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.

Monday Aug. 4 Day 19:

The big news today is what happened last night. We got hit with a thunder and lightning and rain storm that lasted hours. Everyone woke up in the middle of the night (3 am) with the huge noises. The children aged 3 and 6 were OK but the 6 year old took it the hardest. Jansci had to get up at 4 but was woken early.

The air was humid and the temperature barely 20 C so I had to wear my heaviest clothes...at least till about 2 pm.

Strangely enough the 6 year old wanted to build a ship, so we did; out of cardboard and very small. The children were very active and the first thing they did was to remove all the csigas (chigas or snails) from a flower... that was being invaded. For such slow moving things they all seemed to get to the same plant at the same time. These are NOT SMALL; the larger or average ones are the size of a golf ball. The kids were disagreeing on who should have the different coloured ones. Of course getting rid of them was the biggest problem... we didn't kill them.

Simon likes to help Gyorgyi in the kitchen. They made lemonade together.

In the afternoon it was dry enough to play badminton, so I played the 6 year old, Samu (Samuel but the S is pronounced as 'SH” so you get SHAMOO). The same goes for SHIMON. This is NOT the same kind of badminton you might be familiar with. It is played with larger birds and a small racket. It is good for your reactions though. After me the others took a turn since a six-year old has more energy than all of us older people.

As time went on, the sun came out and the temperature went up to about 26 C but humid.

We Skyped Canada again as the children wanted to see Nancy in real life. They have see all of the pictures of her. Simon is only 3 so he has never seen her before. He watched Skype the longest.

The plan is for me to go to downtown Pest on Wednesday...alone. So this will be a challenge.

Hope there is no storm tonight.

Sunday Aug. 3 Day 18:

Today is the last day for Jancsi's week vacation so we are taking it easy in the garden. It is also very hot today so using the pool (medence in Hungarian) is a very good idea. The water is 23 C so it is quite “refreshing” once you get under it. It reached 31 C in the afternoon.

Irma (the English-speaking neighbour) came over for a short time bringing damson plumbs. We were told to be careful since some had small worms in them...that was true.

There will be a bar-b-q Hungarian style. Jancsi prepares the charcoal brickets in the area with a chimney in it. It is all cement with space for the rack to slide in. It takes much longer to prepare the brickets. I asked Jancsi if there are propane bar-b-q's in Hungary and he says there are but not very popular and more expensive. I think there is no tradition for it and the old ways die hard.

Ebed or lunch is grilled pork which had been flattened by a meat hammer and spices and a little olive oil added. When cooked, which takes little time compared to getting the brickets ready. It is very tasty. We have a salad with it containing about 10 things from lettuce to sliced carrots to olives (from Spain). There is balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil on it. Very tasty. Jancsi puts mayonnaise on his...ugh ! A cold beer helps everything go down very well. A short swim and a reclining chair are great after lunch.

Jancsi's camera in his net book is not working and we cannot fix it since it is a hardware problem. Strangely, the audio works perfectly.

We played some more badminton but stepping on a rose thorn brings the game to a halt for Gyorgyi.

Samu and Simon collecting Snails-Csiga

Orsi and Gabor with the two kids, Samu and Simon in tow arrived just as I was going to church. They had to leave quickly since they had forgotten a bike on their trip and they were not sure if it would still be there.

Saint Lipot Church,Budafok

Since I was too late for the church service in the morning there is another at 7 pm. The church is very old and at the bottom of the hill in Budafok. The inside is very beautiful. It is not a large church but has very interesting features like a pulpit 3 meters off the ground but no longer used.

I always find the service a little different than in Canada but very similar to those in Italy. They sit during one part of the service where we would kneel. This is fortunate here as the kneelers are made from wood. The pews are very old. There are 3 helpers for the priest. Two readers and an altar boy. The collection is taken up by a reader and the altar boy.

As usual the sermon is long but the theme is “first, seek God and place your trust and hope in God”.

After mass the priest shook everyone's hand as they left church; a very nice gesture.

It was a little cooler but still very humid. I made the uphill walk in about 12 minutes. A nice beer was waiting. The kids were getting ready for bed and Jancsi had to go to bed early since Monday he was back to work.

Some Delicious Hungarian Dishes

Jancsi and Gyorgyi's Reggel (breakfast)

A Bogracs with guylas

Jancsi with his guylas

Pork Guylasleves

Friday Aug. 1 Day 17:

There was a little unexpected rain in the night. Got up later showered and had a nice breakfast.

I sent Nancy and Steve the method for getting on Skype. They will hopefully be on it at 8 pm our time.

The program today is dictated by how well Gyorgyi can walk. She says the ankle is better but does not want to put more stress on it. As a result we are off to Valencai To, a lake not far from Budafok.

I am asked whether I want to go to the strand (beach) or the furdo (spa bath), I said it was up to them.

We arrive at the lake but drive away from it... toward the spa bath.


Jansci and Gyorgyi in front of Spa Bath
It is very popular for all ages of people; but you do see older couples, one helping the other to get into the spa or pools.

Unfortunately, I am told not to bring wallet or camera into the spa so we rent a safe and are given a key. This is typical for Hungarian spas or pools. Some people do bring cell phones or cameras but only a few.

The men are on one side the women the other. We get lockers for our cloths...just drop in 100 HUF coin. It is returned strangely enough when we return.

Gyorgyi had trouble getting a change locker. It took her 3 times to get one and had to get someone to get her extra money back.

Big Spa Bath

The first spa is inside. It is a huge pool but only 120 cm deep. The temperature is 36 C... body temp is 37 C. So it feels very relaxing. We sit and lie relax in the water for over 30 min. Then we are off to another inside spa. This one has water jets and showers of different sorts.

We are there for 15-20 minutes. Then we go outside to other pools. The first is popular for all ages and there are different areas, some with currents and some with a slide etc. We relax there for 20 minutes. Then we are off to a second outside pool. Lastly we go back inside to the first pool and relax for another 15 minutes.

Enough of the pools. Our skin is quite wrinkled and we get dressed and get our stuff out of the safe.

By this time it is close to 2 pm and we have missed ebed (the large noon lunch). We head to a favourite and inexpensive restaurant. Jancsi and I will share a roasted Heck. What the heck is this ? A sea fish of some sort. It is quite large. We also order a large sausage. Gyorgyi goes for the bean soup that is a guylas with large beans. It is very hot so she has to let it cool.

The fish is more than enough for two people. We also split the sausage 3 ways. There is about half a loaf of white bread sliced by hand. I am the only one to get a beer since Jancsi is driving. The others order bottled water. There are also my favourite pickle but they are not as nice as some I have had but still good.

Lastly we have a retes (flaky outside with a stuffing inside). I have walnut, Gyorgyi has the cottage cheese and Jancsi the shredded cabbage. All of these stuffings are very very much Hungarian. Each serving is huge. I am completely stuffed.

Gyorgyi and Tom-Valencai To

After the 'lunch' we go for a short walk on a long pier into the lake. Valencai To is a small lake and you can see from one end to the other and from one side to the other. Maybe it is 5 km by 3 km. The water is about 25 C or so. Some people are swimming there are some sail boats. A very pleasant lake.

We travel back to Budafok via hwy. 7 not the super hwy. M7. Along the way we stop for a water melon “Magyar dinya”. The place we stop is the cheapest one that we saw on the way in, 69 HUF/kilo. The melon is huge about 10 kg. I saw a Magnum bar so I can't resist.

We stop near Budafok at a TESCO and shop. I have volunteered to cook omelets tomorrow morning so we need gumba (mushrooms) and there are other needs as well. This Tesco is very large, clean and about 2 years old. There are other types of stores in the mall as well.

We get back to the house and immediately have watermelon. It is nice and we are all very thirsty.

After the melon everyone goes for a nap.

The sound of thunder wakens us. There is lots of thunder, a rainbow and little wind....no rain. The storm moves away.

After a beer and some brandy, I am off to see if anyone is on Skype.

Success, Nancy and Steve were able to Skype us and after a few things to correct we had a good picture (at out end) and it was stable on the netbook. It was nice to see them and Gyorgyi, Jancsi and I were able to use it too. Skype is amazing. Still a few bugs but it works. Of course being 6 hours ahead of Canada is something you have to take into consideration.