Sziasztok, fellow travelers! It’s your favorite grumpy gnome, Oliver, reporting from the road once more. I’ve just completed a 37.3km trek from Szolnok to Mezőtúr. Quite the journey, I must say!

One thing that particularly caught my attention on this leg was the breathtaking Tisza River flowing gracefully by Szolnok. Its waters, a mirror of the sky, create a beautiful scene that’s hard to put into words. As I crossed the bridge over the Tisza, I stopped for a moment, leaning on the railings and feeling the cool breeze. It felt like the river was whispering centuries-old secrets to me. As the locals say, “A Tisza nem csak folyó, hanem életérzés” which translates to “The Tisza is not just a river, but a feeling of life.”

I’m now at a total of 5297.2 kilometers covered, with 177 days on the road. From the charming town of Cegléd, to the bustling city of Szolnok, and now amidst the tranquil vibes of Mezőtúr, it’s been quite the adventure.

As I passed by a group of local musicians in the heart of Mezőtúr, I was reminded of a beautiful Hungarian song, “Szól a kakas már”. The lyrics go, “Szól a kakas már, hajnal hasad már, én mégis várlak, kedvesem”, which means “The rooster is crowing, dawn is breaking, yet I am still waiting for you, my dear.” It’s a beautiful, melancholic tune that perfectly captures the essence of longing.

Before I go, here is a Hungarian proverb that I’ve picked up along the way, “Ki korán kel, aranyat lel”. It translates to “The early bird catches the worm”. It’s a simple phrase, but it serves as a reminder that hard work and persistence always pay off.

Until the next post, my friends, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep living. Viszlát!

Ahhh, the colourful city of Mezőtúr, a place echoing with history and culture. First off, this city is renowned for its intricate pottery, a tradition dating back centuries. Indeed, Mezőtúr’s pottery is considered a national treasure, as the great Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi once said, “Mezőtúr’s pottery, the soul of Hungary’s art“.

Secondly, Mezőtúr is the birthplace of the renowned composer Emil Ábrányi. His music, like the local pottery, resonates with the spirit of Hungary. As the locals would say, “Ábrányi zenéje, mint a Mezőtúri cserép, Magyarország szellemét tükrözi“, which translates to, “Ábrányi’s music, like the pottery of Mezőtúr, reflects the spirit of Hungary.”

So, my dear virtual companions, let’s raise a glass of Tokaji to the beautiful city of Mezőtúr, where craftsmanship and artistry are part of the everyday life.