Balaton, Hungary

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Lake Balaton

More than Balaton

Living Lakes

After the Mojito party hangover, the next day we were off to Hungary! Ilona, a co-worker, has a Hungarian friend, Emoke (pronounced ee-mooooooo-ka)who invited us to her birthday party at her parent's cabin by Balaton. This is a huge, very popular lake where many people go to vacation. We were told the drive was a little under 3 hours, although this turned into about 4 1/2 hours. Francesco and his girlfriend (Mariella {sp??}) drove us and we were treated to some first hand Italian impatience following Ilona's car ("I make-a them eat the map") However, we arrived safely and were treated to an amazing BBQ, some traditional Hungarian shots (slovak equivalent -slivovicia - aka lawnmower fuel)and good music. Glen played the typical cdn-male role and took over the BBQ duties.

The participants: 2 CDNs, 5 Hungarians, 1 Hungarian-Slovak, 1 Pakistani, 1 Japanese, 1 Italian, 1 French, 1 Spaniard, 2 Portuguese. And no, none of the world's problems were solved at this event.

After a slow start in the morning and a fantastic breakfast, we headed to the lake where we spent the whole day. Bought some floaters and "relaxed". In quotes because Waqar and I actually had to work quite hard paddling the Italian around.

The next evening a goulash was prepared on a kettle over an open fire which was AMAZING. Hungary certainly has Slovakia beat on good food.

Another day on the "beach" - there is actually no beach - it is cement like around a swimming pool, then back home. We were lucky because we just missed a massive storm. The 2nd car which was on the way to Budapest drove through it. It was so bad that 3 people died in Budapest when they were swept into the Danube. There are still some people missing from boats. Very sad because it was on their big national holiday; many celebrations and events in Budapest that day.

Anyway, we made it safely home despite an INSANE driver, Peter. Sylvia and I are still stiff from getting knocked around in the car and even Glen had some terrified moments.

missing nice, straight cdn highways with clearly marked signs!
shan

See the album "Glen's Arrival" at

Shan's Sony Image Station Photo Albums

for more pictures.