First sign we saw on our walk in Lubin – My host said first time he had seen it in years
Again most of week was work focused, out the door at 7am (at the latest) and finishing dinner after 10pm with different hotel every night. Generally not aware you are in Europe except for a couple free hours in Lubin Poland and a late afternoon in Berlin followed by a working dinner with an old friend.
Lubin
My first trip to Poland – landed in Wroclaw and immediately went to Lubin. Lubin is a coal/silver mining town where we are completing an energy plant – the purpose is to keep the mine cool. A mine that goes for 30 miles underground horizontally. Apparently keeping the mine cool is a relatively new concept- used to work in above 100F conditions in Soviet times.
My host was great – he was in his early 40’s and he was happy with the post-communist economy, but some longed for the guaranteed job for life even if it meant less freedom and the quality of life has improved for most – not remembering the downside. Had a walk around town before dinner and saw some of the town. He and my other work colleague asked me to explain Bernie and Donald – the discussion spilled over more than one beer and a potato vodka shot for the others after eating raw meat.
Berlin
I was last in Berlin about 15 years ago, unlike Munich which hadn’t changed much during last 15 years, Berlin was a totally different place. Had 3 hours to whip through the DDR experience and walk to Checkpoint Charlie. Each merits more time – but Checkpoint Charlie and the Wall Museum the best.
Taxi back to hotel could have been problem with a dead phone and the taxi driver was the only person I met on trip that didn’t speak English – but I remembered I was on “Rohrdamm” and he got me there. Fortunately Rohr is a name on both sides of the family so I remembered it. Of course when we get there he says “oh Holiday Inn – yes I know it” No, no you don’t.
Did have sad news as I got a text from Annelise of tragedy with her friends – could have been any of our kids and a reminder to prioritize what is important.”
From Week 120 – Poland and Germany. Posted by JC Travels on 4/29/2016 (18 items)
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