Tour Leader’s Blog

Yesterday we had a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Hungary. In the morning we visited the training farm of Hungary’s equestrian team. This team has won 13 world championships. We saw a display of traditional horsemanship including carriage rides, bareback tricks, archery and spear-throwing while riding, and horse ballet. We were served a traditional Hungarian meal from products grown on the farm while listening to a Gypsy band. In the afternoon we had a tour of Budapest and learned the city’s history. The group enjoyed the scenic views of Budapest from the top of Fisherman’s Hill. It was graduation day for high school students and we saw parades of new grads singing Hungarian folk songs.

Today was May Day - a holiday throughout Europe. We started the morning with a boat cruise down the Danube. We saw many families walking and biking - enjoying the beautiful sunny holiday. In the afternoon we drove 20 kilometres to a little artisan village along the Danube. After a wonderful Hungarian meal in an open air cafe, we walked through the village. Tiny stores displayed and sold pottery, crystal, lace, and traditional art work. Hungarian families biked and strolled with us while the Danube flowed alongside the village.

Tomorrow our adventure in Romania and Hungary comes to an end as we travel home. We have seen in Romania a country emerging as an economic force - hope for the future. We ended by visiting Hungary and seeing the changes it’s experienced since it emerged 10 years ago. We will have to return to see the ongoing progress in the years to come.

~ Ed Epp