Kale.

Something to note about writing: it might not seem like much when you write. Give it some time. It will read better later on. Especially if it’s a travelogue.

At least that is what I feel reflecting on these travel writings. Some mornings or evenings I recall struggling to put pen to paper after a full day. All I’d want to do is sleep. But I knew I had to write it down, however briefly, so I could recall it all later.

So let’s recall some of it.

One of our favourite food stops was Turkish eatery Kale (or “Castle”) right by Klauzál tér by Szeged University. We frequented this Turkish gyorsétterem (or fast food spot)–yum. I insisted again and again: hey, late evening out sightseeing? Let’s have a quick meal here. It’s on the way home! And the truth is it was!

One of our favourites was chicken gyro. I just can’t get enough of this stuff. Chicken piled high on a heavy skewer crisping up on a vertical rotisserie? Yes, please!
Add a little Turkish rice oh so gently spiced, fresh tomato, iceberg lettuce on the plate, and then a side of mildly spiced lentil soup garnished with fresh lemon. Wowza! This gyro dish is wildly popular in many Hungarian city centres. It was a definite favourite of ours.

It was also near Kale restaurant that I first tried Mort Subite – a Belgian Sour Cherry Kriek Lambic (or sour-sweet beer). Meaning ‘Sudden Death’, this burgundy looking beer tasted (and felt) like just that. Sweet, wheaty and smooth with a juicy hint of fruit–that just happened to be a mild sour cherry flavour. Yup, this beer was served at Kale too.

Here we have the gyro plate, lentil soup, goat shank on Turkish rice and one Mort Subite.

Now as embarrassing as it is to rave about non-Hungarian food in Hungary, the truth is that it is hard to find good, tasty Hungarian food in some cities. Not being a local I don’t know good eats or where to necessarily find them (I often stop locals and ask them).
I am subject to finding, and eating, at food spots within view and on my daily route to and from the accommodation.

This practice is my nemesis. I otherwise love finding food spots, parks, buildings or anything off the beaten path. One day when I live abroad I’ll do just that. For now we had Kale (and a few other spots).

More on those stops shortly . . .

Dining in the city. Whether for food or sightseeing we did make it a rule to take different routes here and there–and on foot. As you discover new streets and court yards a sort of shroud begins to lift before you. You at once see and feel more of your surroundings. I liken it to learning more about someone’s character. In the same, you begin to learn more about the ‘character’ of your destination. Who knows, you might just take a real liking to the place. And we sure liked Szeged.

Goodness knows there are still streets in my local neighbourhood I’ve never walked down.

I’d better get on that.

Now is there more to mention about Szeged? There sure is. Like what it’s like to visit a hundred-year-old mineral bath and hot spring right in the city centre. I love hot springs and apparently Hungary is full of them. Another to-do on my list. Or that restaurant by the ‘old bridge’ . . .

It’s been about a month since we’ve returned from our travels. Sigh. Writing about them sure takes me back . . . Time to make a coffee and reminisce.

Yawn. Since it’s getting late here, I’ll talk to you in the morning. Is it snowing there for you yet? Not yet here.

By the way, if I don’t see you, Merry Christmas.