Hi Nigel:
I've done a fair amount of Eastern Europe in the past few years.
I really enjoyed Romania - zero corruption and very friendly customs people. Drivers there can be a little wild, though, so keep your wits about you. I've done Poland several times and enjoyed it as well. Rural Slovakia is delightful, so is Slovenia.
The only country I absolutely would not go back to is Ukraine. I had the same experience as Laura (a few posts above), except in my case the crooked cops were very forthright about asking for money. They didn't even accuse me of speeding, they just wanted to collect their toll. Plus, the roads were wretched (massive pothole suddenly appears in an otherwise smooth looking road), and I got tired of seeing 12 year olds that were knee-walking, floor-licking drunk at 11:00 AM in the morning.
So, I suggest you route around Ukraine if you can.
Michael
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