Septermber 4 - Lake Balaton

Eat your heart out Lakes Lanier and Oconee, Balaton is what you wish you were!!

Here's a little bit of background info - Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Eastern Europe (nicknamed the Hungarian Sea). It is a popular vacation spot not only for Hungarians but many Europeans in general. It's local and touristy at the same time. The only motor boats allowed on the lake are police and water authorities, which I didn't see at all. Other boats may turn their engines on but ONLY to get out of the port. This makes it sooooo clean and blue. No pollution!!!

We went to the northern shore (as indicated in the pic above) in Balatonalmadi, or just Almadi. It's only about a 15 minute walk then a 15 minute bus ride from Veszprem.

We swam. We ate hamburgers and drank beer. I took lots of pictures but unfortunately my camera doesn't do the water justice; it's clean, beautiful, and blue.. maybe I can photo shop them or something to try and replicate real life. *Isn't that weird? Usually things look better in pictures but this place was so amazing that the lens couldn't even capture it*

Again the lake proves that crime and corruption are low here. We just left all of our stuff (purse and wallets included) by a tree and went on with our day. It's unheard of to think that anyone would take what isn't theirs. I know I'm getting annoying because I keep mentioning this but Veszprem is the cleanest, safest place I've ever been. It makes me sick that other places can't be more like this. Even as a foreigner, I feel safer here than I ever would in Georgia. My friend Mark was telling me today that hitch-hiking is legal. You go to the gas station and find some one going your way and catch a ride. Sometimes you pitch in for the gas or offer some kind of compensation but that isn't even necessary. It's totally safe! Even females can do this by themselves and not be in harm (I won't but those who wish to do so can). Him and his friends have done it before with no issues.

Ok, ok.. the pictures.