Oh Jenoke.... were do I start. Jeno has been a wonderful family friend for about 25 years now. My sister met him back in the early 80's via my cousin Tomi's wedding, via a friend of Tomis' Bela. Bela who went to wine making school (yes, my cousin Tomi is a wine maker by trade, now at the Torley Champagne Factory) with Tomi who was karate friends with Jeno... Long story, very long...
Anyway, Jeno is one person we make a point to visit every time we are in BUD. He is an amazing person. This guy can tell you the history behind any statue you see in Budapest, and also tell you the history of the guy that made the statue. He is so full of knowledge that sometimes I go into mommy mode, and just say yes, uh huh, yes, OK.... He is an electrical engineer by trade, and will tell you which building he worked on while driving/ walking past. Ahh driving... don't do it, the little man in your head saying "we really should take public transport," listen to him... I am surprised this guy is still alive, one of the worst drivers I know. But I will admit we did get in the car with him this trip... He has been building on to a house in Erd, on the outskirts of Budapest, and went there with him.
He picked us up at our apartment and we headed over to Erd. It used to be a quaint little village town. Now it is a hustling bustling , not really a city, city. It has grown by leaps and bounds. Becoming very modernized.
There is one thing that has for lucks sake, stayed the same. The Minaret. Yes, there are 3 minarets still existing in Hungary. One in Eger, which we visited last time, actually with Jeno (we took the train). This one in Erd, and one in Pecs. The one in Pecs I have not yet been to, but maybe on the next visit. This Minaret really cool. This one was built back in the 16th century. http://hungarystartshere.com/Minaret-Erd
I am fascinated by the fact that way back than, people stepped on the same steps I was standing on. (I know it has been rebuilt, but work with me here.) It is the history that it holds that is so amazing. The Turks ruled in Hungary from 1526-1699. That is along time, and a lot happened during those years. 
The Turkish influence can be seen in other parts of Budapest, including the Baths, and numerous buildings.OK, well back to Jeno... my history buff. It was good to see this site with him. Sharing his knowledge and trying to make it cool and exciting for an 8 yo. After we left here, we headed over to a charming restaurant in Erd and were treated to a scrumptious meal. I got strange looks from the waitress when I ordered a bowl of buttered noodles for Sophie. Gotta love the kid.
We had a great visit, and a good chat. From lunch, Jeno took us back to our apartment. It was again, great seeing him, and I was happy that I didn't have to grab the steering wheel to avoid a collision, as I have done before.
