I admit it – I fell hopelessly in love with Budapest last week!

In my blissful ignorance, I had no expectations other than knowing that there was a beautiful building just begging to be shot (turned out to be the breathtaking Parliament) and some vague notion of Tokaji wines, a not so nice political leader and Goulash. The ride from the airport gave no indication of what I was about to see, as the ‘Burbs more or less look the same all over, only maybe a little bit more run down. Once I hit downtown, I could definitely begin to imagine a bustling city full of history, a glorious past, religion and modern “hipness”.

I spent 5 days walking around the relatively concentrated downtown on the Buda and Pest side, took an evening cruise on the Danube that was utterly breathtaking, visited the Church of Saint Stephen (Szent István), cried over the Shoes on Danube and saw the absolutely amazing Parliament during the day and at night. Unfortunately, Europe’s largest synagogue closed early the day I wanted to visit and my last day in Budapest was Shabat. Obviously, that only means that I have to come back. The Tree of Life in the backyard was visible, though.

It is impossible to judge a country based on 5 days of tourism, wining and dining, but I left with a feeling of somehow being at home in a country that has a certain feeling of “bonhomie” with friendly and animated people in the streets and in restaurants. Service is exceptional and the smiles genuine. I noticed a lot of bookstores and with books in many languages, as well as excellent English all over. The Hungarian language is still a complete mystery, even to this language fascist, though!

I truly hope this was not my last visit to this absolutely fascinating place! Köszönöm! (Thank you!)

I had to say goodbye to three little beautiful, but very different souls within 6 months and thought that a few words honoring my sweet companions might alleviate the huge sens of loss that I am feeling today after saying goodbye to the last one 24 hours ago.

Clicquot was adopted in 2005 at the age of 9 weeks. It was love at first sight, but she was a fragile one. From feline herpes to flee allergy – there was always something. About two years ago, her kidneys started failing and it became time to say goodbye. That last night, I blew THC on her little face, hoping to make her feel a bit better. She bounced right back and the doctors were amazed. However, we knew that the kidneys would not get better and they did not. She managed to last 4 weeks after we left the only home she has known, but then her little body gave up. She was surrounded by a sweet vet and her two mothers and it was very peaceful. Rest In Peace, sweet Clicquot, forever La Grande Dame. Saying goodbye to you yesterday was truly heartbreaking.

Nobody knows where Saladin came from. He started showing up around 2006 or 2007 and it took me a couple of years just to get close to him. One day, he just gave up and threw himself on his back, thus offering me belly and throat. I have never met a more affectionate cat, nor a more annoying one. The drooling in the ear at 4 am, the very loud meowing and the constant need for attention could be a challenge, but when he stared at you adoringly, my heart swelled up and we would spoon the night away. He was probably around 20 at the end, deaf and with a good dose of dementia, but what a loving soul.

MeiMei started showing up in 2010 with Saladin. He was small and friendly and I was convinced that it was a girl, as the two were very loving towards each other. He got the name which means little sister in Mandarin, probably not the best name for a little boy who desperately wanted to meet a mate in the spring. It turns out he was leading a double life as Chandler and I suspect he may have picked other restaurants, too, but I loved having him. MeiMei was a big lover of other critters and would wait for the raccoons, possums and skunks every night for dinner time. He sadly disappeared around June.

Thank you for all the love, my sweet fur babies. Let’s hope that reincarnation thing works! Namaste.

Who would have guessed in early March that this was the last visit to the Wine Country before we started Sheltering in Place, or SIP’ing , as I prefer to call it (no pun intended, of course)!  Spring had already started, but it pains me to have missed the gorgeous mustards and cherry blossoms this year!

I have never seen weather like this in May!  As a child in Stockholm, my mother would almost have to revive me after my swimming lessons in 16 degrees Celsius, but this year, everybody in Copenhagen and Stockholm was enjoying the weather and the water!