August 5: Hungary: Savoring the Small Town Vibe
One of the things I’ve so much enjoyed about this summer’s trip is savoring some of the small-town moments as I visit different countries. After a delightful evening in the little village of Morahalom, Hungary I leisurely traveled on bucolic country backroads in beautiful weather to the picturesque city of Pecs.
Riding into Morahalom yesterday, I immediately felt welcomed by the hamlet’s friendly vibe. Children played in a large central park, pedestrians walked on flower lined sidewalks, and families cycled from one end of town to the other on the main street’s well-marked and nicely paved bike path. The owner of the Klaudia Vendeghaz guest house stepped outside to greet me and lead me to the paved secure parking right next to my room.
Arriving at the one restaurant in town for dinner, I felt like I was joining a family barbeque at the park. Visitors and locals congregated at large picnic tables outside under a wooden A Frame awning while the waitstaff brought out huge platters of home-cooked food, most of which was deep fried.
Deciding to take an after-dinner stroll, I passed customers lined up for Gelato, small colorfully painted shops with flower filled planters, local residences offering lodging to visitors, couples pushing babies and toddlers in strollers, and bicyclists of all ages heading back and forth. I leaned back against the pink wall of a local produce shop, people watching and enjoying the pleasant evening air.
Heading out of town this morning I decided to stick completely to the backroads as I travelled to Pecs, allowing me to take in more of the beauty around me. Passing through many honey-colored fields and farmlands I turned off at Melykut onto one of the longest stretches of tree-covered road I’ve ever travelled on. The shade provided by the green canopy above made an already pleasant day that much more enjoyable.
As I traveled up and over the foothills and through the countryside in remarkably clean air, I passed trucks laden with logs and hay, tractors rumbling down the streets of little towns, and livestock grazing in their fields. Passing over the Danube River for at least the second time this summer, I stopped to take a picture of the large brackish green - blue body of water before continuing into Pecs.
Having visited this town a few weeks ago, I’m excited to have the opportunity to revisit some of my favorite spots, including a quaint restaurant lined street and a fantastic eatery.
