Introduction: finally leaving the east

After roughly 5 months in Eastern Europe it was time for me to return home. The last weeks in Minsk gave me a good opportunity to prepare my last journey for this year. The route should take me on a straight line from Minsk via Warsaw and Prague back to my hometown Basel. I was hoping for a visual transition from eastern to western culture on the way. Moreover, I wanted to return punctually to my mothers birthday on December the 16th.

Belarus: leaving can be so troublesome

I have had a great time in Minsk and did not want to leave. In my apartment I was able to make quite some progress with this blog. Life treated me well and I enjoyed every minute. The trouble only began after handing over the apartment. Instead of departing punctually, I had to jumpstart my car. Luckily the first person asked, turned out to be a capable engineer. After a few minutes I was on the road. As so often on the highway, the toll road police stopped me for a routine check. By the time I arrived at the Polish border, it already darkened and started to snow. Because of the queue and the slow bureaucratic procedures, it took me nearly 6 hours to cross the border. In Poland, I first had to wipe my shoes on a doormat as an entrance ritual. This was by far my worst border crossing so far.

Poland: from crumbling to shining streets

Crossing half the country, I saw completely different regions and impressions. Warsaw, the capital, presented itself from its best side. Many streets were brightly illuminated and clustered with Christmas decorations. With huge advertising wallpapers and shopping malls, this city feverishly celebrates consumerism. Every international brand is represented and competing for your attention. A completely different picture emerges in Lodz: mostly rundown streets with crumbling facades and nearly no colours. In Wroclaw both sides come together and form quite an appealing mixture. Being a large country in the heart of Europe, Poland is economically and culturally very diverse.

Czech Republic: about an Emperor and Presidents

After Moravia in November, I now visited the other side: the illustrious Bohemia and Prague. On a walking tour through the capital, I learned a lot about Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the Czech Presidents. The first made Prague to one of the finest European cities of the 14th century. Having an important silver mine nearby, helped him to finance endless infrastructure projects and culture. Since the communist fall however, all the Republics Presidents left a meagre impression. Countless funny videos show brutal disrespect to their office and the people. Today, Prague is surely leaping behind its former glory. After all, I think this city is a bit overrated as a touristic destination.

Germany: preparing for a merry Christmas

Living in a neighbouring country, I have been many times in Germany. This time however, I visited Saxony for the first time. Besides enjoying the amusing saxon dialect, I discovered surprisingly many beautiful places. The various Christmas markets in Dresden are just overwhelming and heartwarming. From my generous hosts, I learned about the national park in Saxon (and Bohemian) Switzerland! This is a real treasure to hike on ancient castles and (small) mountains with picturesque landscapes. On my very last stop before returning home, I explored Nuremberg. While the world famous Christmas market was disappointing during the day, I enjoyed a tour through the unique dungeon. With its countless bridges and medieval houses, the old town spreads a charming and spellbound atmosphere. After all, I was very pleased to discover new places in a well known country.

Summary: punctually at home

In less than a week, I drove the last 2'000 km back and returned just in time. Coming directly from the highway, I picked up a friend and popped into my mothers house. My punctual (and of course safe) arrival caused quite an enthusiastic surprise. I was received with open arms, smiling faces and a great meal. This was probably the best possible return and a worthy finale for my 2015 european road trip. It feels quite strange to be back home in such a familiar environment. However, I am not staying for long, as I have already started to prepare my next journey. 

But first I want to thank my hole family for the big support!