Aug. 10 : day 25 cont'd:

A DAY in HELL ......sinki

Helsinki Airport

We were not using the same plane from Japan, we had to wait because of passengers transferring to other flights; several other planes were also delayed.

Comfy Room

Rest for the weary

While I was waiting in my comfy room there was an announcement that passengers who were on the Toronto flight could pick up food vouchers at gate 27B. Off I went in search of 27B.

Gates 9-26

Gates 30-40

I found gate 27 but no B! I then asked around and was pointed to passport control... through there they said. OK, I went through passport control and off I went... no 27B so I went to 37B (our loading area) where a jet to London was boarding. Back I went.

The girl at money exchange said it was down the corridor to the left... no entrance so I went to the next passport control. He said it was passed him; number 2 stamp in my book.

Now I followed his suggestions and I was in Baggage Pick-up and exit to street. Now I was really getting nervous so I asked a police agent, he said go back and up the stairs. There were no stairs but a stopped escalator. When I stepped on it it began to move and I found myself in Security Control. I had to empty my pockets show my passport my bottles of booze etc. I explained to the girl and she was very kind and suggested I go to gate 25 !

At gate 25 there was a desk for transfers. I explained my situation and she said I had to go to gate 37B... told her 'been there done that'. She gave me an 8 euro food voucher which could be used at any food place. BTW gate 25 is the farthest point from gate 37B ! She also gave me a new boarding pass.

After looking at the pre-packaged sandwiches for almost 8 euros, I decided to go to the area nearest gate 37B. I was now getting hungry. Still over 2 hours till boarding.

Guess what...passport control again. now I am stamped for the 4th time; he looked for a free page in the passport ! I think the guy recognized me so no questions.

I have now been almost everywhere in this airport and some places twice. Why they have gates 30-40 on the other side of passport control I have no idea.

I saw another food place serving the same pre-packaged food. Skipped it.

I could smell food being cooked ! So I went to this food place. They had a special for 14.90 euros...bacon cheese burger with a beer. I am for this!

Two women, one taking orders and then trying to tell the other how to cook them; what a slow process. The guy in front of me wanted his hotdog sliced for his child. When she passed it to him finally, one piece fell on the floor !
I waited for my order as new very complicated orders were being asked for by a group of Italians. I think they were not going to like the results and I was right. Finally my burger... wow it was huge with cheese, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mustard and bacon and some tomato slices and maybe a slice of onion and of course a Carlsburg beer. I enjoyed the food even more knowing that it was cheaper by 8 euros.

I went to an area close-by and used the power and Wi-Fi. I checked my emails nothing new, so I used Skype to call Guy. He told me that he had sent a message to me and Nancy regarding picking me up at the airport. Don't know why I had not got it.
It was still just afternoon when I called. He was going to watch www.flightradar24.com for my flight time of arrival. This is a super website for plane watching.

It was now about an hour before boarding and the airport was getting very quiet so I went down to 37B. This is furthest from almost anywhere in the airport. Shows you how high up Canada is in flight status, eh ?

It was a zoo at the gate;everyone wanted to get on the airplane at once. We were being bussed to the aircraft to make matters even worse. From the bus, it looked like a riot everyone trying to get up the narrow boarding stairs all at once. Almost everyone had a pre-book seat so there was really no rush... it was just that people wanted the plane to take off a.s.a.p.

The pilot came on the PA and told us that we had a tail wind and would be in Toronto in 7h and 10 min. I thought it unusual since normally we are travelling against the jet stream. But he proved right.

My seat buddy was a Finnish professor at Helsinki university specializing in computers. He was going to the U of T to give lectures on Artificial Intelligence. He also was a Linux man !!! We also talked about the fact that the Finnish and Hungarian languages have the same roots. However, they don't have many words in common; 'alcohol' was one exception.

Supper as usual was served as soon as we got to altitude. Chicken again. But this time it was very good since it was prepared in Finland.

As luck would have it there was a hard-to-control child behind us... actually behind my buddy. She cried and kicked the seat several times during the flight.

Couldn't sleep much if any and the movie Capt. America was hard to watch on a small screen. I turned on Michael Buble but this wasn't great. I decided to watch 'All the King's Men' (about the watergate and Pres. Nixon) since it put me to sleep watching it on TV. No such luck.

About 2 hours out of Toronto, another meal was served. This time it was Indian; spicy but tasty; didn't eat the bean thing.

Finally we landed about 10:10 pm EST. We were supposed to be here at 6:45 EST.

We were told to have passports ready as we got off the plane. What a joke. It took us 20 minutes to get to passport control.

They do it differently now. Canadians submit their declaration and passport in a little machine. However, because of French or English this caused a problem. I must have put it in upside down. The officer had to complete the form and I had to go through a second passport control ! You knew it. Now to baggage.

Everyone was around the carousel grabbing at bags. Maybe 15 minutes to get my bag. Then through the custom officers again giving them the copied declaration. I told the officer (a girl), they should have Canadian flags at the Canadian declaration area the same as for non-Canadians... she agreed and said to pass it on.

The big area at the end of a short hall and many faces... but I saw Guy and Nancy and there was a warm greeting back. By my watch it was almost 11 pm. I had been almost 24 hours in transit.... Good to be home !

Aug. 10 : day 25:

Budapest plane in Helsinki

I am up at about 5 am doing a few last minute things. No breakfast today, Jancsi has made me a sandwich for the airport. I do have 2 cups of rose hip tea. Everyone has packed; me for Canada and Jancsi and Gyorgyi for a 2 day holiday in Sopron Hungary near the Austrian border. I have been there several time.

We leave the house at about 6:45 and arrive at about 7:15 at the Budapest airport: Liszt Ference. The flight line is good but when I go to check my bag it is slightly over the 23 kg and I have to remove 1 thing and put it in my carry-on it weighs in at 22.9 kg fortunately. Gyorgyi and Jancsi and I say fond goodbyes and I thank them for their warm hospitality over the 2 week stay. I also thank them for the going-away gift.

At the security check something sounds when I go through, so I am thoroughly checked...possible a paper clip fastened to my ticket was the problem. The Hungarian security is very thorough.

Now I am off to spend the last forints on tokaji and palinka. I find a good deal in the first store. The bottles are sealed in a special bag for Helsinki and Toronto.

After eating my sandwich and having a bottle of water, I am ready.

The boarding goes quickly and I find that the seat beside me is unoccupied...wonderful. I can use my net book to type this.

Breakfast is fruit juice and a combo-sandwich of tuna salad and egg salad on a very fresh bun and coffee. Everything is served quickly since the flight is only 2 hours and maybe a few minutes.

We take off on time... unusual but good. The weather is a little hazy because of the dampness in the ground and all the rain.

After breakfast I realize that there is only 1 WC and there are really only 4 seats for first class... nobody in them. It is a very short jet... not sure the type of plane maybe a small airbus. Sorry they also have one in the front.

We arrived in Helsinki on time and with no problems. However, as soon as I got off the plane, they told me that my flight to Toronto will be delayed by 3 h because of a typhoon in Japan ! Apparently my plane is coming from Tokyo then to Toronto ...I hope it has enough fuel to make it.

Fortunately, there is free WI-FI at the airport in Helsinki. I also am using a little-known area with power and seats and a lounging seat...where I can lie almost prone. So I can keep busy for some time as they update me on the flight. ... to be continued

Aug.9 Day 24:

I am typing this Sunday morning high in the air above Europe on the way from Budapest to Helsinki.

Saturday looks good; the weather is very good and warm. There is a little wind to make it feel very pleasant. After breakfast I went to lie down on the nice chairs in the garden and I fell asleep for a while. I am feeling better and I had a lighter than usual breakfast just to be sure.

We are preparing for the ebed party or 'buli'. We stopped at Auchian (pronounced as ocean) for a little shopping before the party.

Feri and Ibi's house

We arrived promptly at 1 pm and no one is there except for the hosts, Feri and Ibi. Lunch is a bogracs with chicken. The first time I have seen chicken used. It is very tasty and tender like chicken paprikas. We start with a little toast with Jagermeister; Feri's favourite.

Ibi, Jancsi and Gyorgyi

Feri and Babi

Baby and Gyuri will arrive today as well as Francis and Peter. However, Baby and Gyuri arrive first. I have been told that they are no longer a couple but they arrive for parties together and leave the same way.

Gyuri showing off

I drink water (fizzy) instead of wine or beer just to be safe since I will be taking the plane tomorrow and I want to be fresh since we have to get up at 5 am.

Francis arrives at about 4 pm but Peter and his wife and daughter arrive at 6:30 even though they were to be there much earlier. No problem, there is plenty of food. Gyorgyi's orange covered cake is always a big hit and it disappears. Ibi made apple turn-overs and she apologizes that they are over done. No problem they go too.

There are lots of peanuts and beer to keep everyone happy. I broke down and had a beer while Jancsi and Gyorgyi went to Tesco to buy printer ink.

The talk between friends in Hungary is usually about the cost of this and that and today is no exception. Feri is interested in the cost of houses in Canada since he is building a new house. His reply is “draga” -expensive. Feri says we should come back in 2 years when his new house is built. He wants us to say in his new house. I guess the problem with his situation (losing his house to the banks) made him feel that he could not offer a good-enough place to stay. I doubt we would be back in 2 years.

Francis Me and Peter

It was good to talk with Francis and Peter and also Peter's wife Andrian. Peter speaks excellent English and his wife understands and speaks very well, although she says she speaks English like I speak Hungarian...that is a compliment. Peter also say the same thing.

Out came the pictures from 1996 when Feri and Idi and the boys came to Canada and I and Michael returned to Hungary. The pond was always mentioned and the trips to Niagara Falls etc.

We end the evening with a group picture. It is now about 7:30 so we have been outside over 6 hours. Although it was not really hot, it is still a long time to be outside even in the shade.

Mindenki - Everyone

Me bags have been packed earlier but there is the last minute stuff. After a little problems with the new ink cartridges, the ticket/boarding pass is printed. I weigh the bags and everything seems OK. I have a little headache so after a couple of aspirins, it's off to bed. I had a good night's sleep with the usual WC trips.

Aug.8 Day 23:

Today is clear and warm for a change. The sun is shining, the birds singing etc. Gyorgyi is taking the children on the bus to the market area down the hill. She has left breakfast for me. I was up a little later than usual...7:20 am. Stores open very early here some at 6 am.

I went for a walk around the neighbourhood, and it was starting to get hot out. I was taking pictures of the hills of Buda and of the lovely new homes. Some they say belong to Ukrainian people who have a lot of money and some belong to rich Hungarians. While I was walking 3 people (man and wife and older son) asked me what I was doing. I answered them in Hungarian and I detected a few English words between them They spoke good English. They asked the usual questions, where was I from etc. But they also asked me if I had any property in Hungary. I guess they wanted to know if I was interested in the property they were parked in front of.

Older Style House

Newer House

I kept on my walk but realized that I was in new territory so I followed my path backward.

The afternoon was spent getting ready for a family party. We made 'shish-ka-bobs' using bacon, dry salami, onions and pieces of chicken.

Irma was first to arrive and she is always very buoyant and friendly. There was champagne to begin when we sat down to eat. The shish-ka-bobs were really good. I will have to try them this way back in Canada. Orsi and Gabor arrived a little late. Gabor as usual ate nothing (the same as yesterday).

We took a group picture or two and the party ended with the children going home with their parents.

I was not feeling very good in the afternoon... the langos from yesterday was having its effects.

I was able to get my ticket on-line and pick my seat. I feel better now. I was nervous because I didn't want to make a mistake...but it is easy to do.

We were off to see the night lights of Budapest and they are quite spectacular. The parliament buildings were very good. Each stone has now been replaced with new harder rock and new lights have been installed.

Hungarian Parliament

Me in front of Parliament

We arrived back at about 10:30 and off to bed. The weather is still warm but very good for sleeping.

Aug.7 : Day 22

Well, no rain during the night but it was overcast and cool. The humidity made it feel warmer.

We are off to Campona with the kids in tow. We missed the 9:13 am bus so we had to walk, but it is all downhill.

Simon on Pulleys

After we catch the bus, it is a short trip to the large mall Campona. We go upstairs to the end of the mall. There is a large area there featuring all kinds of games and challenges for young (and old). There are hundreds of parents, grandparents and kids here. It is like the Ontario Science Centre (I think). There are all kinds of scientific principals displayed in an interesting format...as play “toys”.

At about 10:45 there is an announcement and we all piled into a small auditorium. There is a “show” with scientific concepts. The one shown today is boiling and burning. Liquid nitrogen is used to show low temperature boiling and the effect it has on rubber (it breaks like glass). It would have been nice in high school to have access to liquid nitrogen. We used dry ice and acetone. One trick I had never seen before was burning alcohol in a wastebasket. The trick was done by putting it on a lazy-susan and turning it . The faster it went the high the flame got... like a small cyclone. Some kids were used to help the demonstrator. It was very enjoyable for all. Science is Fun !

At noon we headed to the bus and then we were able to catch the bus up the hill..

Lunch or ebed was spaghetti with meat sauce. The children couldn't get enough.

Tom with Shamu

Joe and Tom

After lunch Samuel and I went over to Irma's. We talked with Joe. I had told Irma yesterday that I would spend some time with Joe since he has little to do after his stroke. We looked at pictures on the net book and Irma served coffee a dessert and some red wine. It was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. I was surprised when Samuel came and sat on my knee. This was the first time he had warmed to me and Irma took a picture.

At about 3:30 we went back to the house. Jansci was home already. I had a short nap and we were off to the double-decker bus restaurants. These were on the Danube not far from Budafok. The buses have been converted into a bar and a fast-food eatery. There are tables and chairs outside on the banks of the Danube and a place for kids to play.

Gabor and Orsi joined us. We talked about the recent bad news from Putin of Russia. If the oil and gas is cut to the Euro zone then Hungary will suffer. The gas has gone up today already.

Heck fish and Langos and Fries

Supper was langos (the full Monty – sour cream and lots of cheese on top), French fries (disk shaped), and a large fried Heck (fish). The food was great as usual.This was plenty of food because Gabor and Orsi ate very little. A beer helped the food down.

Jancsi and Langos

At the house it was one more, “Wind at my Back” - Honey is pregnant and there is a problem at the mine.

Wed. Aug. 6 Day 21:

Yet another rainy night. The unpredictable weather again struck. After 4 am, a smallish storm came up from literally no where and the rain started; however, by 9 it had stopped and Gyorgyi predicted it would be a good day for a trip to downtown. We took our umbrellas, just in case....that guarantees no rain !

Irma was ready to go and we left the Budafok hill about 9:45 am. Irma bought me a day pass good for 24 h. No one checked it all day.

We left on the No.47 tram. I told Irma that this was not the one Gyorgyi had recommended but it made no matter. We arrived in a square on the Pest side but Irma did not know how to connect with the proper transportation. After asking around, we managed to get to the M3 (metro or subway 3). I knew we went too far but anyway we did end up in Nepsiget bus station....been there before. We asked around and they told us “that-a-way” (arra in Hungarian). After a km walk we found the Hungarian Museum of Natural History (recommended by Gabor).

The following pictures will give you an idea of the Museum:

Life-like Dino outside

Australian Opal rock

Dinos feeding

Jaws !!

Irma attacked by caveman

Caveman...don't look under the pelt !

a Real Raptor Skeleton from Argentina

After the museum tour which lasted about 2 hours we headed to Vaci Utca to get some souvenirs. We took the M3 subway and then the M1(oldest) subway to get there. The M3 is deeper than the oldest M1 subway where they cross.

We ended up shopping at the same shop from last Thursday since their prices were better.

Nyugta Vaci Utca 68

Helpful lady at Nyugta Shop

After a cold beer (for me) and a cola for Irma, we were off. This time the way was clear and we took 47 Tram back to meet the bus up the hill.

I stopped for a lovely ice cream cone before we went up the hill.

No sooner had we got off the bus and back to our houses when a fast-moving thunder storm moved in. It rain very hard for over an hour. We were very fortunate.

I had a large dinner of chicken paprikas and dumplings since I had not eaten much for lunch.

One more episode of “Wind at my Back” and it was off to bed...I was tired from all of the walking but happy that we had such a successful day.

Aug 5: Day 20:

A lovely sunny day with a low 20 C temperature. Today was spent in the garden behind the house. I played 'badminton' with Samuel but he was soon worn out...I don't know why, since he can outlast 3 adults usually.

Irma dropped by and the plans for the trip down town were finalized. We will leave about 9:30 am and take the necessary transit to get to the museum. I check and the museum is open; mainly paintings. This may change since Gabor was telling me about the Museum of Natural Science which I have not been to yet. We will see.

Really not much happened today to report. I had a good nap in the afternoon though.

Samuel completely took Simon's trike apart and fortunately it was put back together; however, it did not matter because Gabor and Orszi came and brought a “new” (to him) bike, since his had been taken. They also brought Samuel's bike.

During supper, Gabor told me of several better options to see tomorrow. One was the Museum of Natural Science. So I decided to go there instead of the Art Museum. Gabor also sent me several links to other places he had mentioned.

It was very pleasant and breezy weather so I figured tomorrow will also be good. I took a group picture.