More Pics from Europe - Hungary Edition

nobody@vox.com(AmyH) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:14:23 -0700

I tried to take the back off my computer to see what was making that infernal racket. I didn't do anything except scare my computer into behaving, so I'm going to post pics while it's still moving faster than a melting glacier.

First - Budapest. A beautiful city, so much history we didn't even have a chance to explore. Mom and I went to the ballet one night, Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet, at the Opera House. It was an incredible show - it's amazing how great your art can be when it's appreciated and heavily state-subsidized.

One day of our trip to Hungary was spent in the small town of Kecskemet where we met the mayor and were each given a small bottle of apricot brandy.

Then we were off to the Pusta, a grassland region of Hungary with a history of horesmanship and banditry. We were treated to a riding show of skills and trust between man and horse. Because the land was so flat, the highest point anywhere was on the back of a horse. Also, the horses were taught to lay down and be still to hide in the tall grasses. The rider in the fifth picture has 10 in hand, standing atop two horses, one foot on each. Pretty damn impressive as they were in full gallop at one point. Wow. That wasn't for battle - it was to show off.

Near the horse grounds was a small working, traditional farm.

Next up - Vienna. Stay tuned...

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Good Morning, Budapest!

nobody@vox.com(AmyH) — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:47:42 -0700

It's 6:30 a.m. local time and I'm up and at 'em! I wish I were still sleeping but well, let's say my bunk mate can be a bit on the loud side when it comes to snoring. >:-(

It's all good for now. We'll see how chipper I can be if this keeps up for longer.

Budapest is lovely. We're headed to the countryside to see some more of Hungary before we depart for Vienna.

But let's start at the beginning. I met up with MomH with no problems in Detroit. Brother Ray and DadH were there to see us off. How sweet!

Upon loading the plane, it's discovered that my seat is double booked with an occupant in it already. So MomH sits down and I'm in the back galley chatting with the gals in German (on Lufthansa). No biggie to wait, since I'm already on the plane so I can't imagine they'll kick me off. After a long wait and much discussion, they haven't figured out what to do with me as they want to keep Mom and I together. I see an open seat, on the aisle, next to a really cute age-appropriate guy in a Detroit ball cap. "Why, hello there - how 'bout them Tigers?"

I'm ready to be told to sit there, looking forward to it, when I'm told - MomH and I are headed to business class.

That's right, mofos. Business class. The booze tray came by every five minutes and seats were fully reclinable. Awesome. So long to those suckers in steerage!

What a great time. The gals in the back came up to say goodbye to me before we landed and my attendant in front came by and gave me some daisies and a piece of chocolate. Super fun! I'm going to write the airline when I get back and thank them for such a wonderful experience. The staff went out of their way to be nice. Mom said it was probably because I was being pleasant about the whole deal and not getting irritated by not having a seat. Well, what good would that have done? No reason to get all worked up before an eight hour flight. Sitting up front in semi-luxury with MomH was much better than sitting next to the cute guy, even though that would have been fun. :-D

I'm pretty much over the jet lag and looking forward to some great euro coffee as soon as the dining room opens.

We did some sightseeing yesterday, did a little shopping (expensive! Damn useless American dollar!) rode the subway and went to the art museum. I wanted to go to the hot baths/spas but Mom forgot to pack her swimsuit. Last night we did a river cruise to see the lights of all the amazing buildings lining the Danube.

Our group is full of really nice people. So far no one seems to win the award of Most Irritating. Yet. I need to have more patience, I'm working on it. There are a couple of people who will ask questions about something random while the guide is talking about something else. Or they'll ask a question but keep talking without listening for an answer. It's rude in any situation, as far as I'm concerned.

But that's the drama as it stands today. All in all, I'm excited to be here and can't wait to see more of the region.

Hope all is well! Ciao!

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It Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time

More Pics from Europe - Hungary Edition

Good Morning, Budapest!