And we are sadly just cheerleaders… but very, very good ones. Our next stop was Budapest, Hungary for the triathlon World Championships where a few of our pals from home would be and all of the best triathletes in the world. We were in for a lot fun and a little jealousy!
Our campsite was really close to the swim start, but the transition and finish line were a fair hike and we’d get our first run in ages while making our way there. It was fantastic being there a couple days before the racing began and we relished in the buzz of the world championship, especially being our favourite sport. But before the starting gun sounded, we went for a little tour of the city… in the pouring rain but c’est la vie, no?!
We started at the turkish spas (Hungary has a fair bit of Turkish influence due to an invasion a few hundred years ago… look at me, history buffing it up) and chose a fancy pants hotel Galert, at the end of the beautiful Elizabeth Bridge. It was quite hilarious getting to the communal pool, i did a few laps of the changerooms which were an absolute maze, almost high-fiving the same women who were doing the same until we eventually found the pool.
Sean arrived 5 minutes later although swears he wasn’t lost, just exploring. Mm-hmm. We had a brief swim in the chilly waters of the swimming pool before jumping into the hot spring. I really did expect to love this activity. I love a spa, but call me crazy, I love it by myself or with my husband. Not 20 old men who are picking at their faces, noses and that was just what I saw above the water. The underwater happenings are just too scary to think about. Despite paying through the nose to get in, I didn’t last long. There were no sun loungers to stretch out on and read my book, it was raining outside so the indoor pools were way overcrowded and being in the hot spas was just making my skin crawl. I felt like a piker, but we left soon after, not before having a very thorough shower. Sorry no cameras allowed in there, not that we’d be showing off our bikini bods right now anyhow I’m afraid!
Next we popped up the hill to castle district where a castle, a cathedral and some ruins lay. It was fun wandering around but after a while, the rain got the better of us and we hunted down a coffee shop for refuge.
Sean, from the castle, overlooking Budapest
By the way, did you all know that Budapest is said Budapeshhh? Sounds like you have a wee speech impediment but it’s the right way.
That night we were very, very excited because it was time to catch up with our Perth buds!! Hopefully I remember all the beautiful faces here but we caught up with Tiff and Brendan, Kylie, Brynt and Katie, Glen, Katie’s mum and dad, Brynt’s mum, Steve… and went out for an amazing Hungarian meal. I didn’t realise how delicious it would be! I had salmon which was great, but was eyeing off the deer soup in bread loaf, the goulash and many others.
Hungry triathletes waiting for the Hungarian delicacies
Brynt and Katie with Brynt's food... he has an unstoppable appetite that is very impressive!
The next day it was time for racing! The elite men were on Saturday and we hollered loudly for all the Aussies racing, especially my favourite Courtney Atkinson who unfortunately didn’t have a great day but he had some good moments!
The lead swimmers heading out on the bike (the third dude is eventual winner Alistair Brownlee from GB)
Sean with Perth triathlete Ben Lyons watching the bike leg
The run... Brownlee steam-training to the front with Gomez not far behind
The next day had to be the highlight though, with all our age group friends from home performing and the amazing Aussie women putting on a spectacular show. We set our alarm (Sean’s fancy watch) and woke up at an ungodly hour (6am, how our life has changed on holiday!) and headed to the start. It was so exciting watching everyone, the nerves, the big smiles, the last hugs before starting etc. We were too busy cheering to get any snaps of our friends, but after their races (they all did amazingly – congrats ya big superstars!!!) we headed to the grandstand which looked like the best seats for the womens’ race.
Sean and i literally camped out for four hours until the elite race! Luckily we had the age group racing to keep us busy and mouth-watering freshly cooked Hungarian food stalls nearby to keep hunger at bay.
Us, not budging from our most excellent spot.
we sat right in front of Emma Snowsill's bike... what are the chances? So lucky! PS She is tiny.
Emma Snowsill, winning the race with nobody else in sight. Amaze.
Watching Emma Snowsill dominate the run leg and ultimately win the race by streets was amazing.
Uhoh we are getting kicked out of mcdonalds where we are blogging… so this goes up now!
Love you all, see you from Dubai xoxo
Another entertaining blog. Sounds like Budapest is a lovely city and all the more for having lot’s of friendly faces to eat with. Can’t believe you’re going to be home in 10 days!!!
Just letting you know that the Perth summer is on it’s way! Jim and Bridie will be in the pool today, they would’ve swum yesterday but they had lot’s of paperwork to go through with their house. Alas, I can’t swim in it because I’m back at Pannawonica for 6 days. Can’t wait to pick you up from the airport, we’re getting so excited. Hope Dubai is all you’re hoping it to be.
Love mum