Saturday, June 8, 2013

Exploring the tiny town of Rovinj, Croatia


Rovinj is a small fishing port in northenr Croatia that has been a part of just about everything from the Byzantine Empire to Venice, Austria, and Italy.  As such it is a colorful outpost, surrounded by the sea with an old church tower as the centerpiece and narrow lanes for getting lost.

The goodness of Demel


Demel makes the best sweets in the world.  We stopped by and ate a few things, and it did not disappoint.  Earlier in the trip I promised an older Austrian man that I would visit Vienna for a year, but I had to also promise that I would never look at a bathroom scale.  Now I know why he said that.  The desserts here are exquisite.

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.

Friday, June 7, 2013

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."

Thursday, June 6, 2013

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.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

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