Week 5: The flooding of the Danube and my return to Vác.

While I was in Bratislava, news came from Germany that the Danube was in flood. It was calculated that it would reach the Hungarian stretch by Monday - Week 6. As the end of the week approached even more serious news came and the Hungarians started to build massive sandbag walls to prevent the expected flood waters from damaging homes and establishments.
Now I was very eager to meet with the Váci Marafkos, some of whom lived in Nagymaros, both towns built on the banks of the river. I got a call from Marafko-Toth Dora who was my main contact and I was informed that they couldn't receive me on the expected day because they were assisting any relief efforts and making and building the 'gát' or wall. I understood perfectly as here in Australia similar emergencies occur with regular frequency, including massive fires.
Still, I was assured by Magdus and Toni that I can still go back to Vác and another 3 days of sight-seeing and travelling. So on Friday of week 5, and while Louis and Ica went to Davod and then to Turkey, I went back to Vác.
By this time I was very sore and I asked Magdus to be easy with me.
I arrived by train and they picked me up from the station around mid-day. After an interesting lunch, we took a trip to the botanical gardens with Marti and Magdus. A glorious beautiful sunny day and everyone is waiting for the flood waters to peak!

A truck full of sand driving to Nagymaros for the wall.

The beautiful botanical gardens in Vác.

Marti and Magdus at the Botanical gardens.

A real spread! Savoury pancakes with horses doovers!

Saturday, we visited the centre of Vác and saw the sandbag walls protecting the town. Another glorious day!

The local Spar supermarket closed.

Rabbit soup for dinner! Thanks Toni!

Sunday was a big suprise. I was assured that I wouldn't have to walk too far, but that was not the case. We went to Holloko and then to Balasgyarmat on the Slovak border - all in a single day. Lots of driving, ending in a delicious dinner at the Svajk Restaurant.

Hollókő a lady in traditional Hungarian costume.
 

The Doll museum was excellent!

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Thanks again to Magdus and Toni for a great weekend!

Next post: Back to Erd and my Birthday.