A perfect April sunny morning - up early, friends to meet.
Looking from our hotel room across the Danube to hilly Buda.
I promised more on our two days spent with very special blog friends
in Budapest prior to boarding the ship for the river cruise. . . . . .
so here goes. Hang on to your hat because it was a busy time and we
thoroughly enjoyed every second!
The lower, flatter side of this split city, Pest, curves along the bank of the Danube
River. This is where the inimitable Jane and Lance Hattatt live for much of the year.
Quite honestly I would give up my cottage, and garden, to be neighbors in their
charming historic center city apartment building.
Some of you already follow this charming, sartorially resplendent British couple
so know of whom I speak.
Jane just might be the complete opposite of the stern British headmistress -
which she perhaps once was! She is funny, bouncy, with a deliciously loud laugh,
continuously giggling and throwing out quips and witticisms which make one feel
nothing less than on top of the world. It made me wish my own haughty English school
'Head' had taken lessons from Jane - perhaps school would have been a lot more fun.
which she perhaps once was! She is funny, bouncy, with a deliciously loud laugh,
continuously giggling and throwing out quips and witticisms which make one feel
nothing less than on top of the world. It made me wish my own haughty English school
'Head' had taken lessons from Jane - perhaps school would have been a lot more fun.
Still a real British gentleman despite his many years in Budapest, kind, thoughtful,
with a deep appreciation of art and evolving young artists. During our visit
to his friend Ari Kupsus, whose gallery was a small gem full of beautiful paintings,
listening to the conversation between Jane, Lance and Ari, made me envious as
they discussed the work of many local artists and students at the academy.
Many years back when I worked in art and advertising, I too was active in our
local art scene and I miss those days.
While at the Hattatt's home I was also privy to turning the pages of some of Lance's
beautiful published horticultural tomes - large, drenched in color, coffee table sized books
full of flowers, plants, and exquisite gardens in England from his career as a designer.
We enjoyed a leisurely morning walking through Pest's charming city streets, squares
and parks, many of which the average tourist never visit.
Jane and Lance made it so interesting, sharing details of Budapest's historic struggles,
and stories of the beautiful buildings we passed.
and the most delicious luncheon prepared by their housekeeper, the sweet Timea.
Other guests were delightful, a lovely young art student Julia, a gregarious young man
of the world, and from a Baltic country, the most charming Ambassador and his lovely
wife. . . . . . . . .all of whom made the luncheon conversation fun and interesting.
Later that evening we enjoyed a visit to meet and view a famous Hungarian
photographer's amazing exhibition 'Floating Aspect'.
In the small gallery displaying his photos, Jane and Lance kindly introduced
us to many of the hundred or more interesting people milling about
enjoying wine and conversation, mostly in Hungarian of course. We loved that
young and older people mixed together so amicably.
Here's the link to the exhibition photos where you can see them more clearly.
All Gyula's photos were taken of barges passing under bridges and are just amazing.
Floating Aspect
On the second morning, a little showery, Jane and Lance even took us on
Budapest's subway system - where we rode the oldest and newest rails.
The tram above was another fun mode of transportation we utilized later on
our own - one doesn't require an automobile in the city.
We enjoyed a great lunch, joined by their famous designer friend Richard Adams,
and, after bidding Jane and Lance "adieu", we had a couple more hours to wander
around the city (more pix in another post).
Leaving Jane and Lance to join our shipmates on board for the cruise was
bittersweet. We were so thrilled to have the opportunity to meet such a special
couple, once again all made possible by connecting via our respective blogs a
few years ago. It was like spending time with long lost friends, they made us
so comfortable, were attentive and such great fun, and we'll always look forward
to perhaps returning to Hungary and enjoying time together again.
So off we sailed. Jane and Lance flew back to England to
visit their newly acquired home in Norwich prior to returning to Budapest to become
movie stars. . . . . . . yes, their movie 'Love in Budapest' starts shooting in June.
Go visit the Hattatt's HERE where there are more details on the movie and
life in both Budapest and England.
The wonders of travel never cease to amaze.
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