The Christmas markets were beautiful, as expected, but the weather was cold (3 – 5 C) and the humidity was 57%, so it made for a chilly, breezy visit. The foggy mist that waved into the city from the sea was quite magical. The fact that streets and walkways dead end into canals all over this city make it very truly a labyrinthian city. Three days is more than enough in this city, as it is so very small. I felt as tho I was in a theme park more than a city since the tourism angle is so heavy in such a small area. Gondola St. Nick’s, International Performance Arts Week hosted by Venice; La Pocha Nostra was very interesting, Fiorella Gallery was pretty rad. I stayed in two hostels; Marco from the IPAW show ... read more

Up now: Halloween, visiting the home country of Dracula and seeing the Transylvanian castles that Vlad III the Impaler resided, in turn, inspiring Bram Stoker's legendary tale. It was a brisk Halloween night when I left Budapest by train for my journey in to the Transylvanian Alps. This party was THE place to be. Vlad, the Impaler himself, invited us all to a killer party at his home, known throughout the lands as Dracula’s Castle. I arrived at the Brasov hostel within hours of departing for the castle. Almost everyone staying at the hostel that night was attending the party, so travelling companions helped pass the 35 minute drive to and from the castle. There were people from all over the world. My hostel covered Brazil, Australia, India, England, Boston, MA, Ireland, and myself; and we ... read more

Flew in from Dallas. Bags were delayed, which spared me locker fees and toting them around while in London. Bags were delivered to Budapest the day after I arrived there. London was a short trip, but enough to see all of Westminster! Big Ben, the River Thames, the London Eye, the Palace, and the Princess Diana memorial. Had my first tea with cream after dinner. Woot woot!... read more