Well, back to McD's for me. Working backwards, here I am, sitting too close to the door (it's still coolish here, but the worst thing is the sun has been out for maybe 4 minutes since my arrival. It's the kind of damp cold that gets through your layers. I'm stripped down a notch because I'm indoors, but have 4 layers on my top half when outside. And those beloved gloves. No hat, but that's ok since I'm usually too vain to wear one anyway).
I did venture into a little French cafe, by myself, and ordered a bowl of soup and a regular ol' glass of water. I think he pretended he didn't know what I meant - it was a pretty chic place - and I kept saying Tap, tap (as in tap water) and gesturing like I was turning a spigot. He asked if I spreken the doitch (can't even spell it, guess I don't speak it) and finally gave up - even made the same spigot-turning gesture himself. I chose the place because they were rumored to have wifi (the same in any language - cappucino and wifi - what more does a girl need) but it was a roose (sp?) to get unsuspecting tourists inside to purchase overpriced soup. So I did feel a bit smug that I wore him down in the tap vs. mineral exchange. So you see, I did attempt an alternative to McDs. But here I am. No pastry though. They did have a little something that translated to "spelt cake" but I opted out. After the pickle debaucle of Tuesday, I am not leaving ordering to chance.
Still haven't learned many words, although I recognize the word 'soup' on a menu. Can't ever remember the word for goodbye - it sounds like juggernaut but not quite. I never want to risk it - shouting 'juggernaut' as I wave at the sales clerk...
Before that I went back to bed. I know, shame on me, being in a new exotic city and napping at 12:30 in the afternoon. But I woke up weary, and am determined to stay healthy. So I downed a glass of Emergen-C and crashed (I love the stuff. powder, dissolve in water, packed with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, whatever they are but I hear they're important. Tastes like tang, which always reminds me of my Pop-Pop and Oyster crackers in his east PHilly kitchen.) I didn't sleep well - took a long time to fall asleep - might have been all that beer the D and I consumed Wed night - local brewery, I stole coasters - and was awakened too early by D's landlady saying something in Hungarian that D thinks had to do with the heater, but we never were sure. So I napped, had overpriced soup, am at McDs.
Still working backward, DOtty and I already have a morning routine. I sleep later than her, she is up and at the library across the street checking her email, leaves me coffee ready - all I have to do is push the on switch - I shower, she returns, she's completely awake and talking like crazy, I nod and blink, waiting for the caffeine to click in. We venture out, all layered up, and go have more coffee. About this time I click on and take over my conversational duties. This morning we made reservations for the Budapest hotel. Budapest Astoria, a 4 star, for $85 for 3 nights (my share). Amazing deal.
The money is easy - move the decimal point over two, divide in half, add a little buffer. For ex, something for 1390 florits would be about $7. Although I haven't bought anything but food yet. The souvenirs all fit in two categories - little handpainted chickens on pot holders, or American pop stuff. I can buy any of dozens of tshirts with Elvis, Rosie the Riveter, or Bono on them. Nothing with a cool Hungarian band graphic on it, which would be a cool gift for the offspring (I'm still looking).
After I am done here there are two stops for me - one to a little gallery specializing in mid-century expressionism, and a museum of a porcelain company. I know, right? but D says it's fascinating and wants my opinion of the famous glaze that D thinks is awful, the color of duck puke. Speaking of ducks, they serve lots of strange animal parts here. On the chic restaurant menu was an item translated to Lamb Innards. Really. Not famous for its cuisine here, unless you are a fan of cabbage. And egg noodles. We actually had tacos last night. I know, shame on us, tacos in Hungary - but they did have really good beer. And lots of it.
Tonight the bus to Dotty's boss' apartment for dinner. We were going to go to a concert last night but it was sold out. Tonight it's an Indian techno band that we may or may not be sorry we missed, can't really tell. TOmorrow night, jazz - we are planning on going.
Dotty doesn't seem lonely at all - she has met a woman who has proven to be a good social resource - between her and her students (who think older people are interesting and cool, unlike American students), she has been horseback riding, and extreme sporting, and hiking, etc. She does say it would be a totally different trip if she hadn't met her. Plus I think Dotty is wired that way - meet people, get onboard.
Oh and the music - everywhere, American. I think it's like the souvenirs. It's either Elvis or Hungarian folk tunes. Last night in the brewery I heard Prince, Gloria Estafan, Sting, and lots of disco ("It's raining men - hallelujah!")
Ok, I will venture to the gallery and the porcelain museum (aren't you jealous) and peek in on some retail on the way.
Love you all. Back on go the layers.... xos/mom
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