[nokonoko journal] Blue Flame

I feel the presence of winter. Thought it’s transitioning, but I guess it was here already. I lighted a heater for the first time in this season. Hello my Aladdin.

OILA "Time"

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 10 "Best of Budapest"

>  In Japanese

I stayed in Budapest for 2 days. It was obviously not long enough to explore the city, but at least I could stand on their land, smell the air, witness their morning to night, taste their food, see what and who I wanted to see. It was fulfilling trip, and it certainly expanded my horizon.

This is the view which struck me the most in Budapest. Too bad it looks really flat on the photo, but actual view had indescribable depth. It was so beautiful that I could gaze this for hours… Among many others, I must say this was my best of Budapest.

Köszönöm Szilárd and Gargaj for helping and making my trip more fun. And thank YOU for reading my travelogue till the end. Hope your trip to Budapest will be wonderful too.

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest” #1-10

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 9 "Cake"

>  In Japanese

Krémes.

Ever since I read an article about this cake, I'd been looking for an occasion to try. The article says something like "there are so many great cakes in Hungary, yet Hungarians in fact love this very simple cake the most."

After carefully examined several guidebooks and websites, I decided to try at Ruszwurm near the Matthias Church.

Smooth vanilla creams are sandwiched by crispy puffs. Timeless combination. And.. mmmm… can't go wrong with it.

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 8 "The Pub"

> In Japanese

This is Szimpla Kert, Budapest's well-known ruin pub.

Instead of renovating old abandoned building, they use the building as is for bar and cafe, etc. All the sections were decorated with lots of junks, and created very unique atmosphere. Cool and kitsch, felt like sneaking in streetboys' hidden hangout spot.

If you watched "Moleman 2" (documentary about demoscene culture) you might recognize this view. This place was used to film its interview and Szilárd, a director of this film mentioned in my interview as a recommended spot in Budapest. 

Szilárd kindly took some time to see me while I was in Budapest, and we could talk over a cup of tea in this place. It was one of those “Life is funny” moments for me, and I was very happy to finally meet him and say thanks to him in person. (My interview with demosceners started because of this film.)

> Read about Demoscene culture and “Moleman2” documentary

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 7 "Postcard"

> In Japanese

Dark streets and a very bright building.

1. Seems like they don't have a master lights-on switch. (it lighted up gradually)

2. This contrast reminded me of the history of this country.

3. It looked like a giant hologram.

4. People gazing this scenery looked like cinderellas who dream about a ball, and that was lovely view.

On my way back to the hotel room, I saw the world most beautiful McDonald from a tram.

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 6 "One Bedroom"

> In Japanese

I stayed in an apartment hotel in downtown (district 6). They had a full kitchen and there was a supermarket nearby, so I could just stock up and heat the soup and make toast or sandwich when I woke up in the middle of the night. I love the time like this. Travelling without a need to quickly recover from jetlag is luxury.

It seems like this type of apartment hotel is quite common in Budapest. When you look up in booking.com, you will see plenty of them and they offer more spacious room and better location with cheaper rate than hotels. Now that Airbnb is getting popular, people are rushing to renovate the room to make some profits in foreign currencies, I heard. Indeed, buildings near the hotel were almost all under repair.

From my balcony, I could see a little patio and Mexican ladies playing poker all day long.

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 5 "The Door"

> In Japanese

When you travel abroad, there’s always a moment you realize or re-realize that you’re in a foreign country.

In Hong Kong, it was when I lined up for a taxi. In England, it was when I saw their very simple signage (because they don’t need to put anything other than English) And in Hungary, it was this door.

I had such a tough time unlocking the door of my hotel room. Never seen this type of lock before (turn 3 times, turn a bit more to unlock then turn back to remove) and I spent good 10 minutes trying to turn the key right and left, push and pull the door. Eventually and luckily other guests passing by helped me opening. It took 2 days to master unlocking/locking this door..

Never imagined myself feeling “Oh, I’m so foreigner!!” by a difference of door lock.

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”

Dear Diary: Trip to Budapest 4 "16"

> In Japanese

Took no.16 bus to go Buda side…

> Read All of “Trip to Budapest”