DAY 18 (MAY 19-SAT) ESZTERGOM TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY  (9:00-7:00)

Light breakfast @ 8:00-see Jean leaving–we walk up to Basilica after bk-tour buses already lined up.  See Jean leaving Basilica as we go in to take pictures.

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY:  NO GRAVEL, NOT COLD OR WINDY

Temp 65-80-light breeze-paved bike path down Danube–YES-this is how tour described-on road again-light traffic-take 1st ferry-it’s like a family reunion.  Couple from Netherlands w/GPS & motorized bikes (cost 2,000 Eu); Belgium couple;  4 Australians: & Jean lined up at same time.  Australians joined RAD REISEN in Vienna–same tour but we stay in different hotels & sometimes different towns.  Compared stories-we are at fantastic hotels–theirs don’t sound very nice & located from main town.  There was no price distinction when signing up to get cheaper accommodations–Cost for them 500 Eu-Vienna to Budapest-our cost $1,600 per person-15 days, include extra day in Vienna & Budapest, train ride, bike rental, boat ride down Danube at end, wonderful hotels & breakfasts, luggage always arrived on time, loved my bike (30 to 65 m a day), unbelievable opportunities to not only bike but sight see, so many people spoke English & were willing to help you–biggest problem was maps & directions were not good at times getting into town & out. What a way to celebrate our 1st 30 yrs together!!!!!!!!

TODAY:We experience everything good-paved bike paths, light traffic on roads, beautiful scenery–see more horses today & less vineyards.  In 1 town, hundreds all age school kids-in groups of about 15-20-going to parks & music area.  Stop at busy flea market–so many people out on bikes, walking, jogging, rollerblading, sitting along Danube–It’s Sat & the weather could not be better.  During the week going through some of these small towns they almost seem deserted.  Took 3 ferries-crossed w/jean each time.  Stopped to have coke & cookies at store on path–was just closing–more people showed up–said it was MURPHY’S LAW–it’s 2:00 on Sat-they want to close & have more customers now.  We have choice today-bike into BUDAPEST or take 1 hr boat ride into Budapest–GPS couple bike in-waiting for boat-say hello to Australians as they bike into town.  We all vote for boat ride–loved it–1st time to see more recreation boats–try to ride in our wake.  See Budapest in the distance–can’t describe how impressive & massive it is.  Buda is on one side & Pest is on other side of Danube–we stay on Buda’s side.  I follow MAP PEOPLE (Armand & Jean) to Hotel Flamenco & check in.  Eat at hotel-waiter has suggestions for women & men-Take man suggestion of pork–too salty & tough–Armand & Jean have tofu.  Room is nice–but NO wi-fi in room-have to use computer in lobby.  Can’t believe for big hotel not to have internet in room unless you pay.  Watch Men’s synchronized diving from 10 meter board–not sure that’s a big event in US.  Plan to take bike tour w/Jean tomorrow–she is really organized.  We are so grateful that she let us tag along on her fantastic bike adventure in Europe.