As expected, Venice was crowded with tourists but we still had fun exploring this fascinating city for the third time.  Not that far north of Venice you start entering the eastern Alps. We decided to drive through Austria and the Czech Republic to Poland as this was the most direct route.  This southeast part of Austria is absolutely beautiful and a motorcyclists dream. In fact, the big campground “Arneitz” that we stayed at just outside the lake resort of “Faaker See” is the epicentre of the largest Harley motorcycle rally in Europe that draws tens of thousands of riders each year… I now have a new entry on my “bucket list”.  Surprisingly we have had very few regrets about the many pathways that we have traveled but with hindsight in this case, I wish we’d spent a few more days exploring this beautiful alpine part of Austria. We zipped on into Vienna and stayed at the same campground as we did in 2014 that was only a short distance from the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace that we missed seeing the last time through. Vienna could be a shoppers delight but it’s also filled with so many other significant attractions, it really is a wonderful city to explore.

Onward to Poland and a significant change-up in experience, especially considering that our first stop was in Auschwitz 1 and 2. This is one of those rare places that must be experienced first hand to truly appreciate the emotion. No photograph(s) can express this place appropriately in true perspective and no amount of written words can adequately describe it.  A very sobering experience for everyone and probably the most significant memorial that we have ever seen. Also a very busy one with millions of visitors now visiting each year. Despite the somewhat “thought provoking” way that we entered Poland, our overall impressions of Poland have been extremely positive. The people have been wonderful, the sights and attractions are quite interesting and varied, the countryside is beautiful with many impressive infrastructure projects on the go as well.  But, one does get the overall impression of a quickly developing nation that is finding it’s own way and also becoming a very serious travel destination. If only they could “dial down” some of the aggressive drivers. We like the feel of Poland and think it’s a great country to visit with a real added bonus for those wanting to have a more authentic experience without the crushing and growing crowds we experienced in places like Barcelona, Rome, Pisa, Venice and Dubrovnik. Do however expect long lines at the amazing salt mines of Wieliczka south of Krakow. We were very surprised at how beautiful the Old Town centres of Krakow, Warsaw and Gdańsk are considering they were almost wiped off the map during WWII. The Old Towns were re-built as they originally were and the craftsman of the time did a great job. A short distance south east of Gdańsk is a castle worth mentioning. The huge brick “Malbork Castle” was a real treat, much larger and more interesting than we thought it was going to be with it’s medieval squeezing doors and tiny passageways, it was a fun place to explore, not to mention the colourful history that goes with it. We have stopped to catch our breath at the historically famous seaside resort of Sopot, just outside of the major shipping centre of Gdansk. This has been a prime resort for the rich and famous since 1824 and it still has that “turn of the century” feel to it. Like much of Poland, it’s in the process of revitalization, but from our front seats, we think this is a great place for a relaxing visit right now. And, what an amazing beach! Too many good restaurants and beach bars to count with reasonable prices and matching service. By the way, “Camping Park45” next to the beach has earned two thumbs up from us.  We now set out on the last leg of this journey with exciting thoughts of soon seeing our five wonderful grandchildren… and their mom’s and dad’s too.