Day 49 Velky Kosihy 🇸🇰 Slovakia to Esztercom 🇭🇺 Hungary 82kms

I said farewell to lovely hospitable Elizabeth with a fully tu

mmy of boiled eggs, tomatoes, bread and some more magnificent home made Apricot jam, plus a homegrown apple and pear for the road.

The path on the Slovakian side of the river is well maintained and the mower tractors were all out today keeping it looking great.

Still windy but not as brutal as yesterday and I arrived at the first big town, Komarno and cycled through the small old town area before finding a supermarket to buy water and a few supplies for the ride.  I didn't feel comfortable in the seemingly dodgy area, but came out and my bike was still there.  Over a busy bridge and then straight onto the fantastic path again.  I had been feeling a bit nervous and at times a little scared but pressed on.

Saw quite a few bicycle touring today which was fun.  An Australian family with two daughters, the 13yr old complaining 😂. The parents had done trips pre kids and dad whispered that it sure was easier with just the two of them.  I wished them luck and headed off.  Three older Spanish men who had cycled up into France and then cycles the exact route as me and are going to finish tomorrow in Budapest.  I gave them all high fives!
A lovely group of 5 young Greeks who had hired bikes and ridden from Passau on the German/Austrian border  and headed to Budapest.  They kindly said to join them and I did.  Had the most wonderful day with them, chatting and the day flew by. 

 
We arrived into Esztercom late afternoon and had a look around the lovely old town, had a drink together and then headed up to the Basilica high on the hill.  

Built in the 1800's and currently being renovated.  Couldn't go inside but had a look around it and then the lookout over the city and Danube.  

We parted ways, they off to an Airbnb and me to the city campground.  A young Hungarian bicycle tourer arrived not long after me.  She had arrived from Budapest and on her first day of the exact same route I have done, but in reverse.  I shared some campground and sightseeing tips and she added them all to her phone.  Go her!
As in life in general, it's amazing the difference a day can make. I had two lovely friends send messages of encouragement today that spurred me on. People make the difference ❤️