Busy Day in Budapest

Waking up at 2 am Hungarian time to watch the Cardinals is throwing my whole schedule off. I wandered around the city today looking for a sports bar to discuss the first game of the World Series. It was a complete waste of time and all I received from my efforts was a nice walk. Stefan asked about the concept of the World Series and was curious which teams from Eastern Europe and Asia were represented. He admittedly was uninformed about the other teams from the Americas and Canada but was sure he would recognize a team from Romania or Hungary, even a team from the Dominican Republic, where he lived for a while, might sound familiar. I explained there there were no teams from these countries in the World Series, only teams from the United States and occasionally a team that had been exiled to Canada could ever play. Then why is it called the World Series he asked. Well...there has to be a good reason...I'll check Wikipedia...or Wikileaks or somewhere. He's from Romania and can't be expected to understand the concept of the World Series. Anyway. Cards won 3 to 2.

More news from Budapest.

Lisa had a nice visit with Leila Kamgar, the Cultural Attache from the American Embassy. I'm not sure what they discussed but it probably wasn't Albert Pujols becoming a free agent next year. She may be able to get us an invitation to the Ambassadors home to hear a lecture by Julie Orringer. You may remember her from previous posts. She is the author of The Invisible Bridge, a great historical novel with family biographical truths woven in. The book was originally recommended to us by Niece Andrea Corsun. Much of the book's World War II era plot takes place in and around Budapest. We both read it, enjoyed it, and sought out the streets and locations mentioned in the book. It's still on our recommended list and an opportunity to meet her would certainly be a highlight of the trip, at the Ambassadors residence, frosting on the cake. I would also hope that someone at the Ambassadors residence could discuss the World Series.

You can buy stills in kitchen appliance stores. Yes...a still...official Jed Clampet/Hatfield-McCoy type still. Ready to make your own home brew. Quite nice, all stainless and copper with a 2 year manufacturers warranty. 58,000 huf or $265...I wonder if it would fit in the suitcase.

Scott finds 3 Marklin Erector sets, perfect condition, Hungarian labels, very neat.

Andrea Karpati and Lisa in front of the Szabadsag Bridge.

Time for bed, I have to get up to watch game 2 at 2.

Later.