Szia, my fellow wanderers! It’s your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver, reporting in from the heart of Hungary. I’ve just completed a 26.9km jaunt from the bustling town of Nagykáta to the charming city of Cegléd.

My tiny feet have covered 5230.6 kilometers over the past 173 days, and have trodden the streets of Budapest, Monor, Nagykáta, and now twice in Cegléd. I must admit, the second time around, Cegléd has made a more profound impression.

As I ambled along the country roads, something peculiar caught my eye. Amidst the vast plains, an oddity! A single tree, standing tall, its branches reaching out like a silent plea to the heavens. The locals call it “A Magányos Fa” – the Lonely Tree. It struck me as a poignant symbol of resilience. Even in isolation, it flourishes, reminding me of a favorite local saying: “Az élet nem arról szól, hogy várjuk, míg a vihar elmúlik. Hanem arról, hogy megtanuljunk esőben táncolni.” In English, it translates to “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

As I crossed from Nagykáta into Cegléd, I noted no language changes, as both cities are nestled within the borders of beautiful Hungary. This journey has been a testament to the strength of the human spirit (or should I say gnome spirit?), a testament to our ability to embrace change and adapt.

Remember my dear wanderers, as the famous Hungarian folk song goes: “Hej, de messze van még a határ!” or “Oh, the border is still so far away!” Keep exploring, keep journeying, and keep dancing in the rain.

Until next time, szeretettel (with love),
Oliver

“Minden út Ceglédre vezet,” as the Hungarians say, which translates to “All roads lead to Cegléd.” This isn’t just a saying, Cegléd is actually known as the Gateway to the Great Plain. A city steeped in history and culture, I was especially fascinated by the magnificent Cegléd Water Tower. Standing at 35 meters tall, this tower is not just a water reservoir, but also a cultural hub filled with exhibitions and events.

Another intriguing piece of Cegléd is its connection to the famous Hungarian composer, Zoltán Kodály. Born here, Kodály’s influence is unmistakable in the city’s musical traditions. I even had the pleasure of attending a concert at the Kodály Zoltán Music School. The melodies of Hungary still echo in my gnome ears!

As a gnome who loves a good laugh, I must mention a local joke: “Ha nem Ceglédi, biztosan nem elég jó.” It roughly translates to “If it’s not from Cegléd, it’s certainly not good enough”. I guess Cegléd sets the bar high for everything else in Hungary!