This next day was a long travel day; we left Eger in the morning by bus, making our way to Debrecen (about three hours) … our first (and only) stop-over for the day … a few hours to explore town and get ready for the ride into Romania.
Eger & Bull’s Blood
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The tour now officially had started. We left Budapest by train Monday morning … our first destination being Eger, featuring a nice old town, a castle – and being famous for its grand red wines. We made it into Eger … Continue reading
Back to Budapest
The planning for my summer vacation this year did not work out as desired; I basically changed my plans in the last minute and as such saw me in early August to decide what to do in September.
I reviewed my options and decided to stay in Europe this time … Eastern Europe being the destination – Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and a flying visit of the European part of Turkey.
A short flight got me into Budapest … my third time in Budapest … so no stress, just going with the flowing and enjoying this great city (which remains to be my favorite European big city).
Carolina Sky
A business meeting did bring me back to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Below some impressions from my short connecting flight from Charlotte to Raleigh featuring some amazing cloud formations …
Rhine Valley Impressions
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I spent this weekend in Middle Rhine Valley with a couple of friends. Purpose of the visit was to go for a hike from Kaub to St.Goarshausen along what is probably the most dramatic landscape along the middle portion of … Continue reading
Cologne
A visit of Cologne had been on my list for quiet some time now, however I never actually made it there – despite of Cologne being home to one of the most impressive buildings in all Germany (if not the most impressive one) – the Cologne Cathedral.
A special offer by the German rail company now made me consider and I ended up buying a ticket and headed for a trip to Cologne. During my visit I – obviously – spent some time in and on top of the Cathedral; beside that I also did a city tour and spent some time getting lost (i.e. exploring) on myself. Below some photographic evidence.
Dinner at Djemma El-Fna
On this last evening we decided to have dinner at one of the many stalls at Djemma El-Fna square. We had the usual mix of salads, bread and grilled meat skewers.
After dinner some of us went for another mint tea (or coffee) to one of the balcony cafes – with a nice view over the square.
Marrakesh – Medina, Palaces & Tombs
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This was my last full day in Morocco and Marrakesh; some of us (i.e. of those who had not already left the country) decided to go on a half day guided tour around the Medina, taking in El Bahia palace, … Continue reading
Essaouira – final Impressions
We were heading back to Marrakesh today – however with the bus only leaving in the afternoon, we still had a full morning in Essaouira.
I took it easy, walked down to the port (this time with a view from one of the towers) and then made it into the medina to explore some of the smaller side alleys. Most of the others used this morning for some final shopping.
We met again around lunch time for yet another fish souq based seafood and fish feast – before heading to the bus station and embarking for the three hours bus drive to Marrakesh.
Essaouira – continued …
After the tour finished, some of us made it back to the fish souq. Here we bought fresh fish (or squid in my case) and had it grilled to perfection at the grill stands at the Southern end of the market – simple and delicious.
In the afternoon I continued exploring town on myself – this time also leaving the medina and making it to the beach. Around sunset I met again with the others for another good dinner.
