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Testmozgás türelem, a csodálatos Budapest

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A view across Chain Bridge to the Buda side of the Danube!

I ordered a sparkling water and a glass of rosé, to go with my goulash. And apparently this is ‘the’ typical daytime beverage of choice for the Hungarian people. Mixing sparkling avec gas frizzante water, which was invented in this spectacular country, along with their rosé wine. This is pretty much how my life seems to go these days. Everything fits perfectly. Obviously I am full of stories, always true and generally funny… usually with some sort of cringed image of whatever mischief I’ve managed to bump myself into. Unintentionally.

The same unintentional theory is still applicable now, it’s just that it’s all suddenly perfect. Remember the intro scene to ‘Meet The Parents’ with Ben Stiller? Leaving Chicago with everything sorted out and on time. The weather is perfect. A taxi happens to be right outside, every traffic light flashes green as they approach, random upgrades to first class at the airport. Everything is ‘just so’. ✨ It makes me laugh because I don’t think anyone, myself included, could ever use the descriptive words ‘just so’ with regard to me. Hmm… at least not pertaining to my personal life, to be fair. It’s quite bizarre to live in this world of random perfection for over a month, continuously. Or am I just viewing the world now through rosé-coloured glasses? Non… il est: “ce sentiment qu’on appelle l’amour”.

What little bit of Budapest I’ve seen thus far, blows doors on several other destinations, especially Prague! But not in a sustainable way, like my new French home in Bordeaux. Budapest is alive, a bit gritty, quite cold out, breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most authentic cities I’ve ever visited. The people are warm and inviting, the food is incredible everywhere, and the culture is rich with a light buzz and true depth. Now that I’m thinking about it, perhaps it’s a little bit like New York! The New York of Europe!!! This place has got heart… and the goods to back it up. I had a soft, mellow arrival. The apartment is perfect, well located and I’ve not broken any keys in the five doors and locks required for entry. I had a head cold probably caught in chilly Munich, and some devastating news from Switzerland. I took it easy in preparation for all the excitement that will take place in my short time here.

Perhaps I am the only idiot in the room, but honestly… I needed to answer the “what is goulash” question upon my arrival. Which just happened to be the 1956 Revolution Memorial Day, and start of a long national holiday weekend. Not yet certain of the logistics, such as: where can I buy wine?  I sauntered over to the Four Seasons where I knew they would accept my sick puffy-eyed disheveled presence. Wow! Goulash is amazing!!! And it’s got a kick, it perked my little pathetic ass right up! Hello Budapest! I was all warm and fuzzy inside and had seen just enough magical castles across the lit-up Chain Bridge (if you like that sort of thing) to go back to my apartment and hibernate for a few days.

Now that I’m healthy again and realise I’m carrying an extra 5kg of Italian gluten and French happiness… now it is back to reality! Squats and jogs and Hungarian Mud Body Wraps for me. How convenient, there are several gyms within a block in any direction, and a beautiful jogging course along the Danube. I will be ready for the half marathon in Bordeaux!! Hint hint, let’s register! I actually abstained from booking a weekend flight to visit the Illustrious Frenchman, despite how much I miss him. He will be in Budapest soon enough! sigh…

Instead I will continue this bizarro world of things like: “hmmm, I need a coat” and boom! Green light… there’s the Burberry store with the trench you always wanted, cheaper than in the US and a 13.5% tourist tax refund. And… I’ve wanted to see Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte for quite some time, and boom! It’s featured this month at the extravagantly famous Opera House which my apartment overlooks. Or, “hmmm, I’ve been craving Mexican for about a hundred years now” and boom! There’s a Hungarian taqueria on Teréz kôrût about 500 meters away. It’s incredible. Incroyable. I now exercise patience (hold your laughter!) in anticipation of all that is ahead. it is not an easy thing for me: patience.

Fortunately, the lights are all green and I am consistently amazed every time “Illustrious strikes again”. Now there’s a Liz-story which is practically unbelievable but very true. xx

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My favourite new necklace… which needed a chain, and the first shop I walked in had the perfect match. Bizarro world continues…

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You work so hard for your clients, they really should appreciate your efforts. We are thankful for your partnership!
Barrymore
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I tell everyone there is no one better at what you do!
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New York
I just wanted to let you know that we’re having a great time so far. We arrived at Cliff House yesterday and it is truly stunning. It’s one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever stayed in and is a highlight of the trip (to date)
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Providence
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Jenine
Montreal
Many thanks for all you do and being as responsive as you always have been. I remember the one trip from SA via Kenya trip during covid and how you really went above and beyond to get me out!
Tendai
Johannesburg
You are an amazing person and caring, thank you for sharing that with me. I will make sure to say hello and also look after him.
Sarah
Philadelphia
You nailed it again. Upgraded to really nice Ocean View. Thank you.
John
Greenwich
Thanks Liz - bit of a nightmare trip due to weather. Thanks for already sorting out the rebooking for the missed flight and the upgrade - much appreciated!
Peter
London
Liz, it was the least I could possibly do for everything you helped with. I seriously cannot express how appreciative I am to you. Thanks again for everything.
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I am so proud of us for getting me out. There were a lot of stranded people at the London train station!
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San Francisco
I really appreciate your help here, this looks like a fantastic place and the fact that you KNOW the property gives me great comfort sending my daughter there.
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San Francisco
I can't tell you how much you have helped relieve my stress about the whole trip to France and all you have done for us. Thank you. It seems like it is so complicated, yet you put my mind at ease. Thank you so much.
Linda
Raleigh
Thank you so much! They upgraded us to a junior suite and the property is just LOVELY. We had some more ambitious plans today but the pool has just captured us.
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New York
I wanted to send you this email to thank you for all the help and tremendous work and availability while you have been helping everyone with our trips, since I joined in 2022.
David
Washington DC
Wanted to introduce you to Liz who is on recommendation from my cousin an excellent travel agent and also based in Paris.
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Singapore
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