LAST DAY IN BUDAPEST

Cycling along the Danube appealed to me so today I hired a bike and rode out to Szentendre (St Andrew) about 25Km away.  I picked a windy day but made good time outbound.  Bike is a steel frame women's tourer with 700x40 tyres on it. Heavier than I am used to, but fine to ride.

 I hope you can read the name of this coffee stop, just in case it is too small it is THIS IS MELBOURNE TOO.  Quick u-turn of course, and I don't know who was more excited, me to see the words piccolo latte or them to find out I came from Melbourne.  The coffee was good, they gave me the cake gratis and we all had a good time talking.

The ride went on and I only took one wrong turn, ending up in a very suburban shopping area surrounded by rows of blocks of flats.  Got myself back on track riding through a much more expensive area, then swampy forest and a dirt track and onto St Andrew or Szentendre. 
This is a popular destination full of tourist shops and restaurants but I had a very good pork shaslick with grilled vegetables cooked in the middle of the street washed down with the obligatory beer.

I have seen some odd things by the path as I ride around over the years but this missile or whatever it is takes the cake. The photo was taken as discreetly as I could as I thought the guard in the watch tower might object to me stopping and getting out my camera.  Bottom right corner.

Coming home thought I would take the direct route along the river, and spent a bit of time just following other riders who were more used to the path. When one woman turned right away from the river I should have followed as I then rode into a crowded area of cafes, bars, etc on the waterfront.  That, coupled with a strong cross wind, made me very late getting in. Just time for a quick shower and a cab to the premium wine tasting.

Six small glasses and three small scones later the four of us headed into town to yet another delicious dinner in a restaurant of our former leader, David's, choosing. Good choice, heavenly slow cooked lamb shoulder on potato pancakes.  Walk back to the hotel, farewell to J and L, and that's it for Budapest. Off on the bus tomorrow.  One last glimpse of underground Budapest though as we saw these guys on the way to dinner.