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 although we noted the underlying tension with Russia. 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...

Heading Home

We have an appointment with Eurotunnel on the 18th July. We've booked a couple of nights at a campsite in Ghent (Belgium) and we're keeping our fingers crossed for decent weather.

Today, we head for Campsite Lake Markkleeberg, a lakeside campsite just south of Leipzig, arriving early afternoon after dropping off our ViaToll box which has been bleeping its way around Poland as it notches up the Zloties on my account.

The 'van needs a bit of tlc on the way but we're here, safe and snug on a rainy day.

Moving on....

Now we're here:

Its Campingpark Essen-Werden  and  it's great for a two night stay.

Nice little town with Essen itself only 12 minutes away by S-Bhan (suburban train). German public transport systems are great.

A short walk up the river takes us to this large dam and lock.

There's a great little bistro just around the corner from the site.

Aiming for Ghent in the morning.

..,..............

Germany > Netherlands > Belgium

(sorry Netherlands, we love your towns, but time is chasing us onwards)

We're here..

 The site's part of a sports complex on the outskirts of Ghent... and very nice it is too: great facilities, great pitch, shuttle bus into town - if only I could get the outfit round the sharp corners without three reverses each time it would be perfect. After our recent site experience, though, I can understand why the owners don't want easy access for large caravans.....

Anyway, we're all sorted and looking forward to Ghent tomorrow...