What To Do With Ten Kuna?

Life is full of decisions,
some easy and others not.
Does one want what to try and bring about world peace
and think of others,
or do you want to spend it on yourself?

Tom with ten kuna (Croatian $$$)
purchased two ice cream cones.
(I won't disclose if he ate both or shared.)

Katie, believing that children are our future,
purchased a seashell from this young lad.



I figured this might
be the start of his college fund.




His father was near
coaching him on salesmanship skills.
He did not pick our pockets
while I was deciding on which shell.

In case you are wondering 10 kuna = 2 dollars approximately.

Welcome to Croatia

After a couple of days in a bustling city,

we were ready to experience the slower pace of Croatian countryside.
Our lodging was a tiny, former vineyard home.
It had electricity and running water,
but no internet.When traveling it's a goal to feel at home,
make it special,
put out family photos.

On the back road (the only road) to Viscar,
we were attracted to roadside cafes with pigs roasting.


FYI: an innocent, young pig at three months already weighs 40 pounds
and
is ready for market
and
then onto a grilling spit!


Our evening dinner hosts were most welcoming and conversational.
(even offered to snap a photo)
They cooked up a delectable, memorable meal
ending with a complimentary jam-filled pancake for dessert.
(possibly causing future indigestion)
Instead of a valet service,
a host motioned for oncoming road traffic to stop
as one backed out (that would be Tom) into it.

Driving back to town,
passing several honey, wine and grappa stands,
we found it tempting not to purchase an item or two.
You never know what gourmet treat hasn't been discovered yet!

Budapest Hungary

A very international city of over two million people,

Budapest reflects various influences and flavors.
(heavy on the Turkish)

Hungary is a part of the European Union,
however it seems to shift political focus often.
Metro skyline photos are recognized worldwide,
especially those from and of Buda castle.
"Hop On, Hop Off"
bus rides around such a bustling area
are a "good thing"
as my friend Martha Stewart would say!
(so we did, cuts down on marital tension too!)
Being first in line, we got the best seat;
top deck in the front,
ready with dual cameras and English audio guide
complimented by classical background music
when stuck in traffic.

Tom and I both did some travel shopping.


I purchased, for 10 euro,
a beautiful, handmade tablecloth from Grandma Hungary
in front of the National Museum.




Slightly more expensive,
for 20 euro,
my hubby chose a CD.
Sunday evening at Pesta Buda, a traditional Hungarian restaurant,
we were stared down by musicians until purchasing.






Memories, oh sweet memories!

Bratislava Slovakia

Blowing into Slovakia, first stop on our "Good Bye Europe Tour",
we landed in capital city Bratislava.
Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993
from the Czech Republic.
Like Poland, Catholicism is strong,
with people lined up for services.
Many energetically work to move their country forward,
which is evident.



The largest of Communist era housing projects (around 150,000 residents)
is the first visual one sees entering from the west.
After that a beautiful Old Town,
artistic bridges,
churches and a stunning castle compete for attention.
The city is basically litter free,
graffiti of course is around.

Summer is festival time and we luckily hit another.
"Slovensko" a folk art event entertained us with music, craft and treats!

Katie's Favorite (Budapest) Cafe

Warren, what would you recommend for dinner?

Katie Speaks Slovene

Trojica is somewhere in southeastern Slovenia
Katie ordered two Cokes and two brats....she thought.

What she got for each of us:
Two slabs of pork roast, canned peas and carrots, rice pilaf delight, french fries, greens and tomato dressed with balsamic vinegar, freshly baked rye bread on a plate garnished with lemon. Katie was disappointed there was no pumpkin pie with ice cream.

Last Friday Night in Bamberg

We moved out of our apartment Saturday, August 29th.
Each neighborhood in downtown Bamberg has their own beer fest.
Cloister Brau, one-half block away from our building,
and a community favorite,
hosted a great party to send us off!

A couple of stores brought several boxes of hats
to add some style to the party.
I found a felt one that's a keeper.
We wandered back to get a jacket and
Tom started playing with his camera. (as usual)


















Do you think any of these shots would work for our Christmas card?
Let us know!