August 3

August 3rd (sunny with rainy periods)
We drove out of Germany today into Poland, our tenth country visited to date. We were a little worried about our gas as we were almost empty and had heard that prices were a lot less in Poland. Luckily, gas was available right after the border crossing and the prices were not that much different – approx. $2.00 Cnd/liter. First impressions of Poland – foggy and smoggy on the highway and some of the roads are in dire need of repair, thus confirming our van needs shocks.
On the road to Rewal on the Baltic Sea, we passed hundreds of vendors on the side of the road selling honey, pickles, jams and chanterelle mushrooms. They have the spirit of free enterprise, however the marketing aspect has a long way to go. Also, noticed some chickens running freely on the highway.
We arrived at Rewal, a seaside resort town, around 4 pm. We walked into the town and found ourselves amongst thousands of Poles and other tourists, mainly from Germany. We found out from a local that the seaside resorts here go seven days a week for three months, non-stop. Music, drinking, entertainment, etc. Took in a karaoke show and a beer and had a wonderful first day in Poland.