Le Cru Champagne Shop in Vienna

This is a cool little shop in Vienna that only sells champagne.  That's it.  They specialize in single grape small-batch "microbrews" from estates in France.  We were a little intimidated to enter in our rain suits, but we found warm service and were even offered free tastings, even though we insisted that we were leaving Vienna to soon to drink any champagne.

Figlmüller's perfect schnitzel in Vienna

On the recommendation of numerous people, including my grandparents and an Austrian man with a perfectly curled grey mustache and a penchant for British racing, we decided to try Figlmuller during our visit to Vienna for a heavy lunch. 

After riding the subway all over Vienna for free, we saddled up next to these meaty disks the size of generous pizzas.  The schniztzel was served simply with a lemon.  The schnitzel has been served here for over 100 years and every serving is violently pounded to a thickness of 30mm.  The Austrian emperor roll is used for the bread crumb breading and is perfectly crispy and light.

Furmonster of the day - Crap my pants Rovinj edition

This Black Russian Terrier looked really sweet and cool, so Kristin and I approached the owner and dog. That is when the dog left out a growl and we realized it was possible a death eater.  "He no like people."  Indeed, indeed. 

Greatest travel guide store ever - freytag & berndt

We stumbled upon this store in Vienna.  It was all travel guides, travel books, and maps.  It was like some kind of mecca for Kristin and I.  We did not even know such places existed.  At one point a sales associate came up to me and asked, "Can I help you?"  I just stared off into space and replied, "No."

Budapest at Night

Cruising the Danube with my grandparents and Kristin was an incredible experience.  As the lights fade, Budapest transforms from a city to a city bathed in gold.  Above is the Parliament building looking as if it is covered in 22kt gold leaf.

The photography of Budapest

After spending 3 days in Budapest and eating goulash and paprika chicken way too much, I have decided that it is a great place.  The Magyar language is difficult, so much so that I am convinced paying my parking ticket will be harder than getting a phd.  Aside from the odd waiter who gets thrills out of withholding bread, the Hungarians are incredibly nice and helpful.  The wide boulevards and immaculate architecture exceeded expectations so much that upon arriving in Vienna I was disappointed.

We left Hungary for 5 days in beautiful Slovenia, but before we start sharing, here is a bunch of Hungary.  Tomorrow, I will share my night photography of Budapest, which I believe is some of the best stuff I have ever done.

This guy

Being Blue/Cute

Dancing Street Lamps in Budapest

Every now and then, I take a picture, look down at my camera, and just smile.  This is one of those pictures.  From the pink paint brush like strokes in the sky to the couple who you can barely make out on a bench to the to street lamps that appear to be dancing with each other.  I just love this picture. 

 It was taken from the Danube river at sunset in Budapest.

Budapest Opera House

Seeing a symphony at Budapest's old Opera House felt like transcending time and arriving back in some old world Budapest.  We were delighted by Wagner and other composers and the maestro finished the night with one of his own pieces, which led to what seemed like 30 minutes of clapping.

Old Jaguar in Budapest

 Old Jag in an old city in near perfect condition

The Jaguar

Szentendre shopping

Szentendre is a small quaint town just north of Budapest known for shopping and historic buildings.  Since my grandparents came to visit Kristin and I, and my grandmother loves to shop, we decided to just go straight in to the belly of the beast and go to this tourist shopping mecca on our first full day in Hungary.

Moose Wine!

Moose Wine!