Waking up in Budapest, on day 3, I realize that the whole city is on flood watch. There are sandbags everywhere near the Danube, and the police is out in force, blocking tourists from venturing to Margaret Island, where I was hoping to get in an early morning stroll around its grassy grounds. Just not today, water is everywhere: So …
Budapest, Day 2
That’s a statue of Nagy Imre, the controversial Prime Minister who led the nation during the tumultuous Hungarian Revolution of 1956. He was arrested then executed during the Soviet invasion. It’s a wonderful depiction of introspection, solitude, and even reverie. But you’d have to look at the direction of his gaze to understand the symbolism behind the art: Yep, he’s …
Budapest, Day 1
The downside of being a nomad is that you’re always saying goodbye to someone, some place, or some opportunity in the place in your rear-view mirror. The upside of answering the call of wanderlust is saying hello to the unknown. The unknown, unvisited, yet-to-be-met roads all beckon me to find them, no matter how much I tell myself to stop …
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Escale à Dunkerque
On this very sunny weekend I went to Dunkerque, France with my host family for an annual boating event. The record breaking crowd had the same idea to soak up the sun, indulge in local food, and enjoy the various expos and events spread throughout the city center. Let’s start with the ships that lined up along the harbor… I …