Arriving in Poland

KARPACZ

Last night's alcohol had it's effect as we sleep into almost 10am. On the road by 11 but find a shopping mall almost immediately. Stop for a drink. There is a crazy golf course within the mall. Settle for a juice shop to replenish last night's fluids.

Drive through the Czech countryside and stop at Jednom Miste to use up our Czech currency in Lidl. Very soon we're in Poland. The drop down the mountains is much more picturesque than the Czech side. Stop in Szklarska Poreba for some Polish zloty. We're obviously in a tourist area.

Our final destination is Karpacz. It definitely is a tourist trap, both in summer and winter. Negotiate with the car park attendant to stay overnight. He's reluctant trying to divert us to a campsite but finally agrees. He doesn't have change for a 50 for the charge of 40. Not really a surprise. The car park closes at 9pm and doesn't open until 9am tomorrow. Works well for us.

Go for a walk through the town and enjoy a drink in a local bar. 2.5 litres of beer costs about £4.50. Then, stop for cake on the way back to the van. The waiter has a twin brother who works at Manchester University.