When we woke up on Monday, there was little to report. Lennard spent the entire day working, and we did some errands in between. Tuesday wasn’t meant to be very exciting either, as the camper part we needed wasn’t expected until Wednesday. But, as if by magic, it arrived early and the camper got fixed!

We were thrilled at the thought of finally leaving that filthy yard. But when the bill came, the joy quickly faded. It was double what we expected. We called the ANWB, but at that hour they couldn’t help us. With heavy hearts, we stayed one more night in the grime. The next morning, we tried again – only to get vague answers from a woman who either didn’t understand us or didn’t know what she was doing. In the end, we paid the bill and hit the road. Not without Anne saying a long goodbye to the doggies we had bonded with all week.

Despite the financial blow, we were beyond relieved. The camper was fixed, the gate opened, and we could move on.

Fresh showers and flying beetles

From stuck to moving again

We didn’t go far – just to a nearby campsite. But it felt like a dream: proper showers, clean air, a fresh breeze, and space to breathe. We scrubbed the camper, stretched out our legs and felt human again.

That evening, something strange happened. A huge swarm of insects flew around our camper. At first, we feared a wasp invasion. But after some quick research, we discovered they were May beetles – large, buzzing brown beetles also known as cockchafers. Hundreds of them swirled through the air in a chaotic ballet. A bit freaky, but honestly, kind of beautiful too.

The next day we set off again, headed toward the Baltic coast. But first, a stop in Szczecin.
Anne’s wardrobe was falling apart – literally – and it was time for some serious shopping.

Unfortunately, the weather turned grim. Rain bucketed down as we cooked and played games inside the camper. The next day was no better, so we trudged to a shopping mall instead of sightseeing. It turned out to be a good call: we scored new clothes and treated ourselves to a lovely lunch.

Stranded at a village garage for two weeks

Luckily, Saturday brought sunshine. We finally explored Szczecin’s city center – though, to be honest, it didn’t quite wow us. We saw the highlights, but felt underwhelmed. One thing did steal our hearts: the rose garden. A quiet, fragrant oasis that made the entire visit worthwhile.

That evening we continued our journey and parked at a small campsite just a stone’s throw from the Baltic Sea. We took a barefoot stroll along the beach, letting the cold waves wash away the last of the stress. Clean showers, sandy toes and a sky full of stars – it was the perfect end to a turbulent week.

Roses and the Baltic breeze

It wasn’t the week we’d planned. Far from it. Berlin would have to wait. But what we got in return was a humbling reminder: kindness is universal, detours can be beautiful, and sometimes the best stories are the ones you never meant to write.

🌟 Highlight

The first evening on the new campsite after the camper chaos – clean showers, a breeze, and peace at last.

😬 Low point

The repair bill shock and the ANWB’s frustrating lack of help.

🏕 Best overnight spot

The seaside campsite: only two minutes from the Baltic Sea!

🔥 Chaosmeter

6/10 – The week started rough but eased into calm after Wednesday.

📊 Total score

7/10 – Finally moving again, with clean clothes, salty air and fresh energy.


See you on the road!

– Anne & Lennard 🦋

Casa Mariposa meter - week 4