The Storm on St. Istvan Day

August 20 appears to be the biggest Hungarian holiday. It is not only St. Istvan ( St. Stephen) birthday, but Hungary celebrates its consitution(s) and revolutions and everything/anything Hungarian.

To start off the weekend, I explored the Arts and Crafts fair at the Buda Castle. Endless stands of beadwork, woodwork, baskets, cloth, paper, knives, and do-it-yourself crafts. Some very beautiful things, which of course I had to splurge on and very useful for early holiday shopping. J
There was also a series of public concerts, Gypsy Music and more. Plus, I saw a real Hungarian cowboy (a guy in a skirt with a lasso)- at least I think that is what he was- there is some kind of Hungarian rodeo farm nearby.

On to Sunday, the biggest day. It was the day of the Red Bull Air Race. A series of competitions among the best pilots in the world. This is the 6th one. The next one will be in San Francisco in September. Will they fly under the Golden Gate? Believe it not, these pilots flew under the Chain Bridge, a very low bridge. The obstacle course was between the Chain Bridge and the Margeret Bridge, not very far or wide distances. A difficult course, I imagine. The winners were American and Brits, although the Hungarian was expected to do very well. Unfortunately, he was disqualified.

Later that evening, it was onto see the fire works. At exactly 9 pm when they started, the wind picked up, and within a few seconds the rain began. I was yet caught in another rain shower. Although, this one was harsher than the last one a few weeks ago. I managed to make my way to a café near the Castle Hill, but others were not so luckly. It turned out the storm caused severe damage: trees fell, loads of people injured, and sadly four are estimated to have died. Apparently, no one got the notice from the meterelogists that a storm was going to hit Budapest. For the average spectator, the day was sunny and warm and no sign of rain. Now, a lot of finger pointing. See article in the Budapest Sun.

And, that folks, ends the summer adventures. The fall hectic schedule starts soon. I look forward to my visitors this fall. Peace out.