Oh yeah…that’s right…we are in trouble now! This title might be a re-occurring one. This was the first time we were stopped by the police – but I’m sure it won’t be the last. These police men flagged us down (literally stood on the road and pointed to us to stop) in their small town and made us stop at the station. We were in Germany, about 10k from the border of the Czech Republic. We decided we needed to pull off the autobahn to find a toilet and food so we rolled into a random small town, looking lost as usual. It’s weird when you are riding inside the car you totally forget how NOT inconspicuous you look from the outside. I forget that we have stickers plastered all over our car and often wonder why people are staring at us. Not to mention that the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car in all of these countries.
Apparently the police had their eye on us and when we drove back through the town after trying to park near a Ferarri at a cafe (we later found out the cafe was closed), and they ‘caught us’ as we were leaving town.
They asked for all of our passports and wanted to know what we were doing. They asked for our car papers (our temporary V5 luckily passed), and then they proceeded to give us directions and tips on how to get to and drive in the Czech Republic. And of course pose for pictures!
It was harmless…but I doubt all of our police stops will be that easy or enjoyable!
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
