Message from Peter Toth:

"St Stephan, King of Hungary: June 2008, I finished statue #73. This is a very important statue to me, as it is my first one on the European Continent. St Stephan was the first King of Hungary, around 1000 AD, and he introduced Christianity to the country. If not for him, there would be no Hungary today." It is located about 20 miles from Budapest, in the town of Delegyhaza. It is in a Park dedicated to King Stephan, adjacent to the Post Office."

Galapagos Islands

The sun made a pleasant appearance this day, and was a welcome one because today, here in the Galapagos Islands, was the day some of us were going to swim with the seals!

The controlled habitats in these islands, promoted the animals freedom of fear of the human race. The ships boat, that landed us on this island, now transported us to a small cove adjacent to another small island. The snorkelers on board stripped down to swim trunks, fins, and masks. There was no scuba equipment available on board, so we had to meet the seals on their own terms.

The water was cold, even though we were on the equator, but the excitement over the encounter eclipsed the frigidity, In we went!

The insertion of humans into their world aroused intense curiosity by the seals. The 15 or 20 seals of all sizes immediately swarmed around us and wanted to play. It was at first frightening to be underwater and see a seal approach you at Mach 1 speed, and veer off to the side about 2 feet away from your mask!

Eventually as we became more comfortable, you could dive down to 15-20 ft. with the seals swimming right beside you as if you were one of the pack. Their gyrations were amazing, the diving and circling and rolling antics were simply unbelievable as well as their acceptance of their playmates.

All good things must come to an end, and we had to board the boat and bid adieu to our new found friends.

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