Last weekend

Our weekend began with us meeting our friends Balázs, Dori (brother-sister) and Zoli (Dori's fiance). We've known the three of them since we first arrived three years ago. We've continued to get together regularly and feel like a part of their family. They include us in so many family occasions where we've gotten to know their extended family as well. Since it was Balázs' birthday that week and Jack's a few weeks earlier, Dori and Zoli treated us to a wonderful dinner at a German pub. We had a great time and finished off the evening with chocolate e'claires topped with candles.



Zoli, Jack, Dori and Balázs


Balázs, Zoli, Cindy and Dori


The birthday boys (60) and (29)

On Saturday we decided to go with our friends Dénes and Petra (friends since our first weeks in Hungary as well) and their nine month old Samuel (Samu) to Rám Szakadék. We left Budapest and made the one and half hour trip in Dénes and Petra's car with Samu taking his first nap during this time. After Samu ate we headed up the canyon along with many other groups of hikers that were taking advantage of the perfect September day. As the canyon narrows, you must proceed single file up the rocks and ladders. Unfortunately there were groups with young kids coming down the opposite direction, in spite of instructions at the top advising that it's a "one way trail up" on the weekends to avoid such congestion. We found a place to eat our lunch, and Samu had lots of admirers along the way. The last two hours of the hike Samu fell asleep on Dénes' back. It was an exhausting day but really so rewarding in terms of the beauty around us and getting time with friends.


Jack and Petra "waiting" for the line to move up the canyon


Dénes and Samu with the line of hikers behind us


looking up the trail


looking down the trail


Jack and Cindy taking a break during the hike.

Sunday was another beautiful day. We've been anticipating the day that our friends Bogi (who works with Cindy at EDYN) and Csaba get married. It was a beautiful wedding held in a beautiful Catholic church in Bakats Square in Budapest.


Bogi and Csaba saying their wedding vows

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Bogi and Csaba's wedding recessional



Jack and Cindy greeting the happy couple after the wedding.
The reception was held at The Grund a pub where the Reformed church that Bogi and Csaba and we attend. It lasted as traditional weddings do in Hungary, all night. We left by 11 in order to catch the metro before it closed.

It was a memorable weekend!