This morning Laszlo drove us to a kindergarten in Odorheiu as he was due to do a presentation to the kids about environmental conservation. The school didn't look too impressive from the outside as there was abandoned play equipment and it looked a little run down. However, we quickly realised that this wasn't the case at all as it was so well kept inside. Traditional Romanian furniture was dotted around, while tables of papier mache objects were displayed along the corridors. Many of them were extremely impressive, considering that these kids were about five years old!

We filed into a classroom, following the children onto the tiny benches to sit on. I had forgotten just how miniature everything has to be at pre-school! Lots of glances were being thrown our way and whispered Hunagrian chit chat as the kids wondered who we were. They were soon hushed down as Laszlo began his presentation. Although we could understand none of what Laszlo was talking about, we could see that the kids were really enjoying it and engaged. Especially when 'gross' photos of toads and snakes were shown!

Next stop was a drive into the countryside to go birdwatching. We pulled the car over a number of times to observe the buzzards circling effortlessly overhead. We eventually reached the town of Vargyas, where Laszlo stopped to do some paperwork with the mayor. Very nice town, with horse and carts trundling down the road and smart buildings lining the streets. Back on the road, we stopped at a limestone kiln. This is where freshly mined limestone is heated and transformed into a very powdering substance which is used in cement for the locals.

We drove on, stopping occasionally to look at birds of prey. Our last stop for the day was St Paul's Lakes in Homorodszentpal. These lakes are used for fishing but they also serve as a haven for all kinds of wetland birds and amphibians. The amount of wildlife we saw was phenomenal and left me feeling quite overwhelmed. The lakes were surrounded by tall reeds which are perfect for nesting song birds, the bittern and also chirping amphibians. From where Laszlo was parked on the road, the toad chorus sounds like quacking ducks in the distance. Kate and I investigated and quickly realised that toads were in fact dotted around the shallow waters, singing their hearts out and inflating their vocal sacs. We were both mesmerised.

Lunch was had on Laszlo's boot and consisted of delicious picnic food - homemade bread, pickles, fresh cucumbers, soft cheese, etc. Around the corner from the car sat a mound that was swarming with ants. They were about a centimetre long and were there in their thousands. Laszlo patted them with the back of his hand to demonstrate the strong vinegary scent they give off when attacked.

Sadly we had to leave the lakes to make our way back to Odorheiu. Our journey was briefly interrupted by a herd of sheep blocking the road in Vargyas, so we took photos of them and the Stork nests on top of the electricity poles.

Our plan for the evening was a barbeque in our back garden for Laszlo and his colleagues. So we stopped off at the supermarket to stock up on supplies then went back to the apartment to prepare. On the menu were plenty of veggie skewers and a big mushroom that looked just like an octopus! Laszlo eventually arrived with Paul, Josef, wife and dog, who are all friends of AGORA. The barbeque went really well, was very chilled with plenty of food and beer! We made a fire for the bbq using materials we salvaged from the garden.

At the end of the night, when everyone was happily merry, the boys went into town to see a Hungarian-Irish band play at G-Point. Kate and I stayed at the apartment to sit by the fire. At midnight, Simon and Michael came back, singing Irish lullabies very drunkenly! They thought they were actually Irish as they had taken on the accent and tried to tempt Kate and I out of our room by calling out "lasses"!

BIRDS SPOTTED AT ST PAUL'S LAKES:
Buzzards, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Osprey, Storks, Herons, Lapwing, Oyster Catcher, Bittern, Stonechat, Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail.