This is the start of part 2 of the trip, where we make the transition from flying over oceans to flying over mountain ranges, hollow valleys and increasingly hot temperatures.
So time to change our attire. We leave behind our survival suits, life jackets, self-inflating rafts and so on. We replace them all with breathable linen to reduce perspiration and sunglasses to protect our eyesight.
We continue to hydrate, without drinking too many liquids to avoid any bladder-related incidents! That’s right. We have to think about that. I’d like to thank my friend Rosalie Pouliot who introduced me to Nuun moisturizing tablets, as explained in this video. They really work. I put one in my thermos flask, I fill it with fresh water, and it provides me with 500ml of water, the equivalent of more than a liter in terms of hydration. This has enabled me to fly 8-9 hours a day without feeling the need to relieve myself. Really great!
As with every flight on this trip, there’s something unique about each one, but they were all wonderful. The flight between Belgium and Hungary was another discovery in terms of radio communications. German controllers and pilots are like in all things: precise, concise and direct! No useless words, no cluttering up of the airwaves. It was a real pleasure, allowing us to concentrate on the flying and the scenery!
We took off at 9.30 am (local time) and landed at Tokol airport (Budapest) at 5 pm. By the time we had refuelled, parked and checked into our hotel, it was already 7.30pm. Fortunately, we found cab drivers who agreed to wait for us at the hotel (long enough to drop off our bags) and take us straight to downtown Budapest for our dinner!
Interesting fact: Budapest is actually TWO cities. The Buda side and the Pest side! Both separated by the Danube (the river)! The prettier of the two sides (and the less touristy) is Buda, where we ate superbly in a typical restaurant. The goulash was the best I’ve ever tasted.
I’ll leave you to admire the few photos I took throughout the day!
For all the videos, go here!
Over Zingerberg, Germany at 5500 feet
Over Bruttig, Fankel, Germany
Over Hemau, Germany at 5500 feet
Davidschlag, Austria
Waldhausen im Strudengau, Austria
Waldhausen im Strudengau, Austria
Due North of Kilb, Austria
Somewhere in Austria!
Over Reichental, Austria
Over Reichental, Austria – 7500 feet
Just across the Austrian/Hungarian border in Fertorakos
Tokol airport, Hungary
Our taxis taking us from the airport to hotel and hotel to Buda.
Our team supper in Buda.
