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JMGEUR 3.5.00 10h38 |
| Well now. Wasn't
that fun. Good Decision Heading to Budapest w/o a bag was easily one of the best choices I've made in Europe. At the end of my last email I said that I was headed to get some lunch. Whilst eating, the owner of the restaurant came over to me (we are the only two in the restaurant) and said she wanted to ask what my problem was when I finished eating. After a moment of confusion, I found she had actually said PROGRAM. And, as such, was asking what I was planning after lunch, because she and her friend, Istvan were going to go bicycling. Being no fool, I accepted this offer and agreed to watch the restaurant, seating and bringing a menu to anyone who should happen to show up while they went to grab the bicycles. My pants became shorts, my pockets got emptied, and it was time to go cycling! Good Brakes! It would easily have taken my whole day walking to see as much of Budapest as we saw in an hour on bike. Actually, it was about 2 or 3 hours in total I think, because we stopped at a couple bar/restaurants to get "wine w/ mineral water because beer is too heavy for sportsmen." I was certainly no sportsman, but wine with mineral water was surprisingly tasty. So, at our second stop they asked if I would want to join them 2 days hence in the mountains, where they were going to spend 1.5.00 (big holiday) horseback riding. I wasn't sure how to say "Hell Yes" in Magyar (Hungarian for Hungarian), but managed to convey my grateful acceptance. (almost) All Aboard! The plan was to head back to Prague that night (as planned) and then return to Hungary immediately after grabbing my backpack. The plan neglected to allow for those of us too stupid to remember that our train departs at 20h25 and not 22h40. Zsuzsa (restaurant owner) was an excellent impromptu host, tossing a sheet on a futon for me in her flat and letting me grab a MUCH APPRECIATED shower. The next morning, I grabbed a new pair of socks, underwear, a toothbrush at a nearby mall and became gleeful with the world again. What's Next an Imperial Welcome? Frankly, after many evenings in Rome with a bar owner, and then the last 4 days with a restaurant/bar owner, I'm wondering if my travels can go in any direction but down from here. I have already forgotten all the swear words one of the locals took great pains to teach me, but I DO know how to say cheers in Magyar now. But I can't spell it...so you'll all have to wait. Saddle Up and chow down. I found out later someone had lied to the gentleman who put me on the horse, saying that yes, I could ride. I'm glad I stayed on. My lower back is still a little sore from over 2.5 hrs through the northern Hungarian mountains. I can live with that. Walking was a little strange, but not unpleasant. Trotting was rough, and in duration: painful. Running, however, was smooth and comfortable...albeit terrifying. My horse and i agreed that the entire surroundings were truly wonderful and marvelous to take in. We differed on methodology. I wanted to see everything all at once. He wanted to eat everything...all the time. At slower speeds, it was more about keeping him from snacking on the beauty than anything else. "Itinerary" I made two more friends (Lisa - Phoenix, and Jen - LA) on the train (that I CAUGHT at 10h25) headed back into Prague last night. We're meeting up at noon to have lunch and wander about... Then perhaps to Dresden tomorrow night where they have a car that we intend to take to Frankfurt. Much fun...Be well, all. -Jason PS: If anyone was wondering if my bag was going to be okay for the 4 days... (cuz I SURE was) ...You'll be interested to know it was EXACTLY where I saw her place it...and it cost me a whopping $2.37 for the storage. I paid, walked around the corner, and laughed out loud. You really DON'T need a backpack to travel. 4 days in Budapest with a toothbrush and spare socks/underwear was yet a wonderful learning experience. But now I have my bag again...What to do? JMGEUR 3.5.00 11h08 |