Hungary [Part Duex].

We got on the bus and I knew I was in trouble; my knees were already rubbing against the seat in front of me.

Fast-forward 26 hours.

We arrived in a small town on Lake Balaton – the largest lake in Europe – and got settled. Our accommodations were a mix between Scout camp and a Holiday Inn provided by the Municipality of Debrecen. With hot water and a bed, I was happy as a clam.

Our breakfasts and dinners for the 4 days at Lake Balaton were served buffet style – a Peace Corps volunteers dream. We were stuffed with Goulash, paprika chicken, dumpling-type noodles, and plenty of fruit for desert. The breakfast was the typical European breakfast, sliced meats and cheeses with strong, strong coffee. They had scrambled eggs a couple of times which was fantastic.

The Mansion.

Our days were left free for us to relax / explore the town. One day, we went to a former (reclaimed by the state during communism) aristocratic Austro-Hungarian mansion. Its grandeur really spoke of the wealth these families wielded. Its library was astounding – complete with a secret door, opened by pulling a fake book.

The café's view.

After a few days of doing nothing in particular, we headed to Budapest. We only had three hours in town and most of it was spent touring around the city in the bus. Luckily, we had a hour to wander on the Buda (hilly) side. I found a great café with an amazing view of the Parliament building. Since I had been in Budapest just a few months ago, I just got some coffee and cake and enjoyed the view.

The reason for our trip was Debrecen’s - our ‘sister’ city - Flower Festival. It was a three day affair and culminated in a parade of performers and floats covered in fresh flowers.



Painstaking Detail.

And as quickly as it had begun (after the 24 hour bus ride home), it was over.

As if 50 hours of travel in a week and a half wasn’t enough, we got in to Shoumen at 6 am and I had to take a 6 hour train ride to Sofia at 9 am. Ouch.

Oh well, I am alive and better for it. Hope all is well,
Mark


Fireworks on the last night.

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