Four plus three from Poland

Traveling back to the children's home city (Jawor) for our court date tomorrow.  This morning we packed up all nine of us in our 80's VW box style van and left Piaseczo (south of Warsaw) and headed back to the children's home city of Jawor (southwest Poland).

First, we truly appreciate our interstate system in the states that much more after traveling across Poland.  On the limited interstate system they do have you have to really keep your eyes in front and behind you.  You can come up on a slow vehicle in the right hand lane really quick.  Lots of vehicles in the left hand lane think they are still in Germany on the autobaun and traveling at incredible fast speeds.  So remember to look twice before moving into the left lane because a vehicle that was not there two seconds ago can suddenly appear.  I felt like a NASCAR driver at Talladega  spending as much time looking at the mirrors and what is behind me as I did what was coming up ahead of me.

Second, you need a GPS with current updates on road closures and traffic conditions.  You can get stuck in traffic for hours.  Our GPS had voice instructions which really helped so I could keep my eyes on the road.

Although the GPS said it would take us 5 hours to get to Jawor, it took us from 9:30 AM to 8 PM to get there.  We did have many stops along the way...7 kids with different bladders plus stopping for meals.

On our second trip to Jawor, we went a different route that did not go through so many small towns.  That was a big help. 

Road trip food...I hope you like McDonalds and gas station food.  Unless you pack snacks and food before you leave or stop at a grocery store on the way, these are your two food options. 

Roundabouts are common.  In Poland, the vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way. 

Be prepared to be exhausted when you reach your destination.  You have to be mentally sharp the entire time you are driving so be sure to be fresh when you start.

If possible, driving at night is easier because you do not fight so much local traffic. 

In the end, it is nice having the freedom of driving in Poland so you can work your schedule to work best for your family.