Made it fine to Budapest. Oh, did I tell you I was going to Budapest? It's the first place I've landed in this second act. Julie and Pat, friends from the past, are fabulous hosts and have chosen to live a very simple lifestyle here in Hungary. No TV. No cell phone. No car. They've scaled down their life to the bare minimum. (I was glad she at least had band aides, for my blisters. NEVER-LEST TRAVEL TIP #1. Never wear new shoes, no matter how comfortable you THINK they may be lest you end up with stinging blisters on your heals.) Julie is a walking history book of Eastern European culture and she will amaze you with human interest and humor. Check out her award winning blog http://theworldinbetween.com. It just reminds me of how little I know.
The Hungarian people are humble and grateful and have very little. Yet they seem happy and delighted when you try to speak their language. Jo (pronouced YO...like, YO baby) napot kivana (good day) …kuszinam (thank you). Via slat - goodby. Can’t keep it straight…I keep saying curacau, keilbasa, cocomo, it’s beginning to get hysterical! Most speak English because these Eastern European countries are so small and close together..you have Hungary, Romania, Slovacia, Czeck Republic, Ukraine..all different languages. So many of the people use English as a common language.
We went to a little restaurant last night, Brios Kaveso. Around here the wait staff will not disturb you unless they are summoned and once you have your table, it is yours for the night. No rushing to get another customer in. Your time is their provision for you whether you order a meal or just a cup of coffee. It would never occur to them that you might be in a hurry. Gratuity is 10% but they are grateful for any little bit they get. Any more would be in appropriate and look like "the rich American". Menu: roasted duck on greens, glass of wine and coffee all for about $8.
The Danube, with all it's biking trails along the edge and its riverboat cruises, is right outside Julie’s apartment. The coffee shop is right around the corner.
Tonight's dinner was at one of their favorite restaurants with friends. GOOSE and cabbage...Hungarian food. The last I saw a goose was in my neighborhood...momma and daddy and all their little goslings hobbling across my street. Poor little fella. Tonight's goose was on my plate.
The Danube, with all it's biking trails along the edge and its riverboat cruises, is right outside Julie’s apartment. The coffee shop is right around the corner.
Tonight's dinner was at one of their favorite restaurants with friends. GOOSE and cabbage...Hungarian food. The last I saw a goose was in my neighborhood...momma and daddy and all their little goslings hobbling across my street. Poor little fella. Tonight's goose was on my plate.
No painting for a few days. Too much to see and do and think about.
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