Angefaucht und eingeladen

We have arrived in the last country of our journey: Poland.

After the wonderful days in Vilnius, we followed the recommendation of acquaintances and made a stop in Wigry, just beyond the Lithuanian border.

The place is located right by a lake.

We also took advantage of this with a little canoe trip. It was the first on this journey and we were initially very skeptical if Henry could handle sitting for an hour. Fortunately, there was a lot to see. Little grebes, birds, fishermen, boats, etc. and of course the best onboard entertainment in the world from Annika. In the end, we came back to land dry and were glad we tried it.

Throughout our stay, the neighboring monastery, where Pope John Paul II once slept and went canoeing in 1999, was ever-present. Since the pope was there, it has become a place of pilgrimage and we were there on Assumption Day. Accordingly, there was a lot going on in the monastery. Masses and weddings were held all day long. Outside, a small market was set up. It was interesting to see the Polish Catholics. But they take themselves and the matter very seriously. For example, women are not allowed to wear skirts and sleeveless tops on the monastery grounds or in the church (which we did not know beforehand). Annika was wearing shorts, of course, so an old woman scolded Annika directly in Polish. Well, let them keep to themselves, I don't care.

In the evenings, we ate excellently in the campsite's restaurant. The moms conjured up delicious, hearty food on the plates and let us roll into bed with full stomachs.

Our neighbors then recommended a beautiful place in the Masurian Lakes. We gladly accepted the tip and made our way to "Camping zum Teich".

When we arrived there, we found it exactly as described. A special place nestled in nature. The owner built everything himself over 30 years. The buildings are all in log cabin style and very spartanly furnished. But there is everything you need.

Mostly Germans, but also Italians and Poles, were on the site. In total, maybe 30-40 people. We got to know each other quickly and could make nice contacts.

For Henry, it was fantastic because he could run around everywhere without constantly hearing "no, don't do this, don't do that" from his parents.

Our neighbors, especially Marina, were fans of our son. She often played with him, chased soap bubbles, etc.

A perfect bathing lake was also within walking distance. The water had the perfect temperature and was crystal clear.

One evening, there was a shared dinner. The owner is a hunter and processed his game into venison goulash, duck, and deer sausage, and offered it to the guests. Drinks were also included.

A fun evening by the campfire in the Masurian Lakes. That's how you really enjoy your time.

On the day of departure, we were invited to lunch by a Polish couple and their two daughters. We accepted gratefully and joined them for lunch in the afternoon.

In the perfectly furnished, renovated old apartment, there is delicious, simple food and we talk about children, life in Poland, etc.

After a few nice hours together, we have to make our way.

After a short drive, we arrived at the former Führer Headquarters "Wolf's Lair" and stayed there overnight to take a tour the next morning.

The buildings and bunkers are all completely destroyed, but you get an idea of what it must have looked like there. Even our son is unusually quiet and reverent.

Lost in thought, we continue towards Gdansk. Unfortunately, the drive there was a disaster. We wanted to drive on country roads and see the countryside in this way. Super fail! Construction sites and detours everywhere that led us to gravel and bumpy roads. My nerves were completely strained, and the car was also pushed to its limit. Fortunately, Henry took it all relatively calmly, thanks in part to Annika's excellent entertainment.

After an unnecessarily long and exhausting drive, we finally reached Gdansk in the afternoon.

Ole