Day 3, Poznan - about 250 miles.

Entering Poland was like entering a new stage to our trip. The heavens opened, the roads narrowed and the world turned grey. We were now dodging huge trucks and maniac drivers on rain soaked single lane highways. But, true to our promises to our wives, we rode safely. This was real frontier town stuff, with prostitutes at the roadside every other mile, 24 hour night clubs, casinos and crazy drivers.

We stopped for lunch in a dreary cafe, where two armed policemen enjoying their coffee refused to move their chairs, forcing Richard to stand. He wasn't arguing!

No-one spoke English, and we felt on edge. The adventure has started.

Finally arriving in Poznan, we found our hostel through some very friendly, helpful people, including three very accommodating traffic wardens. Poznan is a modern, cosmopolitan, cafe culture town. There is a great atmosphere here.

Just our luck, Poznan won their football championship this evening. The square was heaving with joyfull Poznonians!

Tomorrow takes us further East into Poland.