Central Europe - 2009

Practice day number two. A competitor lines up his exit from the course, underneath Budapest's Chain Bridge.

Budapest, as viewed from Gellért Hill. Parliament is in the background.

A famous Hungarian novel, first published over 100 years ago, was about the Páli Boys. These statues recreate the most popular scene from this novel.

Art Nouveau styled baths and thermal springs, in Budapest.

Coffee in Lukács.

Race Day. An early competitor passes the Budapest Parliament building.

In between rounds, various entertainments were provided above the river. These jets created various spectacular formations and stunts.

A competitor begins his run on the Red Bull Air Race course.

Matt Hall, Australian competitor in the Red Bull Air Race. Budapest.

One of the entertainment aircraft climbs from the river level past the Budapest Parliament Building.

A stunt helicopter as part of the Red Bull Air Race entertainment.

Some businesses should not be allowed to create their own signage!

The 20th of September is THE big day in Hungary. Fireworks on the Danube are a highlight.

Although Eger is known for its red wines, we revisited this cellar a number of times because of its magnificent Chardonnay. Cellar number 19 if anyone else ever tries to find this wonderful nectar of the gods. The 2005 was possibly one of the best white wines I have ever drunk. It was a little pricier than the other wines, at a staggering $1 per glass, but our budget does stretch that far.

Each cellar has its own character, but few lack charm and atmosphere. Naturally, they are relatively chilly when it is in the high 20's outside, but they are delightful places to be, and very appropriate places to while away an afternoon with a glass of good stuff. Not too sure about the traditional Eger food accompaniment of bread with turkey fat, onion, and paprika.

Who can remember which one was which? They were all pretty special.

This red stood out. 2006 Egri Vörös Cuveé from cellar number 27. We bought a litre and a half which was siphoned in to our empty plastic bottle. We noted the details thinking that would then allow us to find it again, should we be looking in a bottle shop. What was that grape variety? Vörös? Forget it. This is a one off! Egri = Eger. Vörös = Red. Cuveé = Mix. We were drinking Cellar 27's Eger Red Blend from 2006. If anyone should desire to try and recreate it for us, the principal varieties are Cabernet, Kékfrankos (Blue French), Melot, and there is some Pinot Noir.

One of the private little cellars in Tokaj. Start from dry, and work your way through to sweet, and then to very sweet. Fantastic dessert whites.