Balaton and Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday, we decided to go back to Lake Balaton with our friends Harlan and Jules. They have two adorable kids, Hudson, and Quinn. We love hanging out with them! We had a great day, got some sun, and relaxed.

St. Stephen's Day in Budapest

This weekend, was a huge holiday in Hungary. They celebrated their Birthday. We decided to head into Budapest and check it out. There were tons of people there for the festivities. It was just like the 4th of July. They had a great fireworks show, and lots of fun booths set up with great Hungarian snacks and treats.

 Our friends from Canada Alex, and Tyler. (check out the short shorts in the background)

 Marzipan Truffles

 Alex and I

 Beautiful bridges at dusk

 Four Seasons Budapest

 Treats :)

 Cotton Candy

 Fireworks

Balaton

Yesterday we ventured to Lake Balaton. Its the largest lake in Europe, and only 30 minutes from Szekesfehevar. Its beautiful, blue and huge! No motor boats are allowed on the lake so its very clean. They had a wind surfing place, where you could pay to wind surf on these big cables they had set up. Lots of sail boats, paddle boats, and tons of people Some people were topless, some wore speedos, and some little children were naked. Don't really get that! We hope to go back this weekend when we have a full day. It's gorgeous there!!

 Wind surfing platform

Speedos everywhere!

Food

Food, well it sure isn't what we are used too. Lots and lots of carbs, comfort food you might say. Potatoes, pasta, and more potatoes and pasta. Derek gets one free meal a day at a local restaurant so we go here everyday for lunch. I told him I am already sick of it. Everything is either chicken or pork too. Don't think we'll be having any steak over here. I will be ready for some flank steak in 8 months mom and dad!!

Restaurant where Derek gets his free meal a day, our lunch spot!

 Outside the Belgium cafe

 Lemonade, one of the only drinks served with ice. Water and pop don't have ice. You also have to pay for water.

Belgium Beer Cafe Szekesfehervar Hungary

Hockey

Well I am sure you are all interested to know more about the hockey since that is the reason we are here. Last weekend the boys had their first P.R event at a local "Folk Music Festival", we were expecting something much different than what it was. Outdoor concert with 3 huge stages, guessing somewhat similar to Sasquatch Festival, or Cochella, but it was not "Folk Music". It was very hard rock music, some bands being like death metal. Everyone there had on black, and looked quite goth. We stuck out a little to say the least. Part of the P.R part of the event was the boys playing in a giant human size Fooze ball game.

 Giant "Fooze Ball" game

 One of the giant stages

We were VIP's

Towards the end of the concert Derek's coach and the goalie Adam, who reminds us a lot of Brandon, got on stage and played guitar with one of the bands. It was pretty fun and cool. There were photographers all over the place, we kinda feel like celebrities already. The coach said after the first game, everyone will start to recognize us, and come up to Derek on the street to ask questions etc. We've heard the fans here are crazy so we will soon see. The boys have their first game on Friday, against their farm team. Should be fun to see!!

 Some of the boys in the VIP tent

 Team Picture, girls handball team in the red

 Coach in tan, and most of English speaking boys

Ice Rink 

 The rink is quite old, lots of history!!

 Seats about 3,500 people

The team has lots of sponsors, and they have ads all over, including on their jerseys!