Schengen

Sitting at the table with my laptop, fresh after a quick three days holidays in Austria. I just realized that the distance from Ulmerfeld in Austria to Kraków is more or less the same as the distance from Kraków to the Baltic Sea - approx. 580 kilometers. And yet, throughout all these past years, it seemed as if Ulmerfeld was on a different planet! Actually, it took us less time to get from there to Kraków, and the journey was pleasant and seamless, contrary to the arduous trip to northern tip of Poland, taking the condition of our roads into consideration.

Two major factors I deeply enjoyed during the trip to Austria. First, my fellow traveler, Fr. Marek, my classmate from the seminary years, is an excellent driver and his driving skills suit my taste very well. I feel very confident and safe in his car. So, big kudos to him, for getting both of us there and bringing us back just a half an hour ago here.

Second factor, the Schengen agreement! I love it, despite many controversial issues connected with it and different opinions. For me, traveling a lot to and from Schengen countries, it is very convenient and helpful.

 

 

It feels so different, so weird, but so obvious and natural at the same time to cross borders of member countries with no problems, no passport control, no nothing...just driving through the former borders as if they don't exist.

 

 
This fact cuts immensely the traveling time and removes major stress while quieing at borders and waiting for moody officers to  through your documents and search cars for contraband...

It may sound incredible, but actually if you try hard, you may have breakfast in Austria, go to Kraków for lunch and go back for dinner in Austria again...

And yet, just a two decades ago or even less, there were no-man zones, fortifications, barbed wires, attack dogs, watch towers, minefields, you name it, at the same borders, and going out of and into the Warsaw Pact countries was a major undertaking which demanded long planning and applying for passports, visas etc...

So, after having breakfast in Ulmerfeld and a short stop at Znojmo at Austria-Czech border (not for passport/visa purposes, but simply to use a restroom there), I write these words at noon time and wait for a yummy lunch with my Dad. Thank you, Schengen, for making it possible!