Stainz, Austria - Budapest (350km)
We woke to another stunning crystal clear day for our last day of driving. After breakfast and a short walk around the town of Stainz including a stop at a charming bakery, we checked out of the hotel, loaded up the car and “gingerly” removed the villainous “finger monster” Targa top.
Before jumping on the motorway again, we decided to tool around the area enjoying the rolling hills and charming houses. We also tried stopping at a few wine cellars but apparently they all close on Wed which left us stopping at the local Billa food store to pick up a few bottles of local wine.
In the end it was a bit disappointing that we could not find a cellar that was open but as the area is only a four hour drive from Budapest, we vowed to come back again for a long weekend in the fall or spring. So, stocked up with local wines, we headed for the motorway – again.
Not wanting to spend the whole afternoon on a motorway through Vienna and then on to Budapest, I brilliantly decided that we should take a more “direct” route home exiting at Furstenfeld then on to Vesprem, Szekesfehervar and eventually Budapest.
Dumb idea! I had forgotten that this route from Austria to Vesprem is a two lane road packed with nothing but big slow trucks. It is also not the prettiest part of Hungary to boot.
After a frustrating two hours, we finally approached Vesprem. We then decided to turn toward Lake Balaton for lunch at a local Csárda (old Hungarian term for tavern) in Csopak where we enjoyed a nice lunch, friendly service and a well deserved break.
As the run from Csopak to Budapest usually only takes about an hour, we were once again on our way around the lake where we picked up the motorway for the final 80km. At that point the weather started to look a bit ominous the closer we got to Budapest. I tried to stretch it but about 35km out we hit rain and it was time to attach the “finger monster” to the top of the car.
Now dry and anxious to get home, we covered the remaining distance without incident hitting the usual end of day traffic in Budapest. Feeling that welcoming feeling you get when entering your hometown, we began to look forward to seeing our little dog and sleeping in our own bed.
However, we had one more surprise before we reached the center of the city when a brand new Mercedes SLS Gullwing pulled in front of us. Yet another car that tops out at over $300kfor a base model. Again, a ton of cash for a something without a Porsche logo on it.
Finally home. A bit tired but all in one piece, and no incidents to report - success by any definition!
Mike & Vera
