We begin…

Here is our home for the next eight nights. I have unpacked……yayyyy not living out of a suitcase,living out of a draw instead. We have been greeted, fed, and told all the safety drills so you know I am fine.

Today we go to a Puszta Farm. I think it is where horses are raised and trained so should be interesting. Our visit will still be in Hungary , the Kalocsa region. This region grows 80% of Hungary’s paprika and is also the main agricultural area for Hungary. Arriving at the farm we were greeted with samples of the local produce…..surprise…..paprika spread on bread instead of your standard vegemite,peanut butter or jam, juice , wine and brandy.

Our  horse show consisted of five horseman and one “trainee”on a donkey. All the riders were skilled both in riding and whip cracking. One rider exhibited a 10 horse horseback display. Methods of transport using local cattle and horse were also demonstrated. Our “trainee” added the comic relief to his more serious companions. Local people live in single or small two story houses. In the past families lived close together so grandparents could help raise the grandchildren. They would have had a small garden at the back with vegetables and poultry or other animals. During the Soviet period , this traditional lifestyle was disrupted and families often lived in apartments.

Traditional floral hand embroidery and painting is also a speciality of this region. It was the birthplace of a Kinetic sculptor although he mainly worked in France. He has gifted one of his pieces to the town.

Rain and hail sent us back to the ship just in time to have afternoon tea. It would have been interesting to see the town but not practical…..and what a shame, ( not) no horse cart ride because it was too wet. Until tomorrow.