13 to 15 April - Vienna (Austria) to Budapest (Hungary)

The last night in Vienna there was a frost on the tents when we woke up and a fox had ripped open rubbish sacks that other campers had left outside the bins. I was warm even with sleeping in Libby's tent. Because I slept on the truck the night before I had not put up my tent. While we were all out in Vienna that day when it rained Libby said to use her tent as it was already wet and not get mine wet as well. She, and another two girls, slept in the truck that night as they had been on the cooking duty. Sleeping in the tent was also an exercise to find out if there was a problem with the tent as she had been cold in it previously. There was no problem with the tent so she had to sort out another reason for being cold.

Once into Hungary we had to change money again, to the florint, and this time in a Shell service station. we stopped again at a Tesco to stock up with food and more Haribos. The prices were very cheap with local wine at £1 a bottle, foreign wine about £4 a bottle with cheap delicious fresh bread and rolls. We were asked for our Tesco cards! Fuel here was £1.31/ litre for diesel and £1.40/litre for petrol, yes, diesel was cheaper than petrol!

We then camped outside Budapest near the American Embassy so with their police security we were quite secure. On arrival the owner treated us all to a drink and produces Hungarian goulash for those who wanted some. The address of the camp site was 58-as Etterem. Arrival was at 1330hrs so we just relaxed for the rest of the day, catching up on washing and email etc. There was a small restaurant and bar on the site so after the evening meal we all went to the bar for a change. There has been very little drinking up to now which has made it easier for everyone.

Budapest

The riverbus

We went as a group into Budapest in the morning and decided because of the rain to go on the open top get on/get off London type bus to see the sights. This included a trip on the river where we saw an amphibious river bus. This took the tourists round the city and then drove them into the river for a river cruise. We went on a proper boat!

The church below was moved sideways by one metre so that a new bridge could be built. The synagogue is the largest in Europe.

Dohany Street Synagogue

Church

We then went to St. Stephens Basilica and the Citadel. When paying for snacks at a cafe on the citadel, ice cream and cream cakes again, Libby refused to pay what looked like a service charge as had been hand written onto the bill.

St. Stephens Basilica and the Citadel

The group that day

Left to right - Dan, Laura, Stephanie, me, Jay, Libby, Vicki, Derrick.