Wednesday, 6/8

We had a nice leisurely morning. We packed first, then had a nice breakfast. At 11, we checked out, and went to the airport. Here's something you don't see at Sea-Tac.

We got to our London hotel efficiently despite traveling in the thick of rush hour. Leicester Square is the theater district in London, and that's where we had our dinner. Then we walked around a bit, looking for the place we stayed when we visited 25 years ago. We found it! Check it out - it's the place Johann Strauss stayed when he visited in 1838. Anyway, it was a kick to find it.

Then we went to theater.

That is one funny show. About as irreverent as it gets, too. It's the writers of South Park taking on the Mormon Church. We had a fine time.

As we prepare to head home, I thought I'd  post a few reflections. Without doubt, we enjoyed our time in each of the cities. Paris is our old friend. When we visit, it almost feels like home. Prague, Vienna, and Budapest were new to us.

Rebecca and I really enjoyed Vienna. More than we expected to, and almost to the point of feeling guilty, because of the egregious anti-Semitism. Nonetheless, there was a lot to like, including the air of self-confidence. We were profoundly impressed by Gerhard, the founder and head of the Third Man Museum. Gerhard is a mensch. One funny thing about Vienna is that they seem to have adopted an official marketing stategy involving Mozart. His picture is everywhere. And Mozart Chocolate is for sale everywhere. 

Prague was a bit like an overgrown village. Lots of small, crooked cobblestone streets, and crowds that were at times a bit overwhelming. Also, they drink beer like water. If you do too, Prague may be a step closer to heaven. But if you don't drink beer, well, you can easily get the feeling that you are out of step, or out of your element. Their pride in the great composers Dvorak and Smetana is obvious, although it isn't an actual marketing strategy like Mozart and Vienna.

Budapest has energy, and East-meets-West exoticism. It also has a difficult history, which clouds the national ethos. I'd say there is a touch of melancholia. Franz Liszt is the local hero whose image and music shows up quite often. The baths sure we're fun.

If you're thinking of doing this sort of trip, here are two little suggestions. First, take the time to figure out how to use the local mass transportation system. Metros, trams, buses, and walking, rather than cabs. It helped us to come in contact with locals, and to imagine ourselves as locals, which is part of the fun of visiting new places.  Second, learn a few of the basic words and phrases in the local language. It's easier to make a personal connection.  

Thanks for reading the blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Rebecca and I will be home tomorrow, and I hope we will get to visit with you very soon.  Be well!