In April we made a trip to Boleslawiec Poland for pottery shopping and a weekend of R & R. Over 40 ceramic factories compete to catch your eye and dollar. Good buys (1/3 of U.S. retail cost) can be found and really good deals on seconds.
Stephanie, a dental colleague, asked if I wanted to join her for a return trip. She twisted my arm, Tom was on call, so why not? I navigated and she drove her car. "Claudia", our Navigon, let us down, twice. First we were directed around a traffic jam onto a road that was closed 20 km later. And then entering Poland, at 10:00 p.m., the freeway was blocked with a big mound of sand. An arrow directed autos off, but no detour signs said to which road.
40 km from our destination and no directions or detailed map. Friendly, helpful Poles rescued us. Two gas station attendants understood the dilemma, came outside and pointed exactly where to proceed.
Stephanie, a dental colleague, asked if I wanted to join her for a return trip. She twisted my arm, Tom was on call, so why not? I navigated and she drove her car. "Claudia", our Navigon, let us down, twice. First we were directed around a traffic jam onto a road that was closed 20 km later. And then entering Poland, at 10:00 p.m., the freeway was blocked with a big mound of sand. An arrow directed autos off, but no detour signs said to which road.
40 km from our destination and no directions or detailed map. Friendly, helpful Poles rescued us. Two gas station attendants understood the dilemma, came outside and pointed exactly where to proceed.
Kliczkow Castle provided gourmet food and lodging for us. A bountiful breakfast buffet of Polish foods was presented for guests. For those who stayed two nights, dinner could be had for an additional $5 each.
Saturday shopping was intense, Stephanie became overwhelmed and had to step outside. The store pictured above made her see too many polka dots. Artistic display and organization are not the priority, quantity of goods is. I managed to find several big bowls at 40% off! (don't worry I did a wellness check on Stephanie, besides she drove)
Saturday shopping was intense, Stephanie became overwhelmed and had to step outside. The store pictured above made her see too many polka dots. Artistic display and organization are not the priority, quantity of goods is. I managed to find several big bowls at 40% off! (don't worry I did a wellness check on Stephanie, besides she drove)
Roundabouts, pointing arrows, and a foreign language can confuse one, twice on Saturday somehow we got driving in the wrong direction. Attendants were once again great, drawing out detailed maps and marking businesses. I went in and asked for assistance while Stephanie guarded her auto and/or pretended she didn't know who that helpless American was.
One more bit of travel advice for you. If the car's gas gauge shows under 1/4 of tank , fill it before driving across eastern Germany. No stations are next to the autobahn for about 150 km. Pulling off into a small town, we found no station either. Hopping out again, disturbing Sunday dinner for local cafe diners, I was told gas could be gotten five km. west in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully the station was open for business. The attendant had skipped pork and dumplings going straight to beer for his lunch! Very chatty, a bit too chatty, after filling up we locked our doors and were off!
One more bit of travel advice for you. If the car's gas gauge shows under 1/4 of tank , fill it before driving across eastern Germany. No stations are next to the autobahn for about 150 km. Pulling off into a small town, we found no station either. Hopping out again, disturbing Sunday dinner for local cafe diners, I was told gas could be gotten five km. west in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully the station was open for business. The attendant had skipped pork and dumplings going straight to beer for his lunch! Very chatty, a bit too chatty, after filling up we locked our doors and were off!
Posts
