I took morning trains to Szombathely. Another country, another language that I can’t understand or speak. Far fewer numbers of people who might speak English. Luckily I was going to a Servas host. I am a member of International Servas, an organization that promotes world peace through travel. Today I came to Erika’s house and she gave me a tour of the beautiful communities. It is late so I will write more later. Meanwhile enjoy the photos from today. Morning update, coming here was an adventure. Using the print out given to me by nice train station person, I found the right platform. When the train pulled up it had two different sections. It took some effort to find a worker who could show me which compartment I should sit in. I had to change trains ... read more

I decided to take a lazy morning and have brunch in a cafe, then walk in palace gardens. It is lovely walking along cobbled streets or sidewalks, watching people go about their day amongst finely decorated buildings. There is something comforting about the size and stature of these buildings, they seem eternal, as if nothing could knock them down. I strolled around picking out the cafe with lots of people, in shade, serving lots of proteins as well as sweets and caffiene. Along the street I saw the chocolate maker shop and popped in. I bought six round chocolates (am eating them now....OMG, so good) of various flavours; chili, hazelnut, salty, layered nugat. Window shopping is a delight. Finally I sat in a cafe and ordered a cappuchino and omlette. There is no rush to take ... read more

Spent the day downtown, visiting art galleries. But first I went to a butterflyhouse. Disappointing 5 euros, relatively small space with few butterflies and too many loud children. It took time to find the art gallery. At first, I went into the public archives because it said 'museum' but that was a papyrus museum which sounded intriquing but I had some Piccasos to find. I bought a combined ticket for two galleries, 24 euros. I will upload photos of interesting art and several info panels so you get the gist of the day. Most of the art was created to get you thinking, some raised current or historical political awareness. It was raining when I left the last museum. I took tram to internet cafe to create this blog. It is expensive and a bit tiring ... read more

It has been a long but successful day. Got up at four and flew to Athens, and then Vienna. That’s it for planes and airports until I fly home (unless I am tempted by another close destination). I am looking forward to the ease and comfort of trains. I went to the iPad store and they fixed it for free! It will be an early night tonight.... read more

This afternoon I took the bus to Akrotiri to see the archeological site of town that was destroyed by volcanic explosion nearly 4,000 years ago, but survived enough to be dug up now. I took photos of the landscape so you can see the height of the ash and pyroclastic fallout from that explosion. Lucky for us, there was a water way that, over time, eroded and exposed this town. I'm going to upload the pictures and put notes on just a few of them for now. I'm tired but happy. I've covered every site on my list. Perhaps the biggest thrill was walking amongst the building of this archeological dig. I sat on a bench and just breathed it all in. And I got away with touching a few walls. *chuckling outloud* I did stop ... read more