It’s a Small World!
Krakow to Budapest Stage 11 – Komárno to Esztergom 54 Km (Sun 30 Sep 2018)
Weather: 2⁰C min – 17⁰C max, clear and sunny
“Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.” ~ Frank Tyger
Staying in an apartment has its drawbacks in that you are responsible for your own breakfast arrangements, which can be a problem on a Sunday in a small town like Komárno. As soon as I was dressed (and after Skyping my grand-daughter) I hopped on my bike and rode around to the centrum 
looking for a cafe that might be open. No such luck, so I stopped to ask a group of touring cyclists. Not only were they Australians, they were from Sydney and two of them, Lyn and Allan, were friends who did the Mosel bike-barge with me two years ago. What are the chances!
Not finding anywhere to eat in Komárno, I was resigned to starving until I reached Esztergom. It must be my lucky day because as I was leaving town I found a service station open, what’s more it was a Fresh Corner one that sells the best machine cappucinos. Two maple-pecan tarts and a cappucino with an inch of fine creamy froth on top made for a perfect breakfast.
If the Donauradweg bicycle route yesterday was a nightmare, today it was a dream. The only hazard I experienced was a flock of sheep thinking they had right of way! Although the Danube was never far away it was obscured by a line of trees most of the way. However, occasionally I enjoyed glimpses, and on such a beautiful sunny day it really was the Blue Danube, looking so blue I felt like waltzing!
Stopping at one if the rest points along the path for a Snickers break, the group of Australian tourers caught up with me so we rode together for a few kilometres. I’ll catch up with them again tonight for dinner in Esztergom. They have been riding the Donauradweg from Passau and, like me, finish their tour in Budapest tomorrow.
Esztergom is another one of those “not to be missed” towns, on the Hungarian side of the Danube. Another country, another culture, another currency (Forint), different food to try. At the ATM I just withdrew 10,000 Forint, so felt wealthy until I realised it converts to about A$50!
This tour has already exceeded my expectations and Budapest is to come yet!
Yes it is a small world fancy meeting your two friends who you rode with sometime ago. I guess riding is your happiness and meeting old friends and meeting new ones. Well at least you did not starv to death not having breakfast or suffering from withdrawal not having your daily fix coffee!!!!
Isn’t it good to unexpectedly catch up with mates overseas
Loving the commentary Kev we can feel your passion.