We leave Sofia early heading to Budapest 800 km away. For the border crossing into Romania we would have to go East first, so we decide to go through Serbia which is West and North and looks to be a faster route. The only consideration is that Serbia isn't part of the EU and thus not covered under our new 388 Euro insurance but we decide to chance it. The result was that we had to pay 130 Euro for insurance (valid for a month) and 30 Euro in road toll for a few hours. Scenery doesn't change much, it's just an endless road. Kilometer after kilometer we try to keep the spirits up, but Eowyn really became fed up saying: "mama…… mama……. mama…… mama…… mama…." etc. For hours, no matter what we replied in a soft understanding way or a shouting angry voice, the next word was "mama…".
At around 8 pm we arrive in Budapest trying to find a campsite, but given the busy traffic and poor maps, we decide (read "where forced") to go to a nearer hostel: Red bus. It is a quiet place conveniently located in the middle of town, but otherwise not very inspiring. But before arriving at the hostel... We drove on one of the main streets and needed to go to the left. On these streets you are only aloud to go straight or once in a while turn right. How to solve this while almost driving off the map... Stanley suggested to just make the left turn, so Niels did. Not so perfect timing, all traffic started to drive, ambulance with sirene coming to the crossing and just infront of us a police car turning on his lights... Better to make a stop at the side. Police man came to the left front door of the car, Julia being the copilot and we driving a right handed car. Police man started talking to Julia, she tried to say the right side had the driver, and the police man continued: "Madame, YOU!" but soon realized the stiringwheel... The police man asked Niels: "What do you do and where do you need to go?" He told us left turns are not aloud and gave directions to the hostel. Never met such friendly police.