Poland, Czech Republic, Austria
28, 29 September 2013
The border crossing was slow but that was mainly due to the volume of traffic going through. It will be our last one before flying home as we are now in the EU.
As we drove into Poland we could see it was more prosperous with better roads, better maintained towns and villages, no dogs wandering about and no more Ladas or Kamaz truck. I guess its definitely Europe. We passed a lot of modern churches prior to arriving in Cracow and finding accommodation in the Kazimierz area.
Monday 30 September
We spent a relaxed day walking on the cobblestones around Wawel Hill with the castle and palace and then on to other sites of the old town of Cracow. We also bought 3rd party insurance for the truck.
The border crossing was slow but that was mainly due to the volume of traffic going through. It will be our last one before flying home as we are now in the EU.
As we drove into Poland we could see it was more prosperous with better roads, better maintained towns and villages, no dogs wandering about and no more Ladas or Kamaz truck. I guess its definitely Europe. We passed a lot of modern churches prior to arriving in Cracow and finding accommodation in the Kazimierz area.
Monday 30 September
We spent a relaxed day walking on the cobblestones around Wawel Hill with the castle and palace and then on to other sites of the old town of Cracow. We also bought 3rd party insurance for the truck.
Some of the stunning structure required in days gone by.
Tuesday 1 October
We went down the Wieliczka salt mine just south of Cracow. Interesting long history, extensive, amazing sculpture and structure but over the years the mine has become a polished tourist destination losing a lot of its charm.
Maybe I need a break.
We went down the Wieliczka salt mine just south of Cracow. Interesting long history, extensive, amazing sculpture and structure but over the years the mine has become a polished tourist destination losing a lot of its charm.
Maybe I need a break.
The 2 types of salt in the mine - layered and cauliflower looking crystals.
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Church carved from salt. The floor looks tiled but it is salt also. The chandeliers are of timber and salt.
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I think this is a monastery, with a view.
2, 3 October
As we drove through the rolling hills and forests of the Czech Republic, we passed through Oloumac, a vibrant university town and Telc. Both towns having well restored town squares.
By chance we turned off the road to camp and ended up camping in the Czech Grand Prix carpark.
As we drove through the rolling hills and forests of the Czech Republic, we passed through Oloumac, a vibrant university town and Telc. Both towns having well restored town squares.
By chance we turned off the road to camp and ended up camping in the Czech Grand Prix carpark.
Charming Czech countryside. Apple tree at right.
4, 5 October
Finally arrived at Cesky Krumlov, the last highlight of the trip and one we had been looking forward to. Clear skies added to the attractive sight of the castle and town. We found accommodation in one of the narrowest buildings in the Czech Republic, a restored medieval home with a chapel in the front and rediscovered the town.
Finally arrived at Cesky Krumlov, the last highlight of the trip and one we had been looking forward to. Clear skies added to the attractive sight of the castle and town. We found accommodation in one of the narrowest buildings in the Czech Republic, a restored medieval home with a chapel in the front and rediscovered the town.
Sunday 6 October
Southbound via Linz to Raab and truck storage.
7, 8 October
We spent the days preparing the truck for wintering in sub zero temperatures in the workshop.
Southbound via Linz to Raab and truck storage.
7, 8 October
We spent the days preparing the truck for wintering in sub zero temperatures in the workshop.
Bee's final clean prior to storage.
Wednesday, 9 October
The day has arrived and we are taken to the train station at Passau about 40 kms away. From there we catch the train, then bus to Munich airport.
Next its the flight to Dubai and then Brisbane, business class. Woo hoo, you only live once!
6 hour delay in Dubai. What a great time to have the luxury of the business class lounge.
Arrive home on Friday 11 October at midday.
Part 1 is over.
Part 2 starting next year in April, 2014
The day has arrived and we are taken to the train station at Passau about 40 kms away. From there we catch the train, then bus to Munich airport.
Next its the flight to Dubai and then Brisbane, business class. Woo hoo, you only live once!
6 hour delay in Dubai. What a great time to have the luxury of the business class lounge.
Arrive home on Friday 11 October at midday.
Part 1 is over.
Part 2 starting next year in April, 2014