Documentary class subject

This letter to my teacher says it all.  "Sean" is Sean Stewart, one of my co-collaborators on Intentional Fallacy and a really great guy.  This is going to be AWESOME.

Dear Dr. Browder,
Last week Dave Coogan contacted Sean and I about working/volunteering on a
documentary project for the Boaz and Ruth organization, a Richmond-based
non-profit dedicated to helping rehabilitated and released prisoners. It provides
numerous programs and resources related to skills development and counseling.

Today, we met with the directors of Boaz and Ruth and we're really excited
about the prospects of creating two short documentaries for them. Sean and
I would work as a team, but would produce two films, each with a different
theme. The first would focus on Boaz and Ruth and the organization itself,
and the second would focus on their Oct. 11th event, The Long Walk to
Freedom.

Embedded in these short films would be a sense of oral history, grass-roots
activism, social-consciousness and community awareness. Boaz and Ruth is a
really impressive place: they facilitate almost all of the outreach by way
of the different extension spaces they operate -- a second-hand "boutique,"
a moving company, a thrift store, a restaurant, and much more, all while
focusing on and tackling the issues that affect former prisoners as they
work to regain their dignity, pride and place in this world.

We feel that this opportunity is one that can both benefit us as students
in your course, but also serves to benefit the Boaz and Ruth organization
as well as the people they strive to help every day.

Our question is, would you like us to submit a group proposal for both
films or individual proposals for each film?

We look forward to hearing from you!
Sean and Kristine

PS...Here's links to Boaz and Ruth and The Long Walk to Freedom
http://www.boazandruth.com/
http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/longwalktofreedom

New Fall Semester

I've finally experienced all of my fall courses and I'm really excited about this semester!

I'm taking 3 classes:  Deconstruction and the Arts, Documentary and Issues and Methods in Art Education, which is an online course.  

Last Thursday, ARTE started online.  I did the little readings and posted the online work and though this is my first online course, I like the pace and concept of it so far.  I think it will be a little challenging, since I don't come from an "art education" background, but I really look forward to creating a kind of unity in teaching film/video with the formulas and discussion of teaching "art."

Today, I hit up the first day of my other two classes.  First, Deconstruction.  A hot ensemble of Heidegger, de Man, Derrida, Merleau-Ponty, Fried, Clark, Marin, Nancy and Lacoue-Labarthe. HOT!  The prof is captivating - he's young, brilliant, comfortable and coherent.  The day-one lecture took away the daunting, nauseating feeling I had about this class.  Intense in heavy cultural theory, focused on a sort of "over" period of criticism and philosophy, we'll weave out what works and doesn't in terms of deconstruction.  I'm particularly fond of the idea that we are supposed to do close, as in microscopic, readings of specific art works or texts for our papers.  And I also like that Prof. Cronan doesn't expect us to KNOW everything.  There's room to grow and learn and acclimate to this kind of mind-melting theory.  I'm a bit intimidated, but not grossed out.  And you can't ask for much more in a deep, intense course on brain-blowing, cranial-fcuk of a class.  

And then there's Documentary.  Wow.  Wow.  Wow.  If there wasn't a better class made for me here at MATX, well, I'll pay you $5 if you can prove me wrong.  Dr. Browder is great.  She's open, she's receptive, she's thrown herself into grant-writing and documentary making - not just film, but creative non-fiction, podcasts, blogs, etc.  She fired us up with a great debate about the differences between creative NF, "documentary" and journalism, notions of truth, perception, subjectivity and visual rhetoric.  She's assigned some fascinating texts and in true upper-academic fashion, expects some kind of documentary work from us.  Whether we do photo-essay, film, or a written version, we have to produce a project,  a 10 page proposal with budget, response papers to the readings and workshopping our projects as they come along.  

Considering that my thesis topic is trans-cultural and self-reflexive docs, as well as making one about Hungary and my mother's life and the 1956 Revolution, and that I've learned to teach and study docs from Dr. Marcus and from Joel, I think I'm in good shape.  I have a different kind of attitude here:  no more fish-out-of-water, this time I feel like I'm swimming comfortably and no matter, will always be able to tread water.  

Cheers to a great new semester!  After the havoc and craziness of this summer, all the wonderful things I experienced and the delight of living in a new house, I'm ready for the massive shit-storm coming my way.  In fact, I kind of look forward to it...

Obama and Me!

Yesterday I started my volunteer work at the Richmond Obama headquarters, about a block from my house. I walk past it all the time and on Friday, I stopped in an signed up! So, on Sunday, I got there around noon, had a brief tutorial on what to say and do at the phone bank, and started making calls. I made about 200 calls in 3 hours, which made a slight dent in the daily goal of 13,000 calls. Most people didn't answer their phones and I was only hung up on twice, but of the two dozen or so people I actually spoke with, they were really nice and super charged about Obama!

My goal was to invite people to watch the Democratic Nomination of Obama on Thursday at their local precinct's designated party location. Here's my script:

"Hello, is _____________ available? Hi, I'm Kristine, a volunteer at the Obama for President campaign here in Richmond.

I'm calling today to because as a supportor of Senator Obama, we wanted to invite you to watch the Democratic Nomination of Obama for President. Would you like to attend a free Convention Watch Party in your precinct on Thursday, August 28th"

And here, people would either respond with total enthusiasm or begin to tell me a lot about themselves. Broken hips, knee surgery, have to work a night shift at the restaurant, small kids to take care of, class at VCU, etc. But here's where in some cases I could spin a maybe out of them or at least pass on the information that we need lots of help from volunteers and if they were interested, we're located at 1208 W. Marshall, right behind the Siegel Center.

Sometimes I threw in words and phrases like "come meet like-minded voters and Obama supporters in your community" or "don't miss this historic event!" or "would you like to invite anyone in the household to join you?" Yeah, all of these were mine, off-script. I'm awesome.

I had planned to stay for 5 hours, but after about 3 1/2, I couldn't take it anymore. My ear REALLY hurt from being on the phone and I totally ran out of steam. But I'll be back next Sunday for more volunteer work and the free pretzels.

Not like I don't have a million other things to do...being involved in that pesky MATX program that takes up most of my time, or trying to have a bit of a social life, or god forbid, trying to work on my Hungary documentary...

But I think the reason I've been so damned compelled to help with this campaign and that I'm committed to giving a little time at least once a week -- is because I have suffered for EIGHT LONG YEARS. I have never volunteered at a campaign before, though I vote at every primary and election. I try to stay informed, but don't really get involved. And Gore lost (well, he won, but I digress) and Kerry lost too, and when that happened, I was inconsolable for days! I cried and cried. That was a bad year, because Kwame won that year too, and I didn't vote for that scumbag either!

So, I'm gonna put a little muscle and a little effort into this campaign and for better or worse, I feel good about my contribution. Maybe this is the magic sprinkle of fairy dust needed to secure that the next president isn't a warmonger millionaire who doesn't know how many houses he owns...but someone who actually inspires me and many others and gives me a little hope about the future.

And for all 3 of you that read my blog, you too can help out! Just go to www.vademocrats.org or Obama for America.

Wednesday - Laundry Day!

Since I've been back, I've had this strange, early morning motivation to GET SHIT DONE around the house. I came home with quite a few boxes left from the move, including the entire media room, which houses all 1500 of our books, 2000 CD's, 1000 Records, plus the dvd's, vhs, cassettes and other bullshit we simply can't seem to part with. Not to mention, the weeds in my backyard were taller than me and the mountain of laundry is only growing.

Saturday and Sunday, I finished unpackign my offfice and some random boxes here and there. Monday we knocked out the Media Room. It's a hodge podge of unmatching bookshelves and random cheap Ikea or garbage picked storage systems for all this stuff. There's a couple chairs in there and Xian will hook up the turntable to the house stereo system and it will be rockin' good!

Yesterday, I woke up at 8 am, on my own, which is completely unheard of. Did the earth have a polar shift? Was there some strange celestial alignment that caused this bizarre twist of the universe? I popped out of bed, made coffee, doused myself with insect repellent and started working immediately on the backyard (which was a total mosquito and god knows what else infestation). I used hedge clippers to chop down all the tall weeds (which were more like trees), and thousands of bugs scattered away. I went to Lowe's for rakes and gloves and even went to the post office (more on that later). I woke X up around 10 and we went out there and hauled so much ass, I cannot even describe the power of our awesome yard-cleaning force! In a few hours, we cleaned the entire yard, which makes it look twice as big! I even hung my ugly cow bird feeder and put in some tiki torches!! The only thing we have left to do is move a pile of random bricks back there into the designated "why the fuck do we have all these random bricks" zone. We kept the back corner a little over grown and kept the hay that's there around because that seems to be where Wilson likes to poop. And I won't mess with that.

After all that work, I listed 40 books for sale on Amazon, browsed Craigslist for patio furniture (I think I'll pickup a table, four chairs and umbrella today for $50!), I made dinner, watched gymnastics (poor Alicia!) and drank a lot of beer. It was a super-productive day!

But today, I really have to just commit myself to laundry. I mean, it's really disgusting in my bedroom, especially when you think some of the clothes in that pile is from before we moved here! I have this eerie dejavu feeling that when I start to sort the clothes, bugs will scatter like they did in the backyard.

Not sure which laundro-mat to use, but if it has WIFI, I'll be in less of laundry hell!

Finally, couple quick happy references: hung out with Kelly and Jason, they gave me a PED EGG (it's kind of weird) and Kelly hooked me up with a day out for lunch at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (for my birthday). They rock. Met up with Josh, Jenn, and Belinda for dinner at Su Casa. Awesome. Mira is safe in Detroit. Heather is still a bitch. Wilson is acting more normal. Found out yesterday my very amazing and wonderful friend from Detroit, Beth B. is moving here to Richmond in October! And my mom is coming to visit this weekend so we can plan out some of our business for the future visits to Hungary and the film we're going to make.

Now, if this motivation and positive forward moving train can keep steam through next week and well into the upcoming (gulp) semester, I'll be thrilled.

Last note: I went to the post office yesterday as well and sent a care package to Mira, but also, I sent a thank you card to Barbara Nebehej, the woman who provided all the information about my Grandmother's grave, including Agoston's phone number and address. In the card, I wrote a 3 page letter to her, describing how her acts of kindness to a random stranger opened so many doors and possibilities, more than I could have ever imagined. I hope she doesn't have too hard of a time reading a letter in English, but it will at least be good practice, as she told me takes English lessons. Either way, what's most important is that she is somehow aware of that her kindness has had a profound effect on my life and the life of my family. Cheers to Barbara!

Last day, Candida's Wedding and Back Home

The last night in Budapest (Thursday night) was a wine binger and a romantic wedding. Dear Dani and Sweet Candida got married at the Kiado and exhanged hand-made rings. It was lovely. I was the witness, the photographer and the priest. And the best-man and the maid of honor. And the wedding drunk. All of these things are essentials on "that special day." I'm glad I could fulfill so many roles and at the same time, gulp down copious amounts of wine at my favorite bar in Budapest.

I only slept about 3 hours before I shared my last breakfast with my friends and it was really really sad to say goodbye. It was also really really sad to wake up still intoxicated from the night before...but I mean, how many weddings am I going to celebrate in Europe?

The ride home was rough, but I made an American friend at the Ferihegy airport. Amy, from New York. We were both hungover and both desperate to get home. Nice to have a comrade in my suffering.

I got home late last night, about 11:30 PM (5:30 AM Budapest time!) and I was so happy to see Christian!! Once we got home, there was Wilson and he totally jumped all over me, whimpering, yelping, freaking out. It was great.

So, now I'm home and even after a good night of sleep, I'm exhausted. Thus, this blog is a bit lame and not the kind of post-European retrospective I had planned. I guess in time, that will come. Today, I plan to eat, rest, watch movies, try to unpack and slowly acclimate to life back home, in a new house, still half boxed up and messy. Not to mention, I have to somehow get the courage to wash 3 weeks of dirty clothes from trip! Having no washer/dryer in the house, this too will be a kind of epic adventure. Also, after weeks of strong espressos and capuccinos, it's easy to gulp a pot of American coffee - I'm about half done with this morning's brew.

For now, enjoy the wedding and pinball pics that I promised and thanks for reading.

Aug. 7 - Last night in lovely Budapest

Last night, all I had energy for was dinner and sleep.  We went to a decent cafe by the Ernst museum, but had the biggest bitch for a waitress.  She was horrible!  She rolled her eyes at us, hurried us through our meal, forgot everything, huffed and puffed when I ask for a take-out box (which I had to ask for twice) and then while sweet Marlene broke down the bill (because their credit card machine was down) she hovered behind Marlene and unbeknownst to our dear Portuguese friend, shot eye-daggers from her bitch-face all over Marlene's back!  So here's Marlene, counting, adding, doing all the math, while this woman just stands there.  She's so engrossed in working out the bill she doesn't even notice the woman, which I think forged a protective shield from the evil gushing out of her...and we're all snickering and laughing and just wondering, don't you have something better to do with your time than breathe down our necks? Candida hadn't even finished eating yet!  Too much.  

I declined to go out and crashed early.  I gave Hannah a hug goodbye and very early this morning, she was gone, on her way back to Boston.  I awoke alone and very sweaty from a feverish sleep, but I think I broke my fever and I feel much better today.  My big apartment/hotel room is empty except for a few stray things like Hannah's peanut butter and the silverware we nicked from the breakfast room.  Patricia, who came with a suitcase in a suitcase (since she came from New York and had to transport some art), left me with her extra suitcase and a few of her things to ship to her and it's good that I have it!  After buying a new tripod and 3 days worth of new clothes, plus all the other shit I've acquired on the journey, I barely have room for everything!  I am going to be so screwed at customs. 

Today, I had coffee and breakfast with Candida and made plans with she, Marlene and Lana for dinner.  It's our last night together and I'm really sad!  Though I don't feel like I'm in top shape, I do feel like yesterday's bout of doing absolutely nothing has bought me some time to go out tonight and enjoy my last evening in Budapest. 

So, this will be my last blog here...I'll take some time to reflect in a little more of a sophisticated and intellectual way when I get home and don't have a fever anymore.  

I took a jaunt over the West End mall to look for last minute gifts and something for Xian.  I wasn't every successful in finding anything for him (I had something very specific in mind).  But as I was walking back to the Medosz, I popped into this little shop and assembling a great all-Hungarian gift for him.  

But, while I was the mall, I turned the corner and couldn't believe my eyes!  SIX PINBALL MACHINES AT THE ARCADE!!!  I thought, do I dare?  And yes, I accepted the challenge.  I played 3 out of the six machines:  Sopranos, Shrek and Indiana Jones.  It was AWESOME.  I kicked ass!  Free game here, match there.  Cheap too!  3 games for 200 Forints!  So, I spent 1000 forints and walked away, happy and relaxed.  So funny that all the games in the arcade are all in English and all the Pinball machines are totally based on American pop-culture (the others were Wheel of Fortune, Spiderman and Pirates of the Caribbean.  The Indiana Jones had an EIGHT BALL multiball - that was too crazy!  I have pics, but haven't uploaded them...soon...

Tonight we'll go to a gallery opening at 6:30, then dinner, then some laughs and goodbyes and fun at the Kiado, and likely more fun after that.  I don't care that I feel like crap today.  I have to have fun and just ignore the body aches and enjoy this last night out with my new friends in this amazing city.  

Aug. 6th - Exhibition inand getting sick

Last night was the grand finale of the Residency, our long-anticipated exhibition at the Mucius Gallery here in Budapest. Beata hired a traditional four-piece band from Transylvania to play at the event.  They set up on the sidewalk and the music created a really cool vibe for the exhibition.  A lot of people came, about 60 or more, including my wonderful Hungarian family!  

Hannah and I shared the glory of wearing Patricia's Chain Bridge, but I think it looked better on her than on me.  I really like my hair-do last night and think that I looked pretty cute!  I think all the Medosz ladies are pretty fine...

All the wine and fruit disappeared and people seemed to respond really well to the show.  I met a woman who works for the US Embassy and she was very interested in my story and my project.  Very cool.  

Afterwards, we went out for dinner and drinks.  That was great as it was Holly's last night with us.  

Today, I woke up with a fever and body aches and a sore throat and a cough.  So, I guess it's safe to say that I'm sick.  Perfect way to spend my last 2 days here. 

I slept all day.  Literally, I was up for a total of 2 hours today.  It's just after 9 pm now and I'm at the corner tea house drinking some very delicious green tea.  I think I broke my fever, but I'm still really achy and yucky feeling.  

Tonight is Hannah's last night and tomorrow, it's just me, Lana, Candida and Marlene.  I'll be all alone in my room!  I'm hoping to hit up the sauna at the Szechenyi bath and burn out the last of the fever and yuck in my body.  I was supposed to spend a part of the evening with Agoston and Erzsebet, but I'm worried about getting them sick!  So, unfortunately, we cancelled.  But this isn't the end of our relationship, it's just the beginning! 

I want to enjoy my last day in Budapest and just have to push through being sick.  I'll be sick on the plane and when I get home...gotta fight for one last great day in Hungary!

That's all I've got for today.  Wish I was more lively, but I'll safe it for tomorrow.

Aug. 3 - Installation and ROCKTOGON

Yesterday was BUSY.  After a super late night out with Candida and Daniel and an intense amount of red wine consumed, I awoke fuzzy-headed and a little bit dumb.  I had to reprint one of my images for the exhibition and walked all the way to the print shop without my disc!  So I turned around, walked back, met up with Marlene, and we went back to the shop.  Then the guy printed my image on PAPER, not photo Paper, so I had to go back a THIRD time.  Just as I was re-framing the image and cleaning the frames, Beata swoops in like a storm and the day of installation of all our art work at the Mucius Gallery begins.

We were there for a few hours, helping out, but Mucius hired a professional installer to hang all the pieces, which was pretty convenient.  Patricia couldn't seem to find a decent place to hang her long crocheted (with plastic and wire) piece inspired by the Chain Bridge, and all the while she's been making it, I've been calling it a pacsmina - it really looked wearable.  Resigned not the exhibit the piece, I asked if I could wear it during the exhibition!  And she was delighted!  So, I'll be the walking exhibition of the show, the Hungarian girl wearing the Chain Bridge and I'm very honored!  

Later, we met with Beata for dinner on the Buda side and had a lovely evening with great food, great wine and great conversation.  It was the last night all of us were together as Patricia left for home at 5 am this morning.  She's missing the exhibition, which really sucks.  But I've promised her lots of pictures! 

After dinner, we dashed to the tram to avoid the light rain.  Again, I forget my umbrella, so on the way out of the restaurant, I grabbed a Metro newspaper and fashioned a lovely rain-blocker tent over my head.  Patricia asked me "Are you cold?" and I said, straight as can be, "Why no, this Hungarian newspaper keeps me both warm and dry."  For some reason, this just came like I was a walking advertisement for the miracle that is the Hungarian newspaper and its versatile uses!  It's not just newspaper anymore, it's an urban necessity!  A giggle-fest ensued. 

Once back, we futzed around looking for a less smoky place to have a last drink with Patricia.  I had noticed this bar around the corner from us when I first got here, called ROCKTOGON. Though a stone's throw from our hotel, we'd never ventured there, it just looks so bad!  A total metal bar.  Like Harpo's or something.  And This may not seem HILARIOUS at first, but our neighborhood is called Oktogon and the play on words is an irresistable invitation for a million bad rock jokes and puns of our own.  Did we dare test the power of such a formidable sounding rock bar?  Were we rockin' enuff for this place?  It was Patricia's last night in town and she voted that yes, indeed, we rock enuff.  Right as we're walking past Kiado, Marlene says real loud, "Let's go to Rocktogon!" and the guy in front of us turns around and stares at us in horror. And to our horror, it's the bartender at Kiado that's a real hard-case.  We call him "Meanie." And we were so unbelievably embarrassed - usurping our usual Kiado for ROCKTOGON and then going public with it is a CONTROVERSIAL and DANGEROUS social move!  We had no choice then but to stay to true our rockin' selves and boldly go to the home of heavy metal in Budapest.  

Laughing our asses off, we entered ROCKTOGON and were sorely disappointed.  This place doesn't rock!  At least not on Mondays.  It was silent and empty!  But the beer was super cheap and we were left alone. Literally, because there was only one other group of people in the whole bar - young kids listening to a radio they brought in and singing along to Linkin Park and Creed.  THEY ROCK!  The decor was a kick-ass supply of posters of Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden and equivalent versions of Hungarian rock bands.  We just laughed and laughed the whole time there and got the bartender to take our photo, showing off our versions of the Jesus-Gang-Gesture meets the Rock-On-Devil-Horns.  

As you walk in to ROCKTOGON, there's a wall of fame.  Signed press photos of no one I recognize.  Some of the frames were empty.  Methinks it would be a great idea to take a ROCK photo of us, sign it, and install it in the ROCKTOGON.  That would rock!

I woke up today, alone in my room.  I miss Patricia!  Almost everyday she got up before me, but when I'd wake up she'd say "Good morning, dear" and we'd plan our day ahead.  I really loved having her as my roommate!  Now I'm all alone!  

After breakfast I ventured out, in search of a dress for tonight's opening.  I had every intention of splurging on something grand for myself.  After a few hours of bullshit and no luck and nothing fitting and one guy saying at a boutique "We only carry 38's here" (as in "beat it, fat-ass, no couture for you!", I decided to come back to the Medosz.  So, it's the same old black dress I've worn 3 times already here.  Which is fine, all I wanted was a black dress anyways - since I'll be exhibiting the Chain Bridge tonight and that's the real piece-de-resistance. 

A couple hours to go until the opening and I'm not really nervous.  I'm not entirely thrilled about my photos, but they're pretty good and it's quite an honor to have a show in Budapest. Beata put a price of 75,000 forints for all six pieces, I'd be quite a lucky girl if they sold!  My awesome Hungarian family is coming and it will be an exciting night for all of us.  For now though, I'm just going to relax, enjoy an espresso and a glass of wine and mentally prepare for the challenge of being a walking art piece!  

August 2nd - Out with Agoston, Erzsebet and Zsuzsa

This is yesterday and today's blog, as I was too exhausted and emotionally drained to sit down and write about the day last night....

Agoston, Erzsebet and her cousin, Zsuzsa picked me up right at 10 am yesterday morning and we headed out to Godollo.  There was a traffic back-up because of the the Formula 1 racing shit happening in Budapest this weekend, but at least we were in a nice air-conditioned Peugeot.  Zsuzsa acted as interpretor, she's Erzsebet's cousin and she was great.  We got along right away and I think she must have done a fine job translating as Agoston and Erzsebet laughed at my silly jokes!

We arrived at the Kiraly Castle Museum, built in 1733 and purchased by Queen Erzsebet and the royal family in 1867.  The palace, which had been sacked in WWI, WWII and by the Commies, is only about half restored and most of the original furniture, art and relics are stolen or missing.  Much of the material in the museum is on loan from other museums or re-created in the style of the time.  But it was really quite breathtaking and in no way "unroyal." You couldn't take photos inside, but I snuck a few here and there!  

Then we headed out another 60 km to Holloko, a true Hungarian village with an amazing castle ruin at the top of large hill.  We walked all through the village, stopping in the shops and ate a huge meal at the super charming old-timey Hungarian restaurant.  This was like a the Hungarian version of the Shire.  While at dinner, Agoston gave me a gold chain and gold crucifix that belonged to my great-grandmother.  It was a very teary and emotional exchange.  I'm going to give this to my mom.  They also gave me a few more copies of family photos and promised more to come.  

I napped on the drive back and felt a little ill when I returned.  A long day in the sun, with more tears and more joy and the difficulties of language...but I wouldn't trade the time with them for anything in the world.

Later, all of us girls went to the Chain Bridge with some cute Dutch boys that Candida and Marlene snared the night before and we hung out on the bridge, overlooking the Danube. Every Saturday, they close this bridge and there's a ton of food, beer, vendors and music.  It's like Dally in the Alley, but every weekend of the summer and on a huge beautiful bridge.  The breeze was intoxicating.  It was the first time my body had cooled off in days.  We sat around and simply enjoyed the beauty of Budapest, suspended above the river, surrounded by the huge lions and tons of people and great vibes from all directions.  

I returned to find some tragic news about my brother-in-law's family and woke up today with the oppressive feeling of homesickness all over me.  It's worse than the heat.  Since I've been gone, Christian's stepfather Warren passed away, Belinda's dad passed away, and now Tobie's brother, David.  And as much as I love it here and want to come back and live here, these terrible events have really made me miss my friends and my home and my dog and my boyfriend and my cats and my family.  I miss Christian's face and his voice.  I miss Wilson's sweetness.  If I move here, I'll desperately need to transport these elements of my life here with me or I won't make it.  

But, I'm coming home on Friday and just have to push through this melancholy.  A day of ennui isn't the worst thing in the world and I plan on going to the Szenchenyi baths a little later on to swim away the blues.  

So, right now, Candida and I are back at Kiado, our home away from home, and because Daniel loves her (who wouldn't love this girl?) we've been treated to some fresh watermelon and the kindest, friendliest service we get in town.  This place is a true gem - like the Cass Cafe (the likes of which I haven't found a replacement for in Richmond).  

Aug 1 - Ludwig, Gellert and the long walk home...

The ladies of room 608 (Patricia, Hannah, Holly) and I headed out early to the Ludwig Museum, a little jaunt down the southern Pest side.  The museum is a modern marvel. Sumptuous space and architecture, but lousy cappuccino!  We started on the third floor which houses the permanent collection.  Among the Picasso's, Roschenberg's, Warhols and many famous male Hungarian artist's in the collection are TWO Beata Szechy's!  It was so nice to see the work of our lovely mentor and friend in such a prestigious museum.  She's one of the only women in the permanent collection - what a shame.  But her pieces were FANTASTIC and I am very happy that I got the chance to see her art.  

On the second floor, there's a temporary retrospective exhibit of Braco Dimitrijevic, which was very intelligent, yet sarcastic and humorous in many ways.  From photos to installations, the work was really conceptual and inspiring.  I particularly liked seeing him as a young man - great hair, great clothes, great art!  I would love to pick his brain over coffee and cigarrettes.  

Holly and  I didn't make it to the Simon Starling exhibit on the first floor, because we were a bit overloaded by then and spent our time in the museum bookstore.  I bought a hungarian cookbook, a calendar for my mom and a book of matches for my collection.  

Next, we headed out to for a lite lunch and on to the Gellert Baths.  It was a little expensive, but totally worth it!  We swam in the outdoor thermal baths, both the hot and cool ones, then went to the indoor baths and did the same.  The water was amazing.  It really felt therapeutic and relaxing.  The place is like a resort/palace and I didn't want to leave!

Unfortunately, we made the mistake of walking back from the baths.  This was a really bad idea.  The walk was way too far after a long day out and being tired from swimming.  I'm really sore and bit cranky now.  All that refreshment out the window!  

So, I'm back at Kiado doing my obligatory blog.  It's a good regiment thought - with just a few nights left here in lovely Budapest, I want to keep all my memories alive and fresh as they happen.  

I have a ton of pics on the camera, but didn't unload them yet.  More to come!  

Tomorrow, I'll spend the day with my cousin Agoston and his wife Erzsebet.  Fortunately, since we don't speak each other's languages, they are bringing an interpreter for the day.  We are going outside of Budapest to Godollo, a castle village about 25 km away.  They're picking me up at 10 am, so tonight will be an early night.  I hope I sleep better than last nite - it's so HOT here and of course, as mentioned before, no AC!  A cold shower is about the only thing I look forward to right now.