Blogs from Northern Hungary, Hungary, Europe - page 6

Eger Europe » Hungary » Eger By korossylMay 23rd 2007So, on 05/21 I made it to Eger, and on 05/23 I went on a photo expedition. Unfortunately, I also got pretty tired of uploading photos to this blog, so it's good I didn't take more. The fortress itself, the interiors of some the churches, some more general landscape shots, etc. will be forthcoming.... read more

We crossed into Hungary at a very small border crossing from Slovakia, so small a road we got lost and couldn't find Hungary for a while! Very surprisingly the first building we met in Hungary, about 2km over the border, was a campsite. The campsite was hosting the '11th annual international cave rescue conference' but there was still plenty of room for us. Weather was good so we parked up, got the bikes out and went exploring the local Aggteleki national park. Good cycle through very picturesque hills and scenery. Eger The days drive was through very rural and very beautiful rolling hills of north Hungary, down to the town of Eger. Eger is famous for its wine but its also a very pretty, laid back old town with some lovely buildings. We spent a ... read more

Geo: 47.855, 20.0221Met a senior couple getting off the train in Fusezabony (Chuck and Eileen, from Cali). Could instantly tell they were fans of "Rick Steves". We missed our connection to Eger, but luckily for us there were many other connections. Found a hostel in Eger (university dorm rented out for the summer). Luxurious! 2 beds in the huge room, private bath, fridge, microwave ... ended up being only me in there. Had a shower and munched on some dried fruit for breakfast. Off to the cathedral - very unique exterior, almost wouldn't know that it was a cathedral. Listened to an organ concert - 2 euros well spent. The opening song was so cliched - it's that organ song you always hear in cheesy haunted-house type movies. Very powerful sound - you could feel the ... read more

Strangely enough, these three uneventful days rate among the best I have had so far. Feeling adventurous and fit (read: despereate to get out of Eger and a looming marriage), I sauntered further east to Szilvásvárad, namely the Szalajka Valley. I was nervously eyeing the growling, grey, grimacing sky and inwardly self affirming (not into prayer) that today it would not rain! Why? I hear you ask, surely rain is good for the soil and the fertility of the lush green valley you are lazing about in? Why yes, she replied, looking somewhat chastised. But you see... my tent. It's not waterproof... with downcast eyes. As it turns out, given that absolutely no-one else was choosing to visit the valley at this time, the caravan park was somewhat empty and the kind souls at reception let ... read more

After our Budapest blow-out, we decided to slow the pace down a bit and took a train out some 160km east to a small town called Eger in Heves County. Eger is at the heart of Hungary's wine region and this increased its appeal. We arrived at Eger station shortly after midday and were greeted by an elderly woman called Kathy who offered us to stay in her home during our stay. As Eger is such a small place we decided that stopping over with an old lady was better than sleeping on the street so took her up on her offer. Her flat is perfectly comfortable and we even have our own living room. Once the rain had stopped, we headed into towna dn had a quick look at the Basilica, Hungary's second largest church, ... read more