a walk in the park

What a day. Diane has been itching to get out of the city and go explore the Buda Hills. So today, we headed for the Budapest Cog-wheel Railway and headed for the hills. What we found was more beautiful than we expected. Cool air, crispy leaves, distant views of the city, and glimpses of the sun peaking from behind the clouds. Some hot wine kept us warm and some yummy sausage filled our bellies. It was a wonderful day.

Budapest in the distant

A walk in the park

happy people

Steven enjoying a sajtos perec (cheese preztel)

Dinner from Saturday night-Diane is
enjoying testing her Hungarian cooking skills
Gomba Paprikás with csipetke
(Mushroom paprika with homemade pinched noodles)

An evening at the Opera

Last night we went to the Opera! It was so beautiful! We saw Verdi: A Végyet Hatalma. The Opera is so close to our house. Anytime we leave our flat we walk by it. I am often jealous of the people dressed up standing on the balcony sipping their wine....last night that was us.

A few things you should know about Hungarian Opera...everyone seems to know what is playing. The arts (ballet, music, art exhibits and opera) are so much a part of the culture here. Long ago the arts were so affordable that everyone went. It is still inexpensive compared to American standards-you can find tickets under $10. I really like that Hungarians know and have such great appreciation of the arts. Enjoy the photos-it doesn't do the Opera justice. It is so beautiful!

Diane and Steve

Diane has a twin?

The main chandelier.

The Opera

During the intermission we had a class of

wine and a coffee on the balcony. What a view!

Hanging Out

A guardian Angel

Jó utat Audrey es Dan!

Our friends, Audrey and Dan, have left after spending 5 wonderful days with us. We had a great time during their visit...election parties, Hungarian dinners, walking the around the castle at night, enjoying the wines of Hungary, telling stores about living abroad, listening to stories about foreign travels and ending it all with a trip to the baths. We cooked, we talked and we laughed. It was a great visit. Thanks for visiting us!

A walk around the Fisherman's Bastion

Elections and the Office of Immigration

The election is over and lets just say we were very happy with the results:) The event at the American Chamber was a lot of fun. Some highlights...the 2 mock elections one for US citizens and one for non-US citizens, the all you can eat American buffet and the Jack Daniels bar! The event began at 7:30 and ended around 4 a.m.  And yes, we stayed til 4.

Audrey, Dan, Steven and Diane

the main hall at the event

Ambassador Foley with opening remarks

Around 3am people were tired of standing.

Tomorrow morning we head to the Office of Immigration and apply for our resident permits. I have to say thank you to two people who have been so helpful in this whole process! At the very last minute Andrea translated Diane's business plan. We can not thank you enough Andi! And Peggy, you have been so patient with the numerous phone calls (three so far today) regarding faxes and money transfers. I don't know how we would have gotten everything finished without you two. We hope you both know how much we appreciate everything you have done! xo!!

To Do List

Tonight we are heading to the American Chamber for an election party with our good friends Audry and Dan (aka "World Travelers"). We will report more tomorrow.

Remembering

Yesterday was All Saints Day. We went to the cemetery in the evening and walked along the candlelit paths...remembering.

White chrysanthemums are placed on graves.
Shops like this were everywhere outside the cemetery.

Candles of red and white lit up the cemetery.
This photo doesn't come close to representing how beautiful it was.

A memorial for a loved one.This cemetery is a popular place for
actors, musicians, painters,
sculptors, architects, writers and poets.

There is a huge Griffin at the gate of the cemetery where people gathered lighting candles and placing flowers. The Griffin is an especially powerful, majestic creature and known for guarding treasure.

Remembering Sheila (Diane's Mom).

Around the World

We have started November with an absolutely beautiful day in Budapest! The sun (was) out, the weather is warm and the leaves are the colors of fall. We went for a walk and enjoyed the crunching of leaves under our feet.
We got an email from Mike (Diane's Dad). He left last week for his long awaited trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. He is traveling with a National Geographic tour group. Sounds like a great time! Here's a piece of his email.

"Cambodia is beautiful but hot and humid. I am staying at a 5 star hotel, GrandHoteldÁngkor, that was built by the French in the 1920s. Yesterday we spent most of the day at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom is were Raiders of the Tomb was filmed. Tomorrow we board our boat the Makong Panda and head south in the direction of Viet Nam. This morning we went to the silk farm, I took a lot of pictures for you and got an address and phone number. The Cambodia people are the nicest people. Everything is great."

To see what Mike is seeing visit our friends Audrey and Dan's website www.uncorneredmarket.com

Audrey and Dan are traveling around the world and spent time where Mike is currently traveling. The picture above is from their photo gallery.

Today is All Saints Day. In Hungary, the tradition is to light candles and visit the graves of relatives. Tonight we will go to Farkasréti Cemetery. We hear it is very beautiful to walk the cemetery at night. We will post more about it tomorrow.