Rolling plains, forest, train stops in the middle of nowhere, Babcia screaming out “Madzia!”, Communist era apartment blocks.

Our trip to Koszalin, Poland from Berlin consisted of three separate trains, a lay over in Szczecin and a close call in Bialogard.

Although travelling on regional trains requires a lot of patience and the ability to dash from platform to platform to get good seats, financially it makes sense at a quarter of the price you would for a reserved ticket on the Inter City. It also makes the trip more interesting, breaking it up and giving you a chance to interact with the locals.

We stopped at Bialograd, about 20 minutes away from Koszalin, for about 15 minutes waiting for the train from Gdansk to come through. Madzia went into the station for water with plenty of time to spare, but Babcia, Dziadek and Madzia’s Mum have warned us to never do it again because the train simply leaves without warning.

We were greeted at the train station by a flying Babcia, Dziadek and Ciocia (Grandmother, Grandfather and Aunty). Smothered in hugs and kisses and luggage, we made our way home to Babcia’s apartment for some Glabki and Salatka. One warning to any visitors over 6 foot, low flying light fixtures can be hazardous to your health and humourous to your hosts.

It was great to finally arrive and meet Madzia’s wonderful family, and for them to meet our little Zofia (who continues to expand her fan base where ever we go).