Mosquitoes, cigarette butts and high heels

Garin pointed out today that all our blog titles have three words, sort of like "Lions, and Tigers and Bears -- Oh my!" That said, three words can often capture so much. For instance, last night Anna and I spent most of our dinner slapping away mosquitoes while trying to enjoy our sidewalk cafe experience. I was shunned again for eating strange foods that were animals: this time "baby cow" as Anna put it. What can I say? My veal stew was delicious. Apparently Anna and I were too to the annoying bugs. Garin and Hal hardly got bit at all. Huff. Then again today, while strolling through picturesque Margarite Island park, we suddenly were attacked by swarms of the hungry blood suckers canceling any plans we had for a picnic in the shade. Garin surmised it was the heat along with the excessive sprinkler systems they had going throughout the park. I just think those tiny vampires were out to get us Americans whatever the cost. We were being stalked, I tell you!

We escaped to yet another water park/pool/bath thingy located conveniently after the attack and some ice cream. It was Anna's dream come true complete with water slides and a wave pool and lots of happy Hungarians eating fried foods, kissing, and having a grand old time. Oh, and smoking. That is what led to Garin unfortunately stepping straight on a burning cigarette butt left in the path of some careless smoker (OK, so we did not bring our flip flops to Hungary). He took it like a champ though and limped along the rest of the afternoon with us.

Which brings me to the high heels. For whatever reason -- the wall coming down or the hot 90 degree weather or just plain self-confidence -- women in Budapest love their high heels and short skirts or short shorts. Anna notes which ones are the highest and I watch in awe as they daintily walk from the Metro to the avenue and onto the bus--all the while on cobblestones. I'll take my Clarke's Privos, thank you very much. Even if they aren't very sexy.

We've also been counting dogs in Budapest: 37 as of tonight. Yorkies seems to be the most popular breed.

We ended up at the Central Market building in Pest. This is a place where you can buy everything from fresh veggies and paprika to struedel and Micheal Jackson stack-em-up dolls. Hallie was very impressed with the pastries and cookies (see the picture of her taking in the bakery menu).