ORGANICS

Glorious sunshine again. I cannot credit how good the weather has been and am grateful for it.

Our current accommodation,  Maksimilian Guest House is wonderful and if you get to Osijek be sure to stay here in the spacious comfortable surroundings.  I haven't seen the attic rooms but we have two rooms and a bathroom.. Such luxury.

And the best was yet to come.  Our host's father in law provided our additional transport today as we didn't all fit in the van.

We took turns riding in this classic 1970 Mercedes and loved it.  Flag's flying, waving to the cheering hordes, such a treat.  Straight to the prestigious Lippizana farm which was also wonderful. Onto the local cathedral,  then borek and coffee under umbrellas in the main street, noting the stork nest in a chimney at the end of the street.

A real highlight after dropping in to Tito's Villa in the nearby Park (stripped bare at the end of the war)  was having lunch and a tour of a local organic farm. Goran started the farm seven years ago on land that had lain idle for many years and everything they produce is delicious.  While we enjoyed seeing all these dear little pigl et ts running around having a good time,  we also enjoyed some of the best pork stew and salamis that I have ever had.  Even the grain for the wonderful trading bread was grown onsite. Fantastic, and good wine too.

A nap after that and a walk to a late dinner at a floating restaurant capped off another good day.

IDIOT

My (electronic)  tablet remained on the bus when we arrived in Osijek.  Fortunately it was a private bus, which was so comfortable I was soundly asleep when we arrived and that's how it happened.  It has been found, back in Budapest, so will be returned to me which is a great relief.

It hasn't stopped me enjoying myself.  We are staying in a delightful guest house in an interesting town and taken on a walk around by a local guide, Igor.

Osijek was a war zone,  which Igor lived in until he was evacuated with his brother and other school children to Slovakia. He describes the conditions and physical and emotional impact on the town and is inhabitants matter-of-factly but there is no doubt it still lies just below the surface of life here.

Some damaged houses are left untouched since the end of the war, sometimes because the owner walked away and not returned for a number of reasons. The same with some other bigger buildings, but there are plenty that have been repaired/restored and put to good use...  For example,  former military barracks have been handed over to schools,  etc .

This seems to be a very relaxed place now,  spacious streets,  lots of cafe /bars where everyone enjoys sitting around chatting.  Another good restaurant for dinner,  fish stew,  venison stew and surprise surprise...  potato pasta. Will I spontaneously combustion if I say that I am a little goulash out?

Home to do washing before good comfortable  sleep.