Wednesday, July 21, 2010

BIKING IN HUNGARY - DAY 3

We wakened on our last day in Bratislava to drizzling rain- a foreboding of things to come. Our whole group of 19 had arrived & we met our guides, Jan from Hungary and Colleen, American but now from Ireland and 2 trainees, Susie & Csaba, both from Hungary. Since this was the maiden tour of "the Best of the Danube" we had all brand new equipment: bikes, helmets, bike bags etc. Quite a treat! We rode our bikes across the Danube on the bike path beneath the bridge and got on the bike path. The riding was great despite the drizzle, but I didn't stop for photos, but thought it best the first day to just keep up.

The one exception was this beautiful country estate which I couldn't pass without a quick snapshot.

For lunch we stopped at a new and large facility on the other side of the river having crossed 2 bridges over the dam. The food was served buffet style and was delicious. However the special treat for me was what was outside. I followed some kayak carrying young men to a white water course.

And grabbed a few shots of the action.

We continued on to our home for the next 2 nights, the Hedervary Castle. Its emergence can be associated with the German, Heder moving to Hungary sometime in the 11th century. The original fortress was destroyed by the Turks in the 1529, and the castle finally completed in 1578. In the late 18th century it gave home to artists. It was fully renovated in 2002-2004.

Going into the castle, after the reception area you enter a center court with old tree in the middle.

The first set of marble stairs were covered with this beautiful carpet. Unfortunately, we had a second flight to climb to our room.

But when we got there, we entered our room it was 3 times the size of a normal one.

In one corner of the bedroom was a beautiful, old, white ceramic heater, not working of course.

Dinner that evening was in the castle in this royal dining room, served in a kingly fashion.

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