Day Thirty-Six

17/06/25 - Day Thirty-Six

Woke to the sound of rain so gladly took a lie in to wait it out. Got away from camp at 9:20, and headed into the nearby town of Komárno. I needed a new chain tool that actually worked, to replace the cheap piece of shit that I had brought with me. After buying a mini chain tool, with spoke keys built in, I set about changing my chain. Luckily, the more-than friendly fella in there walked me through it, no doubt saving me a lot of time and curse words! I then replenished my spare parts - picking up a new chain, quick link, and brake pads. After then stocking up on food as well, I went to the station to use the toilet. 

Just opposite the station, I came across quite the scene. Two immensely fat blokes had just been pepper sprayed by two tough looking Slovak police women. The two men cried out in discomfort and I saw another couple of people in the shop who had been sprayed too. A crowd had gathered, and I couldn’t help but laugh a bit. The two fatties then took off their t-shirts to try and rub away the pepper spray, much to my delight. After it had lost its novelty I hit the road again. 

Smooth cruiser miles was the order of the day. I crossed the river into Hungary briefly at the town of Esztergom to check out the epic looking cathedral. Back on the Slovak side I searched in vain for some Halušky, a traditional dish recommended by Juraj. I came to tucked away restaurant with some women sat outside - perfect, there are some locals here. Then I saw it was pirate themed, and the women all turned out to be employees, dressed in linen shirts and skirts. I was committed at this point though, opened with “Halušky!”. They spoke some English - confirming they were open and served the dish I was after. I had parked my bike and was about to sit down, when I asked how much. “20 euro”, one replied, and I was out of there like a shot! A couple more out-of budget restaurants later and I was on the road again. The sun had appeared after a grey old day, so the final topless miles were blissful and my spirits were high as I crossed into Hungary. I’ve been on the road long enough to stop stressing about campsites anymore, one always seems to turn up. And as if by magic, I found one. It was a bit techy to get to with a fully laden bike on my shoulder: small loose boulders, down a fairly steep bank. Safely down I cooked and ate, setting the alarm for sunrise as the river downstream was facing directly east, and clear skies forecast.

As I’m setting up my tent tonight, by the red light of my headtorch, I catch a glimmer of red light back at me from the reflective patches on my bike and bags. It makes me think, you get back what you give off. This is especially true when interacting with people you don’t know. I’ve noticed this on my trip so far. Whenever I cycle past someone, I always try my best to crack a big friendly grin, and greet them in whatever the language is - to the best of my ability! In most cases they reciprocate and can’t help but smile back. Foolish friendliness perhaps, but it makes a good point. I’ve seen even the most stoney faced old man transform into a smiling human being. It doesn’t take much to fake it at least! Moreover, I think this also applies to your outlook on life, believing everything is shit and then naturally shit is all you will see. Funny that. Chin up lad, you have the power to react to anything that happens to you. You may not have the power to control those things but don’t underestimate the control of how you react. Or maybe they’re just safety reflectors on my bike gear, so stop philosophising you fool…

 

 

 

Another great little bike shop stocked to the brim with more than helpful staff!

 

Tough day at the office for these lads

 

 

 

Approaching Esztergom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great views from up there too

 

My brief visit to Hungary over

 

Last farewell to the cathedral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hungary again

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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