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EUROPE THE LANDS OF THE BRITS, THE DUTCH, THE GERMS AND THE POLES
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LEEDS (GREAT BRITAIN)
The Beast Crew ready for departure on a cold 26th October 2004 afternoon. The Beast Crew are Adriano Truscott, Thomas Hoole, Alexis Keech and Gregory McCann. |
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The arrival at the port of Hull and the sad departure from British soil
The Humber Bridge and Hull in the distance
The Beast Crew
Alexis and Greg freezing at 1am on the ferry deck |
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Our first sight of the continent and the start of our adventure |
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HENGELO (THE NETHERLANDS)
Our first stop on our journey in Hengelo, The Netherlands, where Tom's Dutch friend Mereike allowed us to crash on her floor. |
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The German border
Our first puncture on the road - our tyre deflated due to rust inside the hub rubbing against the inner tube... a problem that followed us across the continent |
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HAMBURG (GERMA NY)
The town hall in Hamburg, the nice part of town...
... Herz Blut in the heart of the red light district with a lovely collection of ladies bras hanging above the bar, the more interesting night part of town.
Enjoying a cup of tea in the rain... How very British!
The Groninger Brauhaus in Hamburg where you get served beer by the 10 litre barrel in a low vaulted roof underground brewery dating from 1720 (Germany)
Tom under the influence of beer again |
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STAHLBUDE AND STRALSUND (GERMANY)
Stahlbude, a beautiful little town on the north coast of Germany, which has the ferry to the Insel Rugen, an island that is all a nature reserve.
Adriano deciding which shell suit to wear!
Greg after he was apparently poisoned by bleach (and too much alcohol!) through enjoying the hospitality of the residents of Stahlbude
Our stop in Stahlbude left us without a working starter motor. After numerous phone calls to the RAC we found a garage that would take sort us out (in 2 days!) in Stralsund.
Our Man starter motor saviour, Stefan in Stralsund
We had issues with backfiring so we got those resolved by Gabrielle in Stralsund
Tom showing off his Ainsley Harriot skills whilst we wait for the Beast to be returned to her former glory!
We had chance to have a wander around the UNESCO protected world heritage site of Stralsund, located on an island, with stunning buildings dating from the 12th Century. |
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The Polish border - the second time after a 130km detour trip (note to intrepid travellers: the most northern german-polish border is closed to traffic and only allows pedestrians to cross - grrr) |
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GDANSK (POLAND)
After finally making it across the border and resolving another burst inner tube, we make it to Gdansk in the north of Poland
Gdansk (Poland) - 60% of the city was destroyed in the war and has been subsequently reconstructed to its previous splendour
Gdansk main street in the old town
The Fiat 500 - - the coolest car to be seen in on the Baltic coastline
Claudius and "Mafia" outside of their aquarium who helped us out to try and find a new tyre in Gdansk |
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MALBORK (POLAND)
A romatic meal for two... Malbork Castle where the Teutonic Knights held their court. |
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The beer-cola of Germany and Poland |
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