Missives from Abroad

Autumn Leaves

2009-01-31T11:07:00.003+11:00

As we have been experiencing temperatures in the mid 40's(°C), around 110°F, I thought I'd put some images of the lovely fallen autumn leaves we experienced in Europe. It was only last month we returned and so much has happened ... our trip seems to have taken on a dream-like quality!

The colours were stunning and I really have only included what was 'underfoot' which is quite appropriate since we were walking between four and eight hours most days. I'm now only walking after dark as I have to avoid the UV rays - we have bushland and wetlands nearby so it is always a pleasure to walk through whatever time of day or night.

... and here are a few yet to fall - how gorgeous!

True bonus days

2008-12-19T20:03:00.003+11:00

Dear family and friends,

Thank you all so much for your love and prayers during this new journey we are now on. I feel I am being carried through this and am so thankful to my loving Heavenly Father as He hears, answers and protects me.

All your greetings are so gratefully received and although I can't talk much and have little energy for writing, I thank you for keeping in touch.

This has all happened very quickly as the cancer is apparently very rare and extremely aggressive. I am receiving the best of medical care and although tired because of the chemo, feel content and at peace and enjoying each and every bonus day.

With love to you all,
Kathy

Leaving

2008-12-10T09:30:00.001+11:00

Just a quick note to let you know we did find our way out and are home safe and sound. I will write again soon.

Cambridge

2008-12-07T03:39:00.004+11:00

What a delight these bonus days are!

After exploring Worcester and leaving our kind friends we finally boarded the train and travelled to Paddington. As there was still no news from Thai, we continued our journey to Cambridge.

Many moons ago we spent some part of each weekend in this universtity city as it was where we attended church. Admittedly it was a little strange returning without our children and without the Q's, a family with whom we share many happy memories of combined family meals, travels, sleep-overs and holidays, but the Q's returned to the States a day or two before we went back to Australia.

Happily though, we discovered that another family who returned to Canada at the same time, are now back in Cambridge and how wonderful to see them again! Conversation flowed thick and fast and the time passed quickly with laughter and memories - it was such a treat to see the C's again - thanks J and H!

It is difficult to describe Cambridge but here is a little glimpse into our time here ...

After seeing posters advertising a special 'Arts and Crafts' related exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, we arrived five minutes before a lunchtime recital. Arnold Dolmetsch was a friend of William Morris, Burne Jones etc. but his specialty was music. He, like the others, was inspired by the medieval times and composed many pieces. We had the thrill of hearing his grand-daughter and 'The Honorary Keeper of the Music' play ... she on recorder and he on harpsichord. My absolute favourite was a beautiful version of 'Greensleeves', so hauntingly beautiful and reminiscent of earlier days.

Then I went to the exhibition. My, oh my ... the breathtaking beauty of the medieval manuscipts, the illuminated letters, gorgeous illustrations and then to see similiar, more recent books from the Arts and Crafts movement - including some published by the Kelmscott Press. Stunning and so inspiring. Book after beautiful book was on display - and as I didn't bring my fountain pen with me on this trip, I had to go and buy one! I must admit though I was pleased to see a manuscript in William Morris' own hand - it looked quite normal and had crossings-out - that was encouraging as although I can write neatly when necessary, my everyday handwriting can be quite messy!

I won't say anything about the architecture, the clear winter skies, the bicycles, the streets and laneways, the markets, the concerts, the festive Christmas air ... well maybe I will another time, but I will say we met up with another friend, an Australian and one of John's former colleagues, who is currently Dean at one of the colleges and who gave us a little glimpse into life at the university.

It's good to be back.

A little of the waiting life …

2008-12-03T21:48:00.004+11:00

The railway station car park at Moreton-in-Marsh was where we were to leave the little Renault Clio which had served us so well as we travelled the country catching up with friends. We had chosen this venue so we could immediately board the train to Paddington Station and from there to Heathrow.

It was that Wednesday morning however, that John heard about the situation in Bangkok and thought we would have little chance of flying out for several days and that staying in the Cotswolds would be preferable to London or Heathrow. I was feeling a little more optimistic, but a few bonus days in Moreton would be fine.

As well as scenic access to Stratford-upon-Avon, buses travel from Moreton-in-Marsh to Kemble which is just near the source of the River Thames where we started our walk in the summer of 2006. Cirencester is another destination and by train one can travel to Oxford or to Worcester, Malvern and Hereford.

So we settled in and enjoyed our time at Moreton and started to feel like a local when we began greeting people we knew in the street and the barman keeping a tab at ‘The Bell‘ where we used the internet to check for news from Thai.

On Saturday we decided to visit Oxford again and spent time at the fascinating Ashmolean Museum and saw a brilliant production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”.

Sunday morning however, I awoke feeling the need of friends, the company of familiar faces, as I was starting to feel a little alone in the wait. So we packed our bags to return to the warm hospitality of B&D in Worcester, but before we left Moreton we attended St. David’s for the morning service. Greeting people we already knew at the door, we joined in the worship and afterwards were invited to lunch by a dear elderly couple, David and Sheila, who took us to an old converted barn for a delicious meal and splendid company - it was a fun lunch with much laughter and ready conversation.

Being with friends is so helpful during this uncertain time. We have also found B&D’s home to be in an excellent location where we can easily board local buses and have spent a day in Great Malvern, another in the city of Worcester and were planning on Tewkesbury today but John is off looking over ‘The King’s School’ so we may not get there.

With no news from Thai since last Thursday morning the bonus days continue and we have now decided to spend time with other friends in Cambridge - we have had offers of accommodation in Bishop’s Stortford and Peterborough as well and I think we could be set until after Christmas if need be!

Bonus daze

2008-11-29T04:54:00.006+11:00

Last night John came across a little pool of melancholy … no options, no decisions, no knowing … it was tempting to paddle but I reminded him of our surroundings and 'the bonus days', where there is much to explore.

Yesterday we travelled by bus to Stratford-upon-Avon, a town with such a romantic name that evoked many memories of my early days at school. Although it is only 17 miles from Moreton, our scenic route took in ten other villages and took 1 ¼ hours, and was such a pleasant way of travelling.

On arrival we found the main street closed to traffic as a Christmas market was underway, the tents and awnings quite festive, the stall-holdlers shivering and the aroma of warm food reminding us it was well past lunch time.

We performed our usual trick of asking a local for advice. The helpful fellow could have stepped directly out of one of Shakespeare’s plays, unkempt and toothless he directed us to “The Garrick” where his description of good food was correct and we spent the wintry afternoon partaking of victuals - my mulled wine, vegetable soup and spotted dick pudding with custard was delicious!

After strolling around it was soon time to be milling with the crowds that had gathered outside the town hall for the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. This special responsibility belongs to the mayor who was on the balcony, accompanied by her husband ‘consort’, various officials ‘with maces‘ and her grandchildren. It was a treat for us - the singing, the blessing by the Mayor’s chaplain, the band playing, the sleigh bells and the simple but beautiful fireworks before Father Christmas appeared on the roof.

Afterwards as the crowds dispersed we still had plenty of time to wait for the 5.55 pm bus so sought out a tearoom recommendation - “just upstairs here … it is actually where Judy Shakespeare lived”.

Over hot apple juice with cinnamon and a slice of cherry cake, we looked down upon the happy families before catching the last bus 'home'.

Hmmmm ...????

2008-11-28T06:02:00.003+11:00

Krisztina isn't the only one who is a little puzzled as to where we are headed. John and I don't know where or when but since we are in Moreton-in-Marsh and there are buses which take long, circuitous routes through the Cotswold countryside, great little English pubs serving delicious, warming food and twinkling Christmas lights shining in the early darkness ... is there really a problem?

Thankfully we are fine, but we do feel for our poor friends, N & C, who had many exciting things planned for our time in Bangkok. We may still get there - we'll keep you posted.

Blockley revisited

2008-11-26T23:10:00.006+11:00

Yes, we are back in Blockely (hooray!). Since the airport in Bangkok is closed and flights there cancelled we're not sure when we'll be leaving the UK ... I guess there are worse places to be waiting than the Cotswolds!

Here are a few photos from our time in Hope Cottage. The first snowy one was taken from our bedroom window, the others on our walk to the next village.

These are from a coastal walk - we met up with G at Sheringham on a very blustery but beautiful day.

Last night, for our anniversay, we went into Oxford and asked a local for his recommendation as I think when you're in England, a pub meal is perfect. His instructions ... "take the first on the right and when you're almost under the Bridge of Sighs, look for a passageway called St. Helen's passage. Follow it around and you'll come to the Turf. You'll have to be careful there though, the beams are so low you'll bump your head."

We found it and had a wonderful meal!

25th November

2008-11-25T18:59:00.005+11:00

What a special date!

Today we are celebrating thirty wonderful years of marriage. The joys we have shared and the blessings we have received are countless.

We are eternally grateful for the gifts of our precious children and now grandchildren and pray God may give us continuing love and the privilege of holding our children's children's children.

Norfolk

2008-11-24T08:56:00.001+11:00

We are tucked away in a little cottage in the country and feeling truly blessed.

Friends

2008-11-22T20:30:00.005+11:00

For the last week our time has been filled with happy chatting and catch-ups with friends. We started off in Worcester where B&D now live. We hadn't seen them for over 14 years so there was much to talk about. B has always been a wonderful role model for generous hospitality and organized cooking and we enjoyed our time with them very much. We attended their current church with them on Sunday morning - it was like old times!

Our next stop was in the wilds of Devon where L&K now live since retiring. Their daughter and ours were at school together many years ago and it was lovely to see all three of them so relaxed and enjoying country life. They live in a beautiful, spacious home with extensive views and have embraced their new life whole-heartedly.

We spent time with them walking along the coast and revelling in the stunning views and marvelling how well the mountain goats cling to the hill sides.

With many thanks and fond farewells we were off again, mostly on motorways ... M5, M4 and M25.

We avoided the M11 by stopping off for a break and cup of tea with P and it was great to see him. He and S now spend 6 months of each year in Australia but a little too far away from Melbourne for catching up.

V was at the window awaiting our arrival and lovingly welcomed us. She too has retired since we last saw her and looks years younger. Staying with her brought back many memories of shared times and as we walked down Maze Green Road that evening, I felt I was stepping further back in time with every footfall.

We met up with many dear friends who pleaded with us to stay longer ... hopefully next time (?). We parted feeling overwhelmed by the warmth of the loving welcome we had received.

Our next stop was with our dear friend G. We have seen him several times over recent years and always feel so much at home as he too welcomes us generously.

We set off one day with G to walk along part of the beautiful north Norfolk coast. It was bleak and windy - perfect weather for walking then lunching at the old pub in the village (formally an old smugglers' inn). The area is a bird sanctuary, so wild and unspoilt with gorgeous rays of sunlight streaming through the grey cloud cover.

Other than walking, this would be my preferred method of arriving at the old inn and obviously the owners agree!

Later that night discussions were held as to our next move. We cancelled our time in Shropshire (basically too many volunteers for the weekend) and decided to stay in the Peak District as G and John were going to walk the hills - then cancelled because of the weather forecast; then our next choice was a craft course in the Brecon Beacons for me while John spent time in the book shops of Hay-on-Wye - that too was cancelled because too many pulled out of the course and it couldn't run; finally we settled upon Norfolk, have booked a cottage and we are to leave kind G in a few hours but have since heard of the forecast there - snow and ice showers from the Arctic and North Pole. If we can't get through we'll turn back to spend further time with G.

We're having a marvellous holiday but finding our days are passing quickly now.

Thanks for the e-mails we've received, we do appreciate them.

Blockley

2008-11-14T21:16:00.007+11:00

After a very slow, very fast train through France and the chunnel (we read in the newspaper today that the lines had been sabotaged) we finally arrived at St. Pancras. I had a very disappointed husband as he had specifically wanted to travel by TGV and Eurostar at high speed but we received excellent service among the chaos of hundreds of travellers arriving late for connections and train times changed - our own ticket was changed three times!

As we were several hours late it was already almost dark before we boarded the train for Moreton-in-Marsh. I was very uncertain about John’s choice of seat as it was beside a group of Arsenal supporters who had just come from a game their team played against Manchester United and were now loudly dissecting the match blow by blow. Opposite was a friendly young student.

The trip was great, the lads chatty, sharing their chips with us and playing memory games. They invited us to join them at Evesham that night at “The Railway” to continue their celebrations but we alighted at Moreton just before it began pelting with rain. We hauled our bags into “The Bell”, it was warm with the fire blazing and we sat down for some sausages and mash as the downpour continued. We were ‘home’.

Calling a taxi to take us to Blockley, we continued along country lanes and finally arrived at our destination - Silk Cottage. What a treat! It didn’t matter that the night was dark and wet as the cottage was warm, Guy Fawkes fireworks were being set off and we went to sleep with the sound of the rushing mill stream outside our window.

The cottage is on three levels - you open the door into the kitchen, a bathroom is tucked in behind, then climb very steep steps up to the lounge room on the second level and continue climbing to the bedroom at the top. All the rooms are low with dark beams, leaded windows and hefty wooden floors. Each level would only be a maximum of 4 metres square - but actually they are not square!

We awoke to grey skies and set off for church - the bells calling. How wonderful to be at the service - the familiar hymns, the lovely accents, the ancient walls - all seemed unchanged and it was a delight to be part of it again. This village is one of dreams, quintessentially English, the type of place that wars are fought to protect and soldiers long for. It was Remembrance Sunday and after the service we joined the congregation as they walked to the War Memorial where others were gathering for the service.

It was grey, overcast and drizzly - perfect English weather, and after a pub lunch at the “Great Western” we went for our first walk. We were so pleased to see autumn was not as advanced as we were expecting so the colours were stunning and of course the views had us halting every few steps to take it all in.

The next morning we walked up through the churchyard to the village store only to find police there and the area fenced off. Most of a huge black poplar tree had fallen and all the children from the nursery school were being evacuated and the shop closed as the remaining section was deemed to be dangerous - rightly so.

The little community store is our only source of provisions, papers and the internet so as an alternative we had to find a bus to take us elsewhere. Chipping Camden is the closest village so after locating the correct bus stop, we waited and boarded. After passing through three other villages and past the “Chipping Camden” sign - twice, I went to the bus driver to tell him we were on the wrong bus. No, it was the correct bus and we would get to the village eventually. It was a beautiful circuitous route and as we were in no hurry, very enjoyable.

We returned the same way in the rain and dark - the buses run very infrequently but thankfully they do make their way through the sodden landscape. The next morning I found out that the tree will be safely removed on Thursday - the crane needs to come from Cardiff.

Since then we have had two dry days so were able to do some more walking along lanes, public footpaths and bridleways. Today we walked back to Moreton-in-Marsh through the most glorious countryside, it is such a delight to be able to step out. Spring is my absolute favourite season in England as the laneways burst forth with lush new growth but Autumn is starting to run a close second with the breathtaking colours surrounding us.

This area is so damp and I realised that anywhere one is walking in the village there is the sound of rushing water. Many silk mills operated here years ago which have now been converted to private homes but the streams run through gardens and under buildings. Often there is the sound of ducks quacking and when peeping through hedges or over fences you can see them having a marvellous time in the water.

We’re having the best time but it is passing quite quickly which is fine because it means we’ll be back with our dear family, but we’ll miss the freedom of travel, the spontaneity of our journey and the lack of responsibility. It is quite a privilege to travel, to experience other cultures and to learn of oneself … one for which we are very thankful.

Joy of joys - we're here!

2008-11-11T03:39:00.003+11:00

English rain is falling from English skies onto English fields ... and I can't stop smiling!

Bonjour Krisztina

2008-11-08T00:45:00.012+11:00

Even though Krisztina has struggled a little with the language, (remember her native tongue is Hungarian), she has enjoyed her time in France and her own joie de vivre has been quite evident.

One of her all time favourite places was Le Mont St. Michel.
She was absolutley captivated by the views and would have sat here for hours just gazing upon the stunning Breton landscape ...

but there was much to explore ...

and she had a fine time, if not somewhat exhausting.

I found her lying here on one of the chapel pews, I'm not sure if it was the ceiling that intrigued her or if she was just tired from all the climbing.

Her other favourite place in Brittany was the little boulangerie at the end of the street.

The Breton butter cakes were delicious and she couldn't sit still in the shop - she even climbed into a small overhead basket to get a better view - almost falling out.

Madame didn't mind, especially when I agreed to buy one for dinner.

Krisztina quickly picked up the local habit of peeking in people's windows ... how bold!

Next stop was Paris and this huge city was a little overwhelming. For most of the time Krisztina sat quietly in my back pack, that was until she saw her first glimpse of Le Tour Eiffel.

She could hardly contain her excitement and her head seemed to be in the way of most of the shots of this historic landmark.

When we finally arrived at the tower itself I gave Krisztina plenty of time to enjoy its beauty. She wanted to join the queue to travel up in the lift - three hours of waiting in the rain! No way. Also, unlike her, I don't like heights.

Another thrill for her was to see this little girl's pigtails - how cute and just like her own!

Finally a visit to the Deux Moulins cafe hoping Amelie might be there, no luck, but she did spot some photos of the well-travelled gnome - a man after her own heart!

Alsace was beautiful and she found the locals so friendly. This charming stork, a resident in our room, became a great mate ...

and even this cuddly bunny was happy to listen to her chatter.

She loved playing hide and seek and thought this was a great spot to hide - her clothes were the same colour as the foliage.

It was so easy to get around by public transport ...

and there was so much to see.

While she was in this tree, she wobbled a bit too much while looking at the stunning architecture and actually fell into a small hollow filled with water resulting in sopping clothes and a very wet bottom (she didn't want me to tell you that!)

Back in my pack, she continues to travel in comfort and safety enjoying all the wonderful Alsacienne experiences.

Thoughts on travelling

2008-11-06T05:05:00.008+11:00

This week we are spending our time in the lovely medieval town of Colmar in Alsace near the German border. The buildings are colourful, half-timbered dwellings and there is a sense of light and space in this town that seemed to be missing in Dinan. Today we decided to travel on the local bus as far as we could for €1.15 - to the nearby village of Turckheim - what an amazing place! It took us completely by surprise and I've placed some photos of it here for your enjoyment.

Over the last few days I have been thinking about travelling and how it teaches us so much about ourselves ... how we cope in new situations, how well we can adapt, how readily we accept different ways, and how easily we can get along with others.

Above all, travelling tends to bring to the fore what is important in one's life. It sorts out our priorities.

Something interesting happened yesterday that also made me realize that even when a you are a tourist, there is a certain familiarity in an unexplored city. Let me explain ...

John and I decided to spend the day in Strasbourg so we bought our return tickets at the station and were on our way. We had little cash with us, so upon our arrival I went to an ATM but my withdrawal was denied (Grant and Karen may smile at this ... they had to lend us some kuna as the first three ATMs I tried in Zagreb also refused access to our funds). We knew no-one in Strasbourg.

Not long afterwards a young woman with a sleeping child approached me begging for money, so I emptied my purse, giving her all our remaining euros. My thinking was that firstly, she probably needed the money more than us; and secondly since we didn't have much that is basically the same as having nothing, so why worry?

Now it was soon after that I found my thought processes were not quite correct as all the 'familiarity' of our time in a foreign city was removed. We couldn't go to a cafe for a coffee or hot chocolate, we couldn't visit a gallery or museum, we couldn't even pay the entry fee to go to the toilet, nor could we buy a baguette for lunch. It became clear to me that as a tourist you do have a certain routine, almost a role to play in foreign cities and without that, without the funds to do that, it is a little unsettling. Unlike a local without money, as a tourist you have no-one to call on.

We headed for the cathedral – we always like to sit in a church in the towns we visit – it was closed for two hours, as was the second church we found.

We walked along the banks of the canal, then the river ... no seats to sit on – something else we like to do. All aspects of our familiar routine of exploring a new city were gone. Last of all we found we had wandered too far and we were 'off' the map we were using.

I found it a very interesting experience and it gave me a little more insight into our journey. Just like our routine at home, we had developed a way of discovering what we could about a new place and without the comfort of those 'patterns', I developed a new perspective.

I wasn't concerned as we had our return tickets, some fruit and water bottles; we found a park – with a seat – and ate our lunch; we asked a helpful passer-by for directions; the cathedral opened in the afternoon and we were able to spend time wandering, contemplating and praying; and we tried a different ATM later on - with success.

Often John and I have gone out of our way to avoid the 'touristy things' and consequently have unearthed some amazing experiences, but it seems we are still creatures of habit and routine, even in foreign climes.

A Golden Day

2008-11-03T06:59:00.008+11:00

The morning was grey and dull with faint drizzle falling but we happily set off on the Number 95 bus - this is Paris after all!

Alighting at the Louvre, we were strolling through the gardens towards the river. Few people were about but I was keen to get to the bank of the Seine; that wonderful waterway I’d heard and read so much about. I walked ahead looking for a path down to the river.

John was a little distracted camera-ways as he kept seeing shots he wanted to take. He was involved with the following composition when he noticed a passer-by stoop and start examining something in his hand. The stranger approached John, holding out his hand, asking (more sign language than English) if John had lost a ring. He showed John a gentleman’s gold wedding band. John said “no”, trying to explain to him that it didn’t belong to him. He then called me over.

The stranger said he had found the ring and it must be ours and he would give it to us. Once again we tried to tell him it wasn’t. I took my gloves off, showed him that I had all my rings and that I didn’t want another. It was a gift for me, un cadeau for your wife Monseiur! He kept repeating. I said we needed to go to the gendarme...

The cheerful man would have none of that, he chatted away, still insisting, then kissed me on both cheeks, wished us a bonne journee, shook and kissed hands and headed off in the opposite direction. We were a little confused - John still had the ring in his hand. The amiable stranger then halted, turned and called and returned to us, asking if we could spare some coins as he was hungry and would like to buy a sandwich.

We continued chatting as I willingly got out the euros for the generous stranger. We found he was from Yugoslavia. “Whereabouts”, John asked, “Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia?” He was a little evasive in his friendly way, but he thought Slovakia.

We said goodbye again, but by this time I was a little suspicious, asking John if the ring was real. “Yes”, he said examining the 18 kt stamp inside. We then wondered where we would find the police to hand it in.

It was only a minute or two later that another passer-by stooped down then held out his hand asking if John had lost a gold ring. We both laughed … John thought it was the biggest joke! He had been well and truly conned - he laughed all day long...

That day seven people approached us asking if we’d lost a gold ring!!! John was really into the swing of it by the third, playing along with them, suggesting they swap etc.

None them had the skill and charm of the first though. He had made our day and we hope he enjoyed his sandwich - he deserved it!

What we've noticed in Paris

2008-10-30T21:49:00.005+11:00

People ...
this is a very crowded city and we search for quiet places.

Chimney pots ...
this is the view from our bedroom window over many apartment blocks with many corresponding fireplaces.

Decoration ...
mostly on building facades, windows, doorways and lamposts.

Wrought iron ...
usually on the window balconies of the beautiful apartments.

Flowers ...
in florists, pots and window boxes (very few gardens).

Baguettes ...
eaten anywhere and at anytime.

Pigeons ...
ever ready for crumbs of baguettes.

Love ...
isn't Paris reputed to be the most romantic city?

Children ...
full of life and on school holidays.

Hot chocolate ...
this one is at 'Amelie's' favourite cafe.

Metro ...
to whisk us away to unexplored destinations.

Paris

2008-10-29T23:49:00.004+11:00

A quick note to let you know that we are currently in Paris, sitting in Place de Berlioz surrounded by beautiful apartments, falling autumn leaves and with weak sunshine to warm us.

We are staying in Montmatre and have spent our time thus far wandering up and down the narrow streets of this area of Paris.

Some parts are dense with tourists - it is the school holidays in France - but there are quieter areas which we enjoy exploring.

Last night we attended dinner at a college where students are learning all aspects of the hospitality industry. We enjoyed a fine meal (John says 'exceptionally fine') with very attentive and friendly students to provide all one could wish for ... desserts came out on three trolleys ... which ones would Madame like? (I only chose two - that was after 'amuse bouche', 'entree', 'main plat', and 'selection du fromage')

We're now off to enjoy a chocalat chaud at the local cafe of 'Amelie' fame ... à bientôt!

Dinan

2008-10-26T20:57:00.009+11:00

Leaving Portsmouth at night with all the harbour lights shining was very special, and then to awake to dawn in St. Malo, Brittany ... how exciting.

St. Malo took us a little by surprise, I think I was expecting just a transfer terminal, a stopping off point, somewhere to pass through while travelling to some other more exotic location. It is beautiful.

We entered via the huge gate,

looking for somewhere to have breakfast. I decided the best option was to find where the local people were buying their baguettes ... Voilà!

After a splendid breakfast, we continued with our bags to the bus station only to find no buses to Dinan and no way by water either. It was Sunday.

John wanted to go out to the highway and hitch a ride but I didn't feel comfortable or confident with this idea. Looking at the map, it seemed as if there was a railway line so I asked about la gare and was pleased to find we could travel to Dinan, via Dol de Bretagne, and arrive by evening. It was 34 kilometres and it took us about six hours to get to the B&B we had booked.

It was worth it. Dinan is a medieval walled town, sitting high on a hill above the River Rance.

Our B&B is one of the medieval buildings on the main route leading from the river up through la grande porte to the top of the hill. As well as being steep the street is narrow and cobbled and takes very few cars - 5 or 6 a day. People walk up and down, mostly in the afternoon and at night as the day seems to start later here.

So much of the original town is intact - it is quite stunning and in some ways a little difficult to get to grips with. Is it real?

After being here a few days, we met a lovely couple from Bristol who invited us to join them on a trip to "Le Mont St. Michel".

What a treat. The day was glorious and the ancient buildings with the surrounding sea, breathtaking. Thanks John and Angie!

We spent three hours exploring,

lots of up-along, then down-along

through the narrow twisting alleys.

How huge are the Breton skies?

Dinan seems crowded by comparison and I guess it is - especially on the weekend with many, many people walking up and down the cobbled street, most seem to stop and take a photo of our residence or sit on the stone seat outside to catch their breath.

There are two churches in Dinan - St. Saveur and St. Malo - the latter being my favourite. It is very plain inside as it was cleared of its tapestries and ornaments after the revolution, but the stained-glass windows are exceptional, so full of life and colour. I particularly love the one of Anne of Bretagne who became Queen of France - look at the background buildings (Dinan?), the flowers and banners. It reminds me of a lively illustration from a fairytale. If I was a child, I would love to sit in this church each Sunday gazing at this amazing window. There are five or six windows like this in the church.

We have a little kitchen so haven't been eating out much - baguettes and terrines, a small tarte or two, and we do buy a little Breton specialty each evening at le Patisserie at the foot of the hill oppostite the Rance. We've also visited the market with its array of country goodies.

We've explored along the river

and the battlements

to nearby villages

and beyond.

We've enjoyed our time in Dinan.

Some ...

2008-10-22T04:42:00.026+11:00

* Some window boxes we have admired ...

* Some paths we have trod ...

* Some wells we have passed ...

* Some sculptures we have gazed upon ...

* Some doors we have noticed ...

* Some food we have enjoyed ...

* Some people we have met ...

* Some decorations we have marvelled at ...

* Some buildings we have seen ...

* Some streets we have walked along ...

* Some flowers that have made us smile ...

* Some scenes we have beheld ...

* Some crosses and shrines that have reminded us to be truly thankful for the protection and blessings we have received from our loving Heavenly Father ...

* and someone we have missed, along with her Mum and Dad, her uncles and others ...

Travels with Krisztina

2008-10-22T01:40:00.010+11:00

As we prepared for our walk, Krisztina was very keen to get underway, she sat on the top of my pack, patiently waiting while we got ready.

At morning tea, she again waited patiently, eager to be off

and didn't mind being strapped in a little more securely along with my drink bottle and walking pole.

She found these mushrooms intriguing,

and was pleased for us when we found our first sign in English.

Krisztina could barely contain herself when she saw this 'hide'

and quickly tried to climb it (it is a 'tree-house thing' - Sheridan will understand).

At Posreda Castle she had a wonderful time, firstly admiring the size of the beautiful conkers,

then exploring inside the ancient walls - aren't these windows tiny?

Her fearlessness of heights can be a problem - she doesn't agree - but she does see some interesting sights.

'Captivating' is how she described the scenery as we explored the hillsides covered in vineyards,

but her enthusiasm was subdued a little when twisting around for a better view she fell out of my pack. It was not until about 500 metres later I noticed a lack of chatter and found her missing - this is how I found her when I retraced my steps.

I carried her for a while and then let her rest in comfort to fully recover from her ordeal.

The next day there was barely a peep from her as she sat securely until we reached Brezice - the end of our walk! (She was very excited about this).

Another wait ... this time for the train to Zagreb,

but then a delicious cake to enjoy after all that hard walking.

Finally a quick call to friends in Budapest before flying out to further adventures.

Farewell Budapest

2008-10-18T17:06:00.003+11:00

After staying in Budapest on three occasions now, we are saying 'goodbye' to this interesting city.
Szia!

Zagreb

2008-10-18T03:39:00.014+11:00

Greetings everyone,

This post is in two parts as we returned to Zagreb after our walk. I wrote the first a few weeks ago ...

Zagreb is the most wonderful city. It was only on impulse that we decided to spend three nights here along with Grant and Karen our new Canadian friends whom we met on the build. The city is so accessible ... easy to walk or tram to any destination.

We are staying in the most amazing ‘sobe’ which I’m sure would never be allowed to take paying guests in Australia, but what an experience. I’ve added some photos of the views - rooftops, balconies, washing lines and the steep, steep, sloping wooden steps (almost like a ladder) that lead to where our friends are staying. They have a fridge and stove top so we keep our yoghurt and juice there and breakfast with them. Our room is tiny and hidden behind fig leaves and shutters but is quiet and has good air flow.

Everyone seems very friendly and helpful and on our first night we attended a concert in the Bazilika presvetog srca Isusovog. The Aachen Cathedral Choir from Germany is touring various countries and happened to be in Zagreb - it is a male choir, mostly boys, and was established 1200 years ago.

While there we met a lovely lady who invited us to join her family for lunch the next day. So John and I set off on the number 2 tram, map and address in hand to experience a most enjoyable afternoon with Zeljka (called Tony), Ivan, Marija and Petra. They welcomed us into their home and with their excellent English, conversation flowed thick and fast. We ate a delicious, home-cooked meal and after such kind hospitality, Tony insisted on driving us back and we bid farewell bearing many generous gifts. We are now thinking that after our walk we may return to Zagreb for a few more days before flying out of Budapest.

Then recently John wrote ...

Our time in Zagreb has been one of relaxation, catching our collective breaths and of wandering beautiful old Baroque streets marvelling at the architecture and format of this compact gorgeous little city. It is off the main tourist route (although this is changing) and it is easy to walk around and become familiar with its geography quite quickly. This is our second time through and we are on our way to Budapest to catch our flight to London. We came here by choice more than anything else, although another reason was the AUD has a much more favourable exchange rate with the Croatian KUNA than the EURO. So that was a more practical attraction. We were going to have to pay EU 75 each night in Brezice in our 4 star hotel which was included in our walk package.

Instead, here we have a huge downstairs room in what our hostess (Slavica) calls “an old Baroque palace” with a huge front door. It is three hundred years old and we are paying 34 EU to sleep on a sofa bed, but we have a washing machine and our own bathroom and we are 100 metres from the main square. Zagreb is a very friendly city and everybody seems to have time to sit, drink good quality cheap coffee, have a smoke (or three or four), chat, as well as work. I wonder what we are missing out on in our mad rush in life back home? Nobody works after lunch on Saturday or Sunday - everything closes. The markets are on in the mornings to buy fresh stuff and flowers to take to lunch with Mum and Dad, which nearly everybody seems to do.

There are churches everywhere in Zagreb and they are the best maintained buildings of all. Croatians are passionate folks - youngsters embracing in all the parks, national flags everywhere, and passionate about their Catholicism too. There is much renovation happening here presently every third old run-down building is being done up, so jack-hammers and trucks seem to be around every second corner.

The Croats are snappy dressers and take care in what they wear.

The lifestyle is much more agreeable and with the relaxed approach to life, the cafe scene, and the cheerful atmosphere it is a city we are loathe to leave.

Walking in Slovenia

2008-10-15T21:23:00.005+11:00

During our walk we had little internet access so we both made notes at various times and we're putting them up all at once ...

DAY 1 (John)
Hotel Breza was quite fine - we had a lovely view from our bedroom window of the wooded hill behind the hotel. There are about 3 large hotels in the Olimio Terme complex -- all providing accommodation for the folks wanting to use the thermal pools which have magnesium carbonate which is beneficial for rhuematism and skin complaints. We used the pools for an hour or more on Tuesday as we arrived much earlier than we would have by train as we hired a taxi from Zagreb for 500 Ku. The AUD has dropped to .70 USD, .4 Sterling and .5 EUR. The ASX all ords is at 4,400, Japanese market fell 9.3% and Brazil and Russia suspended trading after 10%+ drops. Such is the lack of confidence.

The walk today was lovely - such a beautiful country. Walked through villages, woods and farms we would never normally see. Such ancient settlement and land use patterns to be seen. Saw a little viper I photographed (a very warm day). Visited an old monastery and had a lovely time. Much up and down though.

* This monastery has the oldest pharmacy in Europe - I caught a photo of a monk entering it (left hand side) carrying a wooden box full of little brown bottles -K.

SECOND DAY OF WALKING - Velbana Gorca, Gostinca to Motel Ribnik, Kezlje (Kathy)

Our hosts were fantastic at Velbana Gorca and we set off to find that the golden retriever that had followed us for two hours the previous afternoon was outside ready to continue walking with us. In the end Slava had to tie him up to prevent him from following us any further.

Lots of climbs and spectacular views as we made progress through beautiful forests. I was once again taken by the falling leaves and the sounds they made as well as watching them swirling through the air. En route we saw Martin on his tractor and waved, he drove over and invited us to his place (on top of the world) for a drink. It was very nice wine and we were joined by his wife and son Ciril as well as one or two others - no English, and no Slovenian on our part but we enjoyed our time. Kittens abounded and we showed our family photos.

We walked through many beautiful forests and John found an abandoned cottage - the forested areas must have been grazing lands generations ago.

We are staying at a motel tonight so not the personal touch. Used the free internet at the fire station (I fell down the rough concrete steps so hopefully I can walk tomorrow - as it turned out John slipped on the same steps the next morning).

SLOVENIA
As I write we are half way through our walk. We have been surprised at the planned route through many farms and vineyards - it seems as if there is a right-of-way through any land in Slovenia.

At first I noticed the sounds, especially the falling leaves. It is autumn and there are so many deciduous trees in the forests. Other sounds included children’s laughter and chatter, dogs barking, chooks, running water, birdsong and bells ... church bells ringing.

After a while I began feeling as if I was part of a game. Our children had one called ‘Journey through Europe’ and I felt I was living it especially as we were following “clues” to find our way. The number of beautiful apple trees, fully laden are amazing, as are the vineyards. There are MANY dogs, some friendly and others tied up - thankfully.

By the second day I was very aware of fairytales. John decided to investigate an abandoned cottage in one forest while I continued to walk. He took ages and I started wondering about Hansel and Gretel and the wicked witch as it was exactly the sort of place the poor children would have been lured to. This morning we passed a garden filled with huge turnips - how many will it take to pull them? Snow white and the seven dwarfs as well as ancient Sleeping Beauty castles - one can easily imagine how these stories came into being.

Today’s walking was 17 kilometres of climbing and descending. Stunning scenery and isolated forests but quite heavy going on the steep tracks. Even the “clues” described one forest path as ‘precipitous’ and warning us to take care. I’m not very good walking down steep tracks but John has been very patient and even carried my pack as well as his own so I was able to concentrate on my progress - we’re very glad to have our walking poles.

After making it through today’s route, I should be fine to finish. This area is so beautiful and we can’t help but take photos at every turn.

I don’t know that I’m writing coherently as I’m extremely tired and dinner is in 5 minutes. So until next time … dobra vecer.

Kathy

Saturday 11 October, John writes - Harvest at Klet

Our host’s son “Rok” brought us breakfast at 8am and I explained yesterday was a very hard day’s walk. He came back after the first course and invited us to spend the day assisting with grape harvest. He had very good English and simply asked us to think about. Today’s walk would apparently be harder than yesterday’s as it is a steep climb up to St Ema’s church on a high ridge above the valley - there are fifteen stations of the cross also to walk past, and fifteen kilometres in length but longer in time. We decided the harvest would be a wonderful, cultural experience for us which would never be repeated - so harvest we did!

We did not regret the time in any way. We met some very beautiful people and had such a social time picking grapes and enjoying the countryside, wine and food together with 30 friends and family of our host.

We spent a lot of time conversing with Tadeja - a lovely young Slovenian girl who has fine English (she actually has had no lessons but has learnt it by watching TV with Slovenian subtitles!). We got on very well and she was the translator and interpreter for everyone when their English escaped them We were harvesting sauvignon blanc grapes I believe, and drinking pinot noir all day - or Canadian whiskey at 10am!

We harvested in what must be one of the most beautiful grape growing sceneries in the world. Very small vineyards adjacent to beech and oak forests in high autumn colours and clear sky and 22 degrees - such a special day for us both.

Later that evening, after our final feast, our hosts sent us off with a bottle of their best and Tadeja and Rok drove us to our next accommodation.

Continuing the journey (Kathy)

After our amazing day harvesting and feasting, we decided not to follow the planned route but to find our own walk for the day. Eventually we decided on reaching St. Anton’s church, perched on a hillside, high above the village and vineyards.

What an absolutely idyllic day to follow the special harvest. Although it was foggy to start with, the air later cleared to reveal a country side covered with a patchwork of vineyards.

The day was warm and peaceful and it was a joy to be part of it with such stunning surroundings. We had a picnic lunch with us and John asked for some water from one of the small ‘gorcas’ we were walking past. Along with the water came the obligatory three glasses of wine! They too were harvesting but eating lunch when we approached - their view was down over the valley into Croatia.

Our final day’s walking was for 24 kilometres into Brezice.

This day was not as strenuous as there were fewer climbs and we walked for many k’s through meadows that farmers were being paid to leave uncultivated, and along the levy bank of the river. We had some climbs during the morning with apparently spectacular views but we were in thick fog until the early afternoon.

Brezice is a lovely town with a castle (there are many castles in this area) and once again we slept to the sound of the church bells sounding each quarter hour.

The walk has been extremely enjoyable through the most beautiful countryside and the accommodation has been excellent. There has been much ‘up-along and down-along’, as John says, and it was much more difficult than he was anticipating. At the end he told me he had his doubts I would make it!

We are now waiting for a train to Zagreb where we hope to spend the rest of the week before retuning to Budapest on Friday and flying out on Saturday.

Thank you for your e-mails - we love hearing from you as sometimes we feel such a long way, away.

Krisztina

2008-10-12T20:23:00.014+11:00

Here is a little diversion that many of you will understand …

For a number of years “The Flats” have enjoyed travelling. FlatMary and FlatKathy have toured New Zealand, Belgium, France and the UK. They loved visiting Mary’s relatives in the United States, and particularly enjoyed the Thames Path in 2006 and have been seen at a number of other memorable occasions closer to home. Sadly, they were a little reluctant to come with me on this trip - maybe Mary’s cruise was more appealing - and by the time I was in Budapest I was missing their flat company.

It was while I was thinking of all they were missing out on, that Krisztina called out. She wanted adventure, wouldn’t be any trouble and could fit easily into my pocket if necessary. She was very persuasive and I agreed!

Although she is Hungarian through and through, she gleefully embraces many cultures and has proved a cheerful travelling companion.

Krisztina was very keen to show me some of her favourite places in her native Budapest and here she is by a model of the church of St. Mathias …

And then on the wall of Fisherman’s Bastion with her beloved city in the background.

She embraced country life in Hajdu …

and was happy to give a hand measuring at the build …

she was quite taken with all those rebar squares …

But was a little confused as to what could be found in the middle of the roads.

She loved the visit to Debrecen …

And appreciated the ’bird’s-eye view’ from John’s backpack

And the yummy looking cakes…

John’s birthday chocolates also proved tempting as she has quite a sweet tooth!

She really is great company, very photogenic and makes friends easily. John is also quite taken with her engaging smile and readiness to take on any challenge - and she isn’t afraid of heights!

Hajdúböszörmény

2008-10-10T02:20:00.015+11:00

This may be a little difficult to write - what can one say about a town where we were involved in such a unique way?

Hajdúböszörmény reminds me of what I imagine villages or towns may have been like 50 or 100 years ago …
Mostly streets are narrow and many unpaved

Homes simple, yet with some beautiful decorations

Each seems to be almost self-sufficient as fruit and vegetables grow in abundance both in the gardens and out on the streets

Many have goats or cows for milk

Flowers seem almost as important as vegetables

Most people ride bicycles - often loaded with children, produce or milk pails - and at a leisurely pace, no-one seems to be in a hurry

Horses and carts are common, sometimes beautifully decorated

Pubs and cafes often seem to be rooms in ordinary houses

People are very helpful - Katalin operates this tiny flower shop and gave me some apples (we share the same name, though not the same language but can still communicate)

Rural scenes and smells are common (I turned to take this photo just after taking Katalin’s)

On the first morning we woke in the early hours and all was silent. As I dozed I heard the whoosh, squeak, whoosh, squeak of someone riding by on a bicycle, then it was birdsong, roosters crowing, dogs barking and church bells.

We were staying in the most wonderful accommodation above a mineral spa which we had ready access to - so appreciated after a day at the building site. We ate our set meals at a small restaurant a few metres away where Rosika saw to all our needs, and we walked everywhere.

A number of special meals were eaten elsewhere including one for John’s 50th birthday - it was one of the most hilarious dinners I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. I shall relate this memorable occasion …

The staff did not speak a word of English and our Hungarian limited to phrase books, but fortunately most of the items on the menu were in both languages. I think a dictionary must have been used to translate as options included “Gizzard stew”, “Hen soup” and “Delicate cucumbers”. A number system was employed and each of us was given a piece of paper to write our choices on. The dishes were prepared and then the waitress would bring them out and of course give us the name of each in Hungarian. We didn’t have a clue whose was whose, especially when, like Lloyd, pork chop came as chopped pork. Also the numbers were confusing as our 7’s look like European 1’s and our 1’s are ignored altogether. Although it was an hilarious lucky dip, the food was delicious and the staff cheerful.

With Pisti’s help we had ordered a cake for the celebration, so with food, wine, kind gifts and cards it was a wonderful occasion.

John and I followed the sound of church bells and attended a Sunday service, not understanding much but still able to contemplate worship in another culture and how we all trust in the one true and living God. The service reminded us of some we had attended in Scotland with the singing of psalms and the quiet, subtly adorned church.

Hajdúböszörmény has some stunning public buildings and along with Debrecen they seemed to be in much better repair than in Budapest. The high school is situated in the town square along with the town hall and the old Calvin church. Every Hungarian we spoke with is proud of their country, loves their home town and would not want to live anywhere else …

what more can I say?

Jozsef Pesti

2008-10-08T18:01:00.006+11:00

We had been in Hajdúböszörmény for two or three days when John started saying, “I wish I could find an old Hungarian who could speak English so I could talk to him about the Soviet times.”

I thought this was a little pie in the sky to say the least, as when I hesitantly went shopping for something to help my ‘rebar wrist’, I found helpful people but no English speakers.

As it turned out, the answer came in the form of Jozsef Pesti.

We were in Debrecen, a beautiful city and the second largest in Hungary, when Jozsef approached us. Hungarians love their country (and rightly so) and already that morning an unknown elderly gentleman had proudly spoken to us about his beloved city in Hungarian, but Pisti, (the site manager as distinct from Pisti the homeowner - Pisti means Steve), was with us and could translate.

This time, while admiring the beautiful architecture of the town square, Jozsef came up to me and started speaking in Hungarian, I apologized saying I couldn’t understand, then he asked if I was English. I told him, Australian, and then the conversation started - he had lived in the United States for nearly forty years after escaping in 1956 and spoke perfect English.

He happened to be giving out leaflets about a gathering he would be speaking at, remembering the 1956 revolution, and John immediately asked if we could buy him lunch.

Four others from the team decided to join us and over delicious goulash and cabbage rolls, John had his much longed-for conversation.
Briefly, here is his story …

Jozsef Pesti is/was a poet of the revolution. His poetry was being read, anonymously, on the underground radio “Free Europe” and in 1956 at the gathering in front of the parliament in Budapest, he read his poems to the crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

He spoke of those days and then told us of his escape - it was due to a broken leg and some journalists who knew of him via the radio, that he was able to flee Hungary later that year. He spoke of his adventures and how he obtained a passport and ended up living in the U.S, teaching Geography and Political Studies in Virginia. He married an American lady and only returned victorious to his country in 1992.

It was an unexpected, amazing lunch - a real treat - and one we will remember for a very long time - thanks Joe!

* Jozsef Pesti had a book published in 1966 - “On the edge of the volcano”.

Other build memories ...

2008-10-06T20:38:00.014+11:00

* Corn being harvested and the stooks set up beside the build site

* John being shown home plans by an excited Judit

* Pisti taking his family to see the finished slab of their future home

* Rescuing a hedgehog that had fallen into a hole

* Regular visits by a very friendly, shaggy dog who had five of the most gorgeous pups

* Rane (from Portland, Oregan but currently living in Munich) buying doggy treats for the above to enjoy while we consumed the goulash

* Linda listening attentively while one of Attila and Marija’s children spoke so earnestly to her - a lengthy conversation with no common language

* Then seeing her tying his shoe lace

* One little boy at ease calling John, ‘Janoš’ - John had introduced himself by the Hungarian version of his name - pronounced ‘Yahnosh’

* Colourful blossoms of plants in pots by the paths of the unfinished homes

* Family names on front doors

* Various shapes, sizes and styles of vehicles coming to the site including bicycles, horses and carts, innovative trailers, trucks and cars

* The size of some of the nails

* Happy conversations walking to and from the site (about 2 klms from where we were staying)

* Excitement at seeing the concrete poured (how many of us would have had any interest or knowledge a month beforehand?)

* Chatting and laughing while working and at breaks

* Hearing Attila and Marija’s heartfelt thanks, not only for our contribution but thanking God for the opportunity of owning their home and the impact that will have on their children’s future

* Karen (from Yellowknife, Canada) being told the best way to check for the correct consistency of the mortar is to taste it

* Walking away from the build for the final time

* Paul (from Phoenix, Arizona) performing wonderful antics for Judit’s daughter’s delight - no language necessary

* And listening to his great accent (he grew up in the Bronx, New York) as he told the funniest anecdotes

* Rane’s photography and her idea of a “Women of Habitat” calendar - later extended to include the men

* The homeowners’ children having a ball - what a wonderful community

* Sharing and generosity among the team

*Plans for Portugal 2010

More about the build

2008-10-06T05:50:00.022+11:00

Being the “Rebar Queen”, I thought I might fill you in on a few more details …

Upon our arrival we were shown the four duplexes (eight homes) that were started last year. They are almost finished and during our stay four kitchens were installed - looking great - and I spent the last two days cutting and applying external insulation to the base of the last duplex. The families are keen to move in!

The first six days were spent preparing two new slabs. For this new stage, three duplexes and a playground are being constructed. We completed two slabs. I did mention a little about rebar last time, but you’ll have to indulge me here as I present a step-by-step guide to tying rebar: (we did tie over 10,000 of these - I think we were tying re-bar in our dreams!)

Firstly the reinforced steel bars need to be placed accurately every 25 cms. both width-ways and length-ways. At first we used a tape measure but then innovatively used wooden spacers cut to the correct length. Linda, from Banff in Canada, and I worked as a pair for a couple of days and after completing 3 metres were only 0.5 cm. out - pretty good!

Next, one would hold the bars in position while the other did the wire wrap and twist.

The centre of the wire would be placed across the upper, width-ways bar, then under the length-ways bar - each side, finally being brought up over the top again and twisted securely in place using pliers.

A number of variations were introduced … clockwise twist, anti-clockwise twist, pre-bent wires (Linda’s favourite was the fish-shape), twisted wires up, twisted wires down, two short wires on diagonals, no wedge, a single wedge to lift the bar below or what became know as the ‘Lloyd Bridge’ where a wedge was placed under all the length-ways bars at once (invented by Lloyd from Chicago).

Knee pads were used by some, others squatted, some sat others used upturned buckets. Although tiring, there were lots of laughs and it was fun working with others. I developed ‘rebar wrist’, and towards the end ‘rebar knee’ was also becoming a problem for a few of ‘team rebar’.

Once the bottom layer was completed on the lower pouring of concrete, rebar boxes were made and secured on all four sides then an upper layers of rebar was placed above the lower. This was much easier to do and we didn’t need to be a pair - just a group to complete the layer.

While we ‘rebarred’, John and others were involved with building a wooden frame to support the concrete as it was being poured. I must admit initially I thought we would be mixing it as well but it arrived in trucks and although I helped a little with the pour on the first slab and placed the upright rods (I’m not sure what they are called) into the drying cement, I really had little to do with the concrete and kept on tying rebar.

Pouring, moving and smoothing out the concrete was pretty hard work but the slabs were excellent. On the final day John spent most of the time removing the wooden frames and chipping away set concrete from the sides - exhausting work. As a grand finale we planned to hold a dance on the first slab, with some Hungarian instructors to teach us, but for some reason the instructors couldn’t make it.

As the families have a job to earn income, during the day only Judit, a mother of four whose husband works away from home, and Pisti who is a baker and works during the early hours of the morning were on the site with us each day - they complete their hours on whatever home needs work. Other home owners came when they could, but mostly they worked of an evening and on the weekend when we weren’t there.

As the second slab was being finished, I waited for John and thought it was lovely to see the two future homeowners of the duplex (Pisti and Sandor) - future neighbours - working side by side with John and Kai from central Saskatchewan.

On the last afternoon, it was with a tinge of sadness I hung up my apron and left my tools - particularly my trusty pliers, but what a wonderful experience that we‘ve had the privilege to be part of.

On the last night, Erzsebet, one of the wives and mothers, cooked a traditional Hungarian goulash in a huge cauldron over an open fire and a number of families joined us as we consumed the delicious brew. It was wonderful to have the children there and get to know them a little - aren’t these tiny feet so cute!

Through translation by those who could speak both languages, we were so pleased to know that we as volunteers, and Habitat for Humanity as an organization, makes such a big differences in the lives of these families and the futures of their precious children.

It was a great evening to finish off our time in Hajduboszormeny.

The build

2008-10-02T01:17:00.004+10:00

With the internet half an hour's walk away, it is often too difficult to get after a day on the site. So apologies for the erratic communication, but here is a description of what we have been doing ...

Last year four duplexes were started and are almost finished. Some of the team have spent time sanding plaster, fitting kitchens and doing door frames. I love to see the ownership of the still to be completed homes - flowers by the door and the family name placed there already.

Most of my time has been spent tying reinforced steel bars (rebar) at 25 cm intervals. From what I understand the site was originally a swamp so the slabs for the houses are very, very, strong ... fill, concrete, two layers of the rebar and more concrete. I must admit I feel like the Rebar Queen! I suffered 'rebar-wrist' on the third day but bought some soothing balm at the local market and have been fine since. We start at 8 o'clock and have a very satisfying day in the open air.

Although he is doing some rebar here, John had mostly been working on the framework for the slab and the concreting. We have done slabs for two duplexes and they are strong enough to hold a ten storey building!

The surroundings are quite rural ...

and horses and carts are a common sight.

Sorry to rush but I've got to go.

Kathy and John

We're here!

2008-09-26T03:59:00.002+10:00

Just a quick note to say we have arrived and having a great time. No internet access till now and this is only brief.

Hajdu is amazing - in many ways I feel as if we've stepped back in time. Build is going well mostly working on the concrete slabs of two duplexes,

Must go,
Kathy and John

Budapest

2008-09-22T15:53:00.003+10:00

After a long journey (33 hours from home to the hotel) we arrived safely in Hungary yesterday. What a big, diverse, wonderful world this is and yet how similar we all are.

Here are my first impressions, a special request from Therese …
From the air the range of colours and textures was breathtaking as fields, market gardens, woods and hedges lay below us and in Budapest itself, the faded grandeur of this beautiful city did not diminish its sense of dignity and buzz of everyday life. As we passed by street after street of gorgeous buildings with tired facades, busy cobbled roads with familiar trams, graffiti, and MacDonald’s, there were reminders of Melbourne yet it is all so different. Budapest is a centuries-old city with a past and I feel as if its history is etched on every brick. A city with the wondrous sound of an indecipherable language which is so gentle on the ear, delicious food and life happening to the full.

Upon our arrival I needed a nap as the ground was unstable before my dizzy self, but John had an adrenalin rush and was off to walk along the Danube with another member of the Habitat team. Later the whole team gathered to meet one another and enjoy dinner together at a nearby restaurant. We learnt more of Habitat in Hungary and felt so inspired and thankful to be part of this building project. The team is diverse but all enthusiastic and eager to start - we travel out to the town today, a three hour bus ride away.

I don’t know how the coming days will unfold but will write when able.

With love,
Kathy and John

Departure

2008-09-20T06:28:00.001+10:00

The school holidays have begun,
Our bags are almost packed,
The family farewell dinner has been enjoyed
And only the last few items on the 'to do' list need to be ticked.

Today is our departure day and it is with very mixed feelings we say 'au revoir' to our dear family and friends. We will miss you all but are thankful for modern technology and the ease of keeping in contact (we hope!). We are excited about our plans, feel a little uncertain about communicating but so grateful for the opportunity.

"It's a dangerous business going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep you feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." (JRR Tolkein)

Itinerary

2008-08-31T13:56:00.000+10:00

With less than three weeks before we leave, it is starting to feel a little more real. So from now on we shall be posting stories, photographs and sharing experiences of our travels during the next three months.
We hope you enjoy reading our 'missives'.

Here are our plans for those who would like to follow our progress ...

September 20 Depart for Budapest, travelling via Bangkok and Frankfurt.
September 21 Meet the Habitat for Humanity team in Budapest.
September 22 Travel by bus with the team to Hajdúböszörmény where we will be involved with the building project.
October 8 Start of our walk in the Little Vineyards of the Kozjansko Hills
October 18 Fly from Budapest to Heathrow, bus to Portsmouth, ferry overnight to St. Malo.
October 19 Arrive in Dinan, Brittany to stay in a Medieval house in the main street of Dinan.
October 27 Train to Paris where we have a room in an apartment(B&B) in Montmartre for five nights.
November 1 Travel by TGV fast train to Colmar in Alsace-Lorraine where we have B&B accommodation in this beautiful Medieval town on the French-German border.
November 8 TGV to Paris, Eurostar to St. Pancras station and on to Blockley in Gloucestershire (Cotswolds) where we are renting Silk Cottage for a week.
November 15-22 Catching up and staying with friends in a variety of locations in England.
November 22/23 Volunteer weekend at Fordhall Farm Shropshire, where Kathy is a very small shareholder of this community farm.
November 23-26 Staying in Shrewsbury for our 30th wedding anniversary.
November 27 Fly to Bangkok to visit friends.
December 4 Return to Melbourne.

Please feel free to leave any messages below or you are welcome to e-mail us - we'd love to hear from you.

John and Kathy

Plans

2008-08-27T06:50:00.000+10:00

The plans for our trip are progressing nicely and our departure date is drawing near. I hope to place an itinerary here soon.

Must dash ...