French Defender Camper with huge trailer.

We got away from Camping Wien Sud nice and early and hit the motorway system hoping to catch a glimpse of the Danube but failed miserably.  We had numerous contacts with Atle and Hilde and decided to meet up near the Serbian border at a city called Szeged.  As we drove into Hungary we both commented the scale of the old border crossings.  Very easy now with only a brief stop to change some Euros into Florints from a grumpy, surly Austrian lady who really wanted us to buy motorway vignette for Hungary.  We had done this online day before but it did not cheer her up.  It has been a shame that the only unpleasant people we have come across so far have both been Austrian women.

The drive through Hungary was uneventful but for people our age quite moving thinking that we were now driving through the old USSR.

Stayed at the Novotel Hotel in Szeged which was very comfortable and reasonably priced.  We had text from Atle and Hilde – only 10 minutes away.  Dash down to bar and order 4 cold beers.  Can’t believe we are finally meeting up after three years planning.  Hugs all round, laughter and excitement. Cheers!  Here’s to our grand adventure. All went out for beautiful meal in large banqueting hall.

Tim on balcony, overlooking the NOT Danube

Back together again, at the start of our great expedition

Trying hard not to squint in bright sunshine

Somewhere on journey. Tim not picking nose – adjusting glasses (so he says)

Where tomorrow?  Will it be Serbia or Bulgaria?  We hope to get to Istanbul on Wednesday so still have two hard days of driving left.  Will have done about 2,000 miles by then in just over a week. 2/10 of our total!!