Adventures of Trent & Jane

 Taking the train looked like a good idea but poop happens.  We headed to Fonyód to catch the train to Zagreb. On Fonyod we could not find storage for the bags so we rented a couple bikes and the shop held our bags, very convenient. We rode to a couple of wineries but nothing was open for tasting, no matter what the internet says. We headed back to town and ate a couple times on the way.  The train was ….. (wait for it) ….. late. Only about 40 minutes, minor in the eastern country. We had booked seats, luckily?, and our compartment had a young Aussie couple in it, and the car had a few dozen young students in it. Very hot and really moist. The AC in our car was not functioning either so it made for a less than ideal environment. The students didn’t stay on long but the moisture and heat were already firmly entrenched. We chatted and rode for a while when the other Aussie couple appeared and said the next car was empty and the AC working wonderfully. Off we go! After a rea...

 Trent mentioned in the last post we came here in 1992, what he failed to mention we where doing a cycle trip down the Danube.   When we started this adventure I did not expect to be back on bikes, but I was wrong we rode 4 days well we where Lake Balaton  Day 1 on road bikes from the hotel took us down to the lake to a “strand” (a park and beach that you pay an entrance fee).  It was fairly busy on Saturday and we took our first dip in the lake.  Warmer than our pool but the water was silty, but many were in swimming.    We took Sunday off but the town was having a festival so able to catch some Hungarian dancing.   Monday we found some e-bikes to rent and headed for the wineries 25 km away.  Tasted some great wine including a Hungarian grape irsai Oliver, a nice dry white. Also found some full body reds, very mineral forward as the soil is volcanic ash.    What we didn’t plan was for Trent bike to break down on the way to lunch, t...

As seems to be a theme in our last few weeks, we are retracing some old footprints. The three Bs, Bratislava, Budapest and Balaton. Jane and I came here in 92 for a few days and camped (there is a whole further story to that but I digress), I think near Siofok, near the east end. This time we have a free week of timeshare in Keszthely, at the west end of the lake. It’s a tourist town but very local tourists. Very little english in many shops and bars. It is relaxing The little apartment is quite comfortable, a quiet street in the centre of town. A stove, microwave, kettle and coffee maker (only one of the last three can be plugged in at a time). A pool and quiet garden out back makes it perfect!

 This morning I decided we would revisit our trip of 33 years ago and do a guided cycling tour.   We started. The ride on the buda side of the Danube river and road beside the river stopping at the Buda castle gardens.  Then off for about 15 minutes passing the back of the parliament buildings to St Margaret island.   On the island they installed a musical fountain to celebrate Hungary’s 150 birthday in 2023.   Further into the park we explored old ruins listening to Hungarian rock being played at the stadium nearby. .   We turned back and stopped at the parliament buildings where our guide was very passionate explaining the Slavic tribal flag We crossed the chain bridge which was first built to connect Buda to Pest.  After our ride we headed home to enjoy the afternoon in our rooftop pool then out for a great Greek dinner

 I was looking forward to returning to Bratislava and Budapest. When we were here in 1992 they were both a little worse for wear, Bratislava more so but Budapest had some warts as well. Well, first impressions seem to indicate that they have done a good job of cleaning things up. Not as much grime on the buildings or in the streets. Things seem to be running as you would expect. There are still some buildings that need much TLC but the majority are in good condition and they have a lot of restoration and refurbishment projects on the go (if the cranes are any indication). This city is sort of a cross between Vienna and Prague, lots of old to wander in but pretty busy with lots of traffic and transit moving around.  We rented some bikes but that is Jane’s story. We did ride trams and busses as well as the metro. Old farts like me ride for FREE! All in all Budapest is beautiful and worth the trip. So much different than before but the same also. I would return here any time I ca...

 Although Vienna was nice it is time to move on. Jane and I are anxious to see some of Slovakia and the changes since we were last here (1992). We decided to go by boat to see the river from a different perspective than we did on bikes. To our delight Sue, Shaun, Joan and Torbin came along for the day. Next day we schlep to the train via buses and trams. We are too late for the direct train so we are ready to change in Hegyeshalom. No big deal. Upon arrival we find the direct train to Budapest is 50 minutes late. Good for us bad for other travellers. It ends up being 70 minutes late so we have a wait and a drink. Nice trip, not super scenic but pretty and smooth. A Budapest!