blog, of course.

We've covered over five and a half thousand miles since leaving the UK and, as ever, we've learned a great deal. To see how far the Baltic countries have moved since communist rule has been a revelation. We spent a lot of time in Poland with its wonderful cities and southern mountains and could have spent more. Driving through Russia into St Petersburg was the culmination of a long held ambition which certainly didn't disappoint.

We've met some great people on our travels, many giving us unsolicited help as we explore their country. We always remember that the people that we meet are individuals, like us, on a journey formed by their experiences and that they do not necessarily hold the views of their (temporary) leaders; as committed Europeans we are saddened that we are increasingly challenged about the perceived UK's negative views on the EU, views which we certainly do not share. We have never failed to meet some great individuals on our travels; perhaps that's the biggest reward.

The group part of the adventure was great; positive people and a highly competent leader, making, in particular, our venture into Russia a relatively straightforward one - but exciting, nevertheless.

Great trip, great memories, richer again.

Where next?

Goodbye from Ghent

The decision to spend a couple of days at Ghent was a good one.

We spend the first day visiting some of the must-see sights but also just drinking in the atmosphere of this old town with its trams and street cafés. There are students, workers, mixed race couples, tourists, all styles of dress and a relaxed air, even though preparations for the upcoming festival are well under way. It's our kind of town and the perfect place to reflect on our trip.

The Belfry, symbolising the City's independence

There's a giant musical machine up there that plays every fifteen minutes.

Tower Bells: The Movie

We pop in the next day to have a trip on the river, a final Belgian Beer and a nice meal; then it's Goodbye Ghent.

Eurotunnel Tomorrow all being well...