It seems that the most popular places to hang out on Hungarian National Day (day two of the holiday, and the actual proper date of observation) are at the local corner stores cum bars for drinking at breakfast. Pretty much like Australia Day actually. Our plan to find a supermarket along the way hit a snag when we discovered that they are all closed on Hungarian National Day! OK, we can roll with the punches, this wasn't the end of the world (more on this later).
Our ride was mostly pretty fast (relative use of this term) today and we managed to get some good speed going down hills, which Gillian really likes. There were large patches of bike path that was pretty sketchy and we kept hitting the expansion cracks in the path pretty heavily - they tend to be weed filled and curled up. Our panniers, which may or may not make it to Belgrade (note to self, get the expensive ones next time), are a bit the worse for wear and every bump meant they may jump off the bike!
Trains and train crossings were a big feature of the day as we were somehow held up three times at train crossings. They were enforced drinks break of a sort. Kieran is also fascinated with the amount of marijuana growing organically by the side of the bike path. Gillian less impressed that Kieran knows what to look for, but what happens on the Danube ride, stays on the Danube ride.
With 69 kms down we knew the end was in sight and couldn't wait for some cold water and some cold showers. The last 1 km saw us pushing our bikes up a gravel hill in 30+ degree heat. We made it to the top, drenched and in need of a rest and some food. We soon discovered that the restaurant of our accommodation is closed - you guessed it - 'for Hungarian National Day'. We also discovered that to go and get lunch we had to walk back down the hill to the nearest(only) open restaurant which is 1.6 kms into town. We had this entire discussion through Google translate, which we love!
The straw that really broke the camel's back was finding out that the water at our accommodation, and in the town, smells and tastes like sulfur! Gillian managed to drink two glasses but Kieran and James just couldn't do it. So without showers and looking like messes we wandered into town to the local pizza joint. Thankfully the restaurant was air conditioned (and opened) and we managed to order using the little German we have picked up and Google translate again. We drank about a litre of water each and brought a six pack to go!
Back up the hill we went, tummies full and well hydrated, enjoying the scenery as we sampled from afar a slice of Hungarian life. Also, working up yet another sweat as the temperature touched 33. Showers were the order of the day on our return, sulphur notwithstanding. We are now all looking forward to Budapest in a couple of days!
Postscript - our accommodation took pity on us and are preparing dinner for us at 7 pm. There may be a few beers consumed and definitely many more litres of non-sulfur water.
Relive 'Danube day 18'
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