It rained all night. Not a new experience, I know, but I was very aware of the mountain stream behind our camping ground. When I checked this morning it was still flowing at the same level, although a little muddier. So all was well.
But good news, it stopped raining during breakfast, and that was how it stayed, until near Budapest. Absolutely perfect weather for driving through mountains.
We also had time to reflect on our trip so far, and we both agreed that the Czech Republic and Slovakia would be great places to come for a holiday. The hills and mountains, rival any in New Zealand for the coverage of woodland and spectacular scenery. Everything is so much cheaper in those two countries, so this keeps the cost of the holiday down considerably. The people are friendly and so willing to help, therefore service is excellent. And the food is very good, and eating out in cafes is considerably cheaper than in the UK, and western Europe, and the standard is generally higher too. The downside is getting to these two countries, from the UK anyway, as the long drive is expensive and time consuming, and flying eliminates cheaper camping holidays. But we are certainly coming back this way for a longer holiday. When it stops raining of course.
On the way we drove past a large ski resort, not many red runs, but great for the average skier. I am not sure about the guarantee of snow. Of course all we could see were green grass, ski lifts and plenty of restaurants and chalets.
We stopped at small hotel/restaurant run by a woman who has lived in England for four years, so it was great to chat to her for a while. We were both very predictable in what we ate - Walter chose a pancake filled with pork, onions and vegetables flavoured with lots of paprika, and I chose a local fried cheese with boiled potatoes. All washed down with sparkling water, as there is a zero alcohol tolerance level when driving. This applies to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
We also sat outside on the terrace, and it was quite warm. Great.
I was really taken by this little church. So simple, pale colours against the dark green of the hills behind. Most of our photographs have this little red car, with a Slovak emblem on one side, and an emblem of a kiwi on the other side. We must have followed the car for a hundred kilometers. I would have loved to ask them why they have a kiwi emblem on the car, but they did not stop.
Sunshine and a lovely village.
And finally we were in Hungary, but look at the very dark clouds in the sky. We missed most of the torrential rain, thank goodness.
A change to another currency, this time the Forint (Ft) which is worth about 343 Ft to one UK pound. This will test my mathematics somewhat. So we have had the Polish zloty (zl) which is worth about 5zl to one UK pound, Czech crown (Kc) which is worth about 30 Kc to one UK pound. Slovakia has changed to Euros, so that was easy, and is currently 1.15 euros to one UK pound. It brings back memories of travelling around western Europe before the change to Euros. We currently have a lot of coins, which of course have no value outside the relevant country. Good excuse to return to spend them. Mind you, I can imagine the countries that have not changed over to Euros are feeling relieved at the moment, with the current financial difficulties in Europe.
We have also zig zagged through countries during the past 10 days, and as the countries concerned are land locked, and there has been little sun, I never know whether we are heading north, south, east or west. At the moment I feel very confused, especially as I have a lousy sense of direction anyway.
But I do know that it is definitely becoming warmer, so we must be moving south. But then that is not guaranteed either, with the current weather problems in this part of the world.
And so to bed, after I get my second load from the washing machine. We will sleep tonight surrounded by wet, and hopefully drying clothes. Sleeping in the laundry. Great.
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