What is a "palinkas reggeli" ? It is a breakfast that starts with a shot of palinka the vodka-like drink made from distilled fermented peaches or plums; it is about 45% alcohol. A shot of this in the morning before you eat anything definitely wakes you up. This is followed by the usual fare of buns. meat, juice, coffee, vegetables etc.

During the early morning there was a brief but strong storm - rain and lightning and wind storm. When we get up the temperature has dropped and the skies are very clear even though there are still some clouds. We can wear long pants today.

Today we are off to Kapolcsa a town so small, it does not show up on most maps. The traffic is very slow through Kasztey; it is about 10:30 am on a Saturday and everyone seems to be on the road.

We travel past Tapolca, which we had visited a few years back; it has underground caves with water and you can paddle around in a boat.

The road is filled with vehicles of all kinds- bicyclist, buses, cars, and even a horse-drawn wagon with passengers. Of course, the latter held up all of the traffic.

When we arrive in Kapolcsa there are all kinds of people and cars looking for parking. There is a yearly festival here and we are in it. Hundreds of small booths set up with original items - clothes, necklaces, rings, paintings, sculpture. pottery etc.

Almost every home has its backyard involved in the displays. There is lots of food vendors; one place has several "bogracses" set up with different types of guylas in each. The smell is unbelievably good.

There are also open-air performances - violins, guitars, harps etc. It is a carnival atmosphere. The number of people is also increasing by the minute. We got there just before noon and that was early than most.

We had some wine and then later a lovely outdoor meal at one of the booths. The only problems was the wind which was very gusty. It was a very pleasant day to walk since it was only in the low to mid 20's.

The trip back was much faster as the traffic was heading to Kapolcsa. Kapolsca is North of Lake Balaton inland and not far West of Veszprem. We stopped at one of the many SPAR stores which is a large supermarket for some food items. Gyongyi has been trying to explain what "dara" is. It is used in Hungarian cooking. It has the texture of salt but no real taste of its own. It is made from wheat.

Originally we were to go to Veszprem but because of the time we travelled to Attila's and Bea's home for a visit. They live in Galombok not far from Garabonc (5 km). Their home is very nice and new although 4 years ago it was in bad shape. They bought a very old home beside Bea's parents (Istvan and Mary). The renovation included almost everything from the room to demolishing the old garage. The garden is also finished. The main area includes an open kitchen with island a dining room and a sitting area; everything in one large room. It took 30 trips to the dump to get rid of the renovation trash.
Panna with kitten.

Panna is a sweet young child of four and she is very friendly. Nancy takes to her very naturally.
After the usual family photos, we are off to the large garden. There are chickens(100 plus the 10 special Italian chickens), geese, doves, 2 horses, 2 pigs (food for the winter) and a couple of cute kittens. Bea's parents remember me from 4 years ago. They are very nice people. Living besides your parents might be difficult but this arrangement seems very good. Istvan is a painter and he must have helped Attila with the new house painting. It is fine indeed.

We go back to Garabonc where Gyonygi has prepared the corn- "kukorica". They still can't get over the fact that corn can be eaten with something other than salt, namely butter. Two cobs are more than enough for me; cold beer is needed to wash it down.

During the night there is a lot of rain and wind. The pattern of hot humid days has changed to cool rainy days. The forecast for Hungary in the next week is rain and cool.