The settlement after WW2 moved Stettin from Germany to Poland. But the border with Germany is close by and we spent much of the day crossing what was East Germany.

 

In 1948 the population of East Germany was 20 million. Today it is a bit over 13 million, the same as in 1905. Because it is so depopulated, the fields seem to be used to a huge extent for solar panels and wind farms.

 

There still seems to be a huge cultural distance between Eastern and Western Germany though some gaps are narrowing.

Fig 1 We cross the Elbe from Eastern Europe into Western Europe

Once we crossed the Elbe, which seems to mark the border between East and West the difference, at least on the roads was evident.

 

We ended up in Wolfsburg, home of VW. This was offered to the British motor industry after the war but they didn’t want it…

 

They have built what is now the most visited auto museum in the world with 2 million annual visitors.

 

The pics show the first and last VW Beetle which was made for 66 years!

Fig 2 The first ever VW Beetle from 1937

Fig 3 …and the last, an amazing 66 years later…

VW now own Bentley and the beautiful R Type Continental in the Museum is in fact very similar under the skin to our own S1 which has traveled so far.

 

VW gave us a reception, the effect of which was slightly neutered by our need to drive and navigate a short distance further so we drank alcohol free beer.

Fig 4 They even have a Bentley, surprisingly similar to ous…

Today is 4 July and our US friends have been enjoying themselves.

Fig 5 Celebrating 4th July

We told them that Britain was not looking to repossess our former colony and that we wished them the best of luck with their independence….

 

We had a good day too. No car problems and some lovely driving roads. Looking forward to Paris and seeing our loved ones…only three days now, touch wood…