Hungary

It is evident that setting a goal of 100 km per day is not realistic for a number of reasons: terrain, traffic, sightseeing, checking directions, age [ok, ok!], taking photos and WEIGHT!! Not knowing what is ahead necesitates carrying extra food and water. Our days have varied from 35 to just over 100 km. A good average day is around 80 km. Thank goodness for folding bikes and buses.

We rode out from Croatia to the spa town of Harkany, Hungary. Norma is getting into the "hot springs" thing! After soaking in the morning [with 350 of our closest German friends....], we rode to Pecs where we had dinner with friend [and former housemate] Balaz, and his lovely girlfriend Goby. The next morning we boarded a bus to Budapest, then another to Gyongyos. I can hear the goans of those who exclaim, "You didn't tour Budapest???" Although one could spend weeks in each of the regions and cities through which we have passed, we have a plane for Athens to catch in Finland on May 13th. [From there we overnight before boarding the flight home to San Francisco.]

So often I realize that, although we have an idea....a plan....the actual unfolding is beyond us. Each moment is to be treasured, and I trust that we are where we a "supposed" to be. We meet those who are perfect in this moment. We have the experiences that expand our sense of who we are. Even if an experience is uncomfortable, I can remember, "Thank you for everything, I have no complaint whatsoever."

So it is that we saved the majority of Hungary for another day, and biked out to visit our friend Tamas in Markaz, Hungary. We stayed at his grandmother's house around the corner from his mom and dad's place. What a sweet family! They plied us with food and hospitality....we stayed an extra day! One of the highlights of the trip will be my memory of listening to Norma and Grandma Vali "chatting" with each other. Grandma doesn't speak a word of English [or Spanish either, for that matter] and Norma speaks only a few simple phrases of Hungarian. Yet, these two carried on for an hour--looking at photos, treasures from travels, the garden, and 'talking' about our trip! They spoke the language of the heart--and understood one another perfectly. We may see the majesty of Budapest on another visit; we experienced the core of humanity today. And I am grateful.