From Detours to Delights: When Serendipity Leads to Unforgettable Meals
One of the most incredible things about long-term travel is the freedom to let life unfold naturally — unexpected encounters, slow mornings, chores, and yes, the occasional wild goose chase to find a hidden gem. Unlike vacations packed with daily highlights, full-time travel has a rhythm all its own, blending “trivial” moments with truly magical discoveries.
At the end of last week, things felt almost ordinary. We spent our days tackling the usual tasks that aren’t typically part of travel stories: laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning our home on wheels. We even treated our truck to a “spa day” at a specialized truck wash. Between short drives we settled into a routine — almost like we were just “living” rather than “adventuring.”
This is part of long-term travel that’s different from a vacation. In a vacation, you have a small window of time, and each day is packed with highlights — you’re always searching for the next experience, the next destination. But full-time travel has a different pace. And for us, it meant that our everyday tasks became a kind of grounding routine, a chance to recharge, relax, and take time for ourselves in between bigger adventures.
Experiencing All Saints' Day in Poland
Adventures like during our time in Poland. We had the chance to experience All Saints' Day, and it left a lasting impression.
This day holds deep significance for Polish people, who honor their loved ones by gathering in cemeteries across the country. The cemeteries were filled with families paying their respects, and the graves were beautifully decorated with vibrant flowers and glowing candles. The sight was breathtaking — thousands of flickering candles casting a glow over the graves, symbolizing remembrance and connection.
Witnessing this tradition was both humbling and inspiring, a powerful reminder of the deep respect for family and heritage that defines Polish culture.
Visual Impressions from the Road.
Here’s a glimpse into the past days on the road. We’ve captured the peaceful beauty of forest trails during a quiet walk, the vibrant street art that surprised us in local towns, and even a shot from our truck’s “spa day”. These moments may seem simple, but they capture the blend of nature, culture, and everyday adventures that make this journey special.
But then Monday arrived, and with it, an unexpected turn that reminded us of the magic of the road.
The Unplanned Discovery.
We were sitting in the truck, mapping out our next leg to Hamburg, when a small marker on our map caught our eye: Karins kleine Speiseküche (Karin’s Little Eatery). Just a name, no note or comment. Neither of us could remember how it ended up on our bucket list. Maybe we’d spotted it in a travel documentary or heard it in passing from another traveler.
But as we looked at each other, it felt right to give this place a shot. We didn’t overthink it, the reviews were promising, and — according to Google — it was open when we will arrive. We just set out, feeling that familiar tingle of excitement that comes with spontaneous choices.
Our GPS guided us over narrow, winding roads, deeper and deeper into the countryside, until suddenly — a roadblock. The last stretch was closed for construction, leaving us at a standstill just meters away. This could’ve been the end of it, a reason to turn back. But instead, we parked the truck, got out our folding bikes, and pedaled the last stretch, enjoying the fresh air and a sense of curiosity that only seemed to grow.
The Surprise of Finding Karin
When we arrived, we couldn’t find anything resembling a restaurant. No sign, no warm lights, just a barn that appeared completely empty. After wandering around and nearly giving up, Annika suddenly spotted a tiny, blinking “OPEN” sign on the other side of the street. There it was, tucked away with nothing to suggest it was a restaurant, almost hidden on purpose.
We walked in, and immediately, we were greeted by the smell of home-cooked food and the warm call of Karin herself: “Today’s choice is schnitzel or eggs with mustard sauce! What should it be?” We ordered one of each, plus a dessert, and in just minutes, we were served massive plates filled to the edges with potatoes and hearty sauce. And the best part? All of it — two meals and desserts — cost us only 12 euros.
Karin’s little eatery was buzzing with locals, all chatting, laughing, and sharing their time with her like family. It was exactly the kind of place you’d never stumble upon unless you took a detour, go or bike the extra mile, and kept an open mind.
These are the moments that make travel feel like a discovery.
The Beauty of Spontaneity
For us, moments like these are the heart of travel. Full-time travel has taught us that it’s not about ticking off sights or following a strict itinerary. It’s about the serendipity of finding places like Karin’s, places that remind us why we chose this lifestyle. We realized that the unplanned detours and unexpected challenges are where the best stories live.
If you ever find yourself near Rostock, make sure to swing by Karins kleine Speiseküche. Just remember — it’s open only Monday to Wednesday, and only for a few hours. It’s a little secret of the region, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to go off the beaten path.
A Way of Life, Not a Vacation
In this lifestyle, a mix of planning and openness to serendipity reveals places like this, tucked away from main roads. And moments like these, shared over a mountain of potatoes in a tiny restaurant, remind us of how lucky we are to live out this dream every day.
For us, this RV is truly our home on wheels, taking us from one adventure to the next, with a few laundry days and card games in between. But we’re fully aware of how privileged this freedom is. We often remind ourselves that the chance to travel full-time is a rare privilege, one we don’t take for granted. Many of you read our stories amidst work, family, and daily routines, and we’re grateful to share these moments with you.
Our lives on the road, much like everyone’s lives, are filled with the unplanned and the unexpected. Whether you’re on a big adventure or just trying something new in your own town, sometimes the best experiences are those that find us when we let go of the plan.
So, here’s to leaving room for spontaneity, in travel and in life. Because in the end, it’s the unplanned detours that lead to the best memories.