First Snow On Rooftops
Reply
Monthly Archives: December 2009
Mise En Place
For some reason it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas yet. The grass is still greenish brown. I haven’t seen one holiday-themed sweater yet. I’m sitting here at a desk, finishing two articles, and trying to figure out how to inject some Christmas spirit into my bones. All before next week arrives, I tackle a final set of articles, and I run the gauntlet of menu shopping, gift-wrapping and the endless hours of mise en place, mise en place.
In ten days I’ll be in Madrid, which I’m really looking forward to. The weather should be somewhat mild, and despite the holiday crowds, I can’t wait to visit Museo del Prado. Of the entire incredible collection there, I am, for some strange reason, most looking forward to seeing the coins. I don’t know when this happened, but I’m becoming that person who wants to look at coins.
I’m not sure what the New Year’s celebration will be like in Madrid. In Dublin it was relatively low-key: the rumbling of poets around temple bar, a few pub tours, a good meal, lovely flutes of champagne with the family at the Shelbourne at midnight. I’m not sure what to expect from Madrid, but I’m looking forward to the people and the food and the architecture. And I always say in these moments: it’s a great time to be in Europe. But is it ever not a great time?
The forecast is calling for flurries. And with flurries comes the white coating of Christmas. And for me, at least, the spirit of it.
Oddly Fascinating
Merry
Because I’m going to be traveling and away from Budapest for the next two weeks, posting will be light here, as it has been the last few weeks. I’m pretty sure Santa (or Jézuska–depending on the tradition you follow) will be bringing me a beautiful, new Nikon SLR, so I’m looking forward to a new year with loads more megapixels. I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday season. Spread a little love around.
The Weather Outside is Frightful
And that is my excuse. The weather– for the week off of Budajest–that is. And even now, I really don’t have much of a post. Just some pictures. Thanksgiving. A few Christmas markets in Szeged and here, today, in Budapest. The fall was rainy and foggy and ugly. But so far, the winter has been mild and almost lovely, in the gray way. We bought a new car. A beautiful Audi A6 we named Hugo. And we have a new vacation house in Szeged, which is part of a little Communist bloc of flats/cold-war bungalow. I’m reading Tim Weiner’s absolutely phenomenal book, “Legacy of Ashes” and the equally incredible “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins, for the second time. I’m writing full time, which is also a wonderful feeling. And I’m not too far away from Budapest and thoughts on my posts. So here are some pictures, in the interim:
The Szeged Christmas fair was soooo crowded. I never knew that the lighting of an GIANT advent candle would bring so many people out, but I think that just about everyone in Szeged was at the fair last Sunday. And of course, Barnabas wanted to be dressed to the nines.
I’m not sure if he liked blue more than red, but I have to admit that Barnabas is probably the most tolerant dog in Europe. We had several hot wines, at home and at fair. All fabulous.
And of course we had to get the new Super Mario Brothers for Wii. This is the best, classic version of Super Mario. Like…THE…Super Mario Bros. I know you nerds out there know why this is a special release this month! And while I played, in classic style, Gyorgyi made gingerbread cookies for Christmas decoration. My favorite: the moose. Or is it the whale?
The Budapest Christmas fair was crowded and wonderful. People out buying folk art, listening to music, drinking hot wine, eating kolbasz and potatoes. A real regional celebration.
And at the heart of it all, a little guy holding his tiny left hand to Santa. Timid. When he turned around his face was illuminated. He wanted to confirm with his mom that she had seen that he.had.talked.to.Santa!!. Tomorrow is Santa day. He fills up shoes with candies and presents. I don’t really understand this tradition. But I know it’s part of the magic of the season. And I leave it feeling magical too.
