Day 22 - Meissen, Germany

I knew from photos that the centre of Poznan would be pretty and colourful but we decided to head off straight away. It was cloudy and the site was cramped and there might not have been space to stay anyway. The roads in and out of Poznan were complicated by having 2 lots of tram tracks on them plus a railway line running down the middle so it took 40 minutes to get back on the motorway.

To have a change, and to miss the lengthy queues at Frankfurt del Oder border crossing, we took a more circuitous route going through lots of small towns and villages. One in particular looked very poor with dilapidated houses and uncared for gardens, yet a few miles further was a neat more prosperous village. We saw outside one town a giant white Jesus with a golden crown. Further on was a huge Amazon distribution centre. We drove along tree-lined avenues which was pleasant. There were no queues at the German border, so that was Poland gone, (along with my sight-seeing plans).

Thankfully we have data roaming so google gave us the correct information to negotiate a road closure. It was on minor roads but fine and we got parked up by the Elbe below the castle in Meissen. It’s a lovely spot €15 for 24 hours.

We immediately got sun hats and sunscreen on as it was 29 degrees and set off up steps opposite the parking place heading for the castle and cathedral. The Meissen museum was open but we decided on the cathedral instead, Mr thinking he’s seen enough Meissen in the Antiques Roadshow. The cathedral was quite austere compared with the others on this trip but it’s Lutheran now.

Then we wended our way down through cobbled alleys to the market square where a big bus group of either Polish or Russians. I used to be able to differentiate.

Although we’d walked for ages the step count was poor so I suggested we walk across a bridge, along the riverside to the next bridge and so back to the van. Still not 10,000 but better than the last 2 days of sitting in the van. I think driving is Mr C’s favourite part of the trip.

He’s relaxing in the sun after 260 miles today and I’ve got an egg curry cooking.

Meissen is a great find.