Most recently;
I continue to shop at the Great Market Hall, discovering new treasures every time I go. Last week I had lunch there. I have not a clue as to what the name of the dish is, but it was a combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and a good bit of paprika. Very tasty and certainly substantial enough to satisfy my hunger for many hours to come.
Then onto shopping. I discovered one vender who sold cream. What a find that was. They do not sell it in the supermarkets, only artificial coffee creamers. I was thrilled as I am enjoying my daily brew, and now especially so. That’s when I don’t walk down to my favorite coffee shop for a cup of cappuccino and a freshly baked pastry.
Which reminds me, last week on my way there, walking thru the neighborhood , I came upon the entrance to an establishment, with hours posted on the front gate. Reading only the numbers and nothing else, I suspected that it was a restaurant. Drawn with intrigue, I ventured into the courtyard. It was quite lovely, in its very simple, elegant way, with petunias in full bloom hanging from the lampposts amidst tables clothed in white finery, all surrounded by green hedges creating, a ‘secret garden’ like atmosphere. In no hurry to leave this sweet place anytime soon, I hoped to stay awhile, wishing to settle in with a fresh cup of coffee, a pastry and my journal. I asked, to make sure it would be Ok, as this is clearly not a place intended for the casual diner looking for a hide away to do some introspective writing. 
Being the only one there at the time, they seemed quite eager to welcome me. The waiter was quite attentive to my needs, watching from afar, careful not to interrupt. After about 40 minutes of sipping on my cappuccino, while playing in the realm of words, attempting to adequately capture more of my experience in Austria, my 'fresh out of the oven' blueberry strudel arrived. Ah my, how sweet She is! All is well. ………..Wanting to capture the moment, I asked the waiter if I could take his picture. He agreed, proudly offering up the plate of goodies, as if that was my (ob)subject of interest.
Little did he know, that what I was really celebrating was his presence and the care I felt as he served me, doing so with such pride. As I prepared to leave, I attempted to express my gratitude, not sure he fully understood my appreciation. I can only hope so. The Vadrozsa Resturant has now been added to my list of hidden treasures, here in Budapest. I look forward to sharing it with someone special, before leaving, as clearly it is one of those kind of places. I wonder who it will be?
Speaking of my list of treasures, I returned to the Ruddas Bath yesterday. Tuesdays are reserved for ‘women only’, which until only recently, were we allowed in, at all ! I went, after shopping, which was later in the afternoon. After a good bit of walking, I felt nice and ready for a soothing soak. Identifyinng the tram or bus that will take me there, is still somewhat of a mystery. That is, one that does not require a lot of walking. Which I don’t mind, but with a grocery bag filled to the brim with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, chicken, almonds, etc. I had hoped it would be much simpler. Like my initial visit there, I wandered for awhile before arriving. Giggling as I went, remembering that finding my way to the Sufi’s has always seemed to be a bit illusive..As before, soon after arriving it is clear that any effort made in getting there, was well worth it. I love this place. It was 4:30 and this time filled with many, many woman, unlike the first time when I went earlier in the day, when there were much fewer bathers partaking of the hidden treasures the baths have to offer. As I am thinking about it, the early morning group seemed to be more of the local crowd, while tourists seem to visit in the later paart of the day. And, even with the masses and all of the enthusiastic chatter, there is an inner stillness easily accessible.
It comes quite natural, get really quiet there, as I dip from pool to pool under the domed stained glass ceiling, into the steam room, sauna room and then onto the resting beds, sinking even deeper into the experience. I can not really explain it, but somehow there is a sense of being home………... And, while the vessel was created for this sacred experience, over some 450 years ago and continues to serve so well, another precious aspect of the Ruddas Baths, is the present day shared experience of being with the other women, who appear to come ready to disrobe and walk freely in the presence of other woman shamelessly and free, liberated from the socially constructed garments which we came in with. Leaving them neatly folded in our changing rooms, ready to be reclaimed as we choose. While I am quick to relinquish mine, slowly but all too soon I retrieve mine back again. Surely there will be a number other opportunities to explore the possibility of shedding them for good. (not to worry, should I succeed in doing so, I will continue to dress appropriately!)
Sunday, I took a stroll downtown. I happened upon an outdoor concert in Szent Istvan’ Ver
(St. Stephen’s Square), in front of the Basilica, which is the largest church in Budapest.
(I will write much more of it in another blog as it has quite a history to tell, with many more pictures.) The public event was part of the ‘17th Summer Music Festival. It was an outdoor concert, with a number of chairs set up within a roped off area for assigned seating. These were mainly for the tourists ready and willing to pay to for the comfort of a plastic stacking chair, while the locals gathered all around the parameters, finding multiple means of getting comfortable, as we all settled in for an incredible performance by the Vac’ Symphony Orchestra. They performed multiple pieces by a number of European composers, including Bartok, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Bach. The crisp evening air lent itself to quite a magical evening of rich entertainment. It was clear that this music, that was created here and has been performed here for hundreds of years, was at home here. This place is created for this music and this music is created for this place. I will bask in the beauty of the experience for some time to come, while seeking out additional opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of live music. Budapest is quite pleased and gracious in showcasing the best it has to offer. And as visitors we are blessed by it. Later this afternoon I plan to attend a concert by a 100 member Chamber Gypsy Orchestra. I am looking forward to that.
On Friday evening, Andrew and I attended a recital performed by a couple of youth choirs, who were in town for a European competition. We had the privilege of hearing the groups from Sweden and Ukraine. They were simply amazing. 20-30 very young voices all singing in perfect harmony, filling the cathedral with the purest of sounds. As my mind surrendered into the foreign languages, my heart continued to open even wider with each song they sang. Following each performance, came a much deserved applause, while I longed to linger in the silence that allows one to fully savor such sweetness. Andrew reminded me, we were at a performance, not a church service. Even though we were in a stunningly beautiful church, a place of worship, surrounded by the sounds of angelic beings, and I was praising God, it was a performance, to be applauded. OK, if you say so.
Yesterday, I went down to the train station to check on getting a ticket to Warsaw. There is an NVC training there that Eva is encouraging me to attend. I am happy to stay here, while also open to the opportunity to see another part of Europe. Plus spending 7 days with other practitioners of NVC in this part of the world is surely to be a meaningful experience.
So off I went, somewhat cautious about the task at hand, given my previous ticket purchasing experience. But, if I am to make the trip, it is better to buy the ticket sooner than later, in order to get best ticket prices. Actually, intending to just gather information, in order to determine the feasibility of such a trip, there I was in line, making my inquiry. When, what time and how much? Before I knew it the clerk returned to the window with printed tickets, informing me that there is no changing the tickets once they are issued, they can not be refunded, and if I don’t take these, surely the price will go up, as this is the last seat available for my specified time, at the discounted rate. I trust him and don’t think it is merely a sales tactic. With a long line behind me, satisfied with the price and open to the journey as it unfolds, I accept ! Leaving somewhat breathless. It all seem to happen so quickly and yet I am imagining that it has been planned all along. It was just that I was not informed of the details until now !
So off to Warszawa on the 26th of July, I go. As Eva continues toopen doors for me, I continue to come along on this magical journey.
Perfectly happy right now, thoroughly enjoying every step along the way, as I look forward to what lies ahead.
Until next time.
