August 31, 2008

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.

August 30, 2008

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?

August 29, 2008

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.

August 26, 2008

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....

August 25, 2008

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.

August 24, 2008

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.

August 23, 2008

"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.

August 17, 2008

Wine Tasting at the Corinthia Grand Royal

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

August 16, 2008

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.

August 14, 2008

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.

August 13, 2008

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.

August 12, 2008

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.

August 10, 2008

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.

August 09, 2008

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.

August 08, 2008

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.


August 07, 2008

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!

August 06, 2008

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.

August 05, 2008

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.

August 04, 2008

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.

August 03, 2008

Clark Adam Square and the Chain Bridge in Buda

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

August 02, 2008

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.

August 01, 2008

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 by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chesapeake (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Cincinnati, USA by Erik Laursen, City of the Blue Mountains, Australia by Richard, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Edmonton (AL), Canada by , Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Piskie, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gabriola, Canada by Snapper, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Hanoi, Vietnam by Jérôme, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jerusalem, Israel by Esther, Kansas City (MO), USA by Cate B, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Leipzig, Germany by weltbeschreiber, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Lynchburg (VA), USA by June, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Mashhad, Iran by Meead, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Menton, France by Jilly, Mesa (AZ), USA by Mesa Daily Photo, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Milwaukee (WI), USA by karl, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Scott, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Molfetta, Italy by saretta, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Kitty, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Philadelphia (PA), USA by Stephanie Craig, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Sharon, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Pretoria, South Africa by Sam-Ruth, Quezon City, Philippines by ann pablo, Quincy (MA), USA by slim, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Rancho Palos Verdes (CA), USA by Sarah Adams, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Schenectady (NY), USA by Buck, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Singapore, Singapore by Zannnie, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, South Pasadena (CA), USA by Laurie, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Tempe (AZ), USA by angie, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Villigen, Switzerland by z, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,