Chapel in the Woods

No, you are not out of focus. The attempt was to take a photo of the inside of the chapel through the keyhole as it was locked and we could not go in. Not quite a success as you can tell.
This little chapel in the woods is an operating 'church' and the village priest goes to perform mass there every Sunday morning. Weddings are often held here - I'm sure you can see why - and the ribbons on the door were left by one such wedding party.
It is not easy to see especially when you don't know what you are looking for, but the reason I took this photo was to get the 'mud scrapers' at the bottom of the steps in front of the columns. What they are are metal blades set up straight by two pieces of metals dug in the ground. If the ground is muddy, people can scrape the mud off their shoes or booths before going into the church. In the old days, all households had those but I guess 'welcome mats' took their place and of course proper sidewalks removed the need for such equipment. I just enjoyed being reminded.

An Old Fashioned Farm

Another day trip to an operating horse farm to the north of Lake Balaton. I remember riding on horse drawn working vehicles like the one on the photo, but that was a long time ago. Have you been on a hay ride?

Another Horse Farm

This one is a little more famous having been once the place where the famous 'Devil Rider' kept his horses. The place is called __________, close to Bajna, the village where the family's summer castle is located. The hunting lodge on the property was later refurbished and used by party bosses for hunting vacations. We caught only a glimpse of it behind a high wall in a distance across from its own man-made lake.

If It's Wednesday, It Must be Doors

Back on the Bus

Truly, it was just a drive by the Balaton as our destination was to a presentation. It was still nice to catch a glimpse of what is lovingly referred to as 'Hungarian sea', Lake Balaton.
...and speaking of catching glimpses....

Waiting for the Bus on Andrassy

Looking up at the bus stop it was a breathtaking sight of the upper floors of this corner building next to the Opera. Don't you wish you lived there? I know, I do.
I can see myself sitting out there under the glance of these beauties with friends and wine.

Franz Liszt Music Academy in Budapest

Such a great day to be strolling around this grand old dame of a city. Liszt Ter is full of shady trees and under their protective branches there are wall-to-wall eateries and cafe's. At the end of the short street is the Academy of Music. If you are very lucky and sit at a nearby cafe, you may hear glorious music from the open windows of the Academy where young artists are practicing.
Here is a photo with a little more of the building in it, however, the street is too narrow to have backed up far enough to capture the entire handsome structure.
A close up of the facade with the cherub relief.

"Are You Feeling Lucky Today?"

Saturday is the day the Lotto numbers are drawn in Hungary with lots of people waiting to become millionaires. Do you play the lottery? Whether or not you do - you may still get lucky. Look for a four leave clover among this patch from the garden. Have a sweet week-end.

Wine Tasting at the Corinthia Grand Royal

Yes, it WAS every bit as good as it looks.

Walkabout

He may not be the 'Lion in Winter' but does he not look impressive on along a sidewalk in the downtown area of Budapest. Enjoy your week-ends and stay cool.

Fond Farewell to Esztergom

Esztergom Summer Festival

The Danube Promenade is a scene of preparation for the festival starting this evening. Stalls along the river are standing and tents will soon be fitted on the frames.
Food signs are being prepared.
The stage is set in the shadow of the Basilica and the ruins.
A small corner in honor of Elizabeth the former Queen of Hungary whom people still affectionately refer to as Sissy.
Imagine this road later in the evening as people will crowd it, lights will make it festive and music from the stage envelops the area.

If It's Wednesday, It Must be Doors

Thirteenth district has some 'newer' buildings from prior to WWII - this is such an example. These structures are modern by comparison to some of the grand buildings of Andrassy, but take a look at the stone carvings on both sides of the door.

Home of the Catholic Church in Hungary

This magnificent structure is built on a hill making it highly visible in an otherwise fairly flat city. Get a virtual tour and history by clicking here.

The Round Church

Sunday Walk

The sun dipped behind some clouds but this lovely house is just as beautiful. Wondered upon it while walking neighborhoods in Esztergom and had to stop to photograph and share it with you.

Come Saturday Morning

Just because it is Saturday it is no reason to leave out exercise. After the elliptical while I've had time to survey the front garden - decided to go out and remove the weeds covering the paths. Yes, eventually there will be pebbles or grass, but weeds were no proper substitute for now.
Watered the roses while it was still cool then happened to catch a glimpse of the plum trees. Well, there's breakfast! Off the tree, simple and fresh. Wonderful weekend to y'all.

Tom Thumb

In Hungarian it would be Huvelyk Matyi and thus the name this little fellow received - Matyi. One of three kittens delivered by the resident mama cat and appears to be the only one left alive. Unfortunately, she is very skittish herself and kept the little ones out of reach until they were too skittish themselves to be touched.

I lucket out (or did he) when I was able to grab Matyi and found that his left eye appears to be damaged. We went to the vet on Monday and he thinks it can be saved. We are returning this everning for new medicine he had acquired for us. Keeping fingers crossed as Matyi is turning out to be an irrisistable character and most affectionate little fur ball - just in time when my cats turned so independent that they show up only for feedings.

Edible Flowers

Last week we've seen photos of the garden and the huge zucchini plant with many flowers but no zucchini. Today was the day to pick some of those flowers, batter, and fry them up.

The results were a wonderful platter of crispy, tender deep fried flowers. Vegetarian, fresh and delicious!

If It's Wednesday, It Must be Doors

Yes, I am cheating a bit where this door is not truly remarkable for its looks - but it is for the establishment that one finds there. Close to the Oktogon the electrical specialty store also offers a back room that serves as an internet cafe. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly but what endeared me to them were their prices - 200 HUF per hour. This may not mean much to you until I tell you that at the Oktogon the internet cafe charges 200 HUF for each TEN MINUTES. So if you are willing to walk the two blocks or take the tram down one stop - you are in for a pleasant surprise.

Deryne Bistro

The Deryne bisztro is a landmark in Buda that had enjoyed a revival in its popularity. It is easy to understand why - the place is polished, cozy - the service and food are excellent.

Under the Castle Walls

The tunnel you see is directly across from the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in yesterday's photo and cuts a passage under the royal castle walls above.

Clark Adam Square and the Chain Bridge in Buda

A beautiful clear summer day and plenty of traffic mid-afternoon.

Voila - The Apartment is Finished (Virtually)

This may not look very different than it had originally, but to walk through the place - it is amazing. All of the pieces in the floor had been taken up, insulated under and relaid. Then chiseled and polished. There is also a radiator (white behind the screen) peeking in the corner and under the windows. PLENTY of electrical outlets in their proper place close to the floor, and no wires everywhere to trip over.
The glass had been replaced in the dividing doors, lights added by the server, new chandelier, door handles and fresh paint.
This is not a poor photo but a strategic one. The kitchen had not been cleaned when I took the photos - so only the presentable part shows. The ceiling had been lowered, spotlights and fresh paint added throughout.
Radiators under the window, electrical outlets everywhere, phone jacks by the bed, TV and internet outlets in both the bedroom and living room. And look who's checking to see if all is in order? It is Gigi herself.
You've seen a picture of the bath before but there was no explanation. The marble like floor is new here as it is in the kitchen. Lowered ceilings and spotlights, and new home for the wall paper I've brought home with me when I initially moved. It was an estimate of 4 double rolls - turns out the only place it was enough to cover was the bathroom. C'est la vie.

Theme Day - Metal

During the move to the country, my old stainless steel serving dishes were handled several times. I remember buying the set of these at the MIT COOP back in 1969 in preparation for our marriage. They were expensive, but because they last 'for a lifetime' we went ahead with the purchase. What did we know of a 'lifetime' then :) It was a good decision - they are still as good as new and just as attractive.

I look forward to visiting my fellow bloggers for their interpretation of the 'metal' theme day. Won't you join me?

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants or visit individual blogs by clicking on the links below as you wish: Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Ararat, Australia by freefalling, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Baruch, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Bandung, Indonesia by Eki Akhwan, Bandung, Indonesia by Bunyamin, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brantford (ON), Canada by Nancy, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France 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