Going round the bend

Last night we spent a pleasant evening eating al fresco on a quiet back street of Budapest. The food was delicious: quite the best meal we have had, although for the price we would have eaten for a whole week in Romania. Worth it, we think. We wake to the now familiar sound of torrential rain on city streets, but this time however it stops in time for a reasonable departure. I am sorry to leave the Hotel Palazzo Vichy: a far cry from Simon's last choice of accommodation. We cover only 50 miles today but it takes us nearly 9 hours - including prolonged waiting for two ferries (not Godot) The route is almost entirely on cycle paths and although it is nice to be away from the traffic they are often winding with lots of lumps, bumps, potholes and puddles so progress is slow once more. I know we are hard to please but we can't help yearning for a bit of flat road where we could crank up the gears and stretch our legs. The weather improves and it becomes very humid. We remove layers of clothing. We buy strawberries from the side of the road and eat them fresh from the punnet. We pass through the Danube Bend where the river breaks through steep mountain sides and cliffs and the scenery is stunning. We are now in Esztergom which is dominated by a massive basilica and has been likened to Rome, although we are not sure the Italians would agree. We eat outside again. The menu is meaty and the translations amusing as usual. Simon enjoys Wild Boar and I have Danube Fish Soup into which "has been secretly smuggled some offal so I can enjoy it quietly". I did, in between my laughter. (Budapest to Esztergom 52.5 miles)