a quick trip to Budapest

after leaving Bratslava we headed to Hungary to meet up with Ricardo's family. We spent 3 days in Budapest visiting Castle Hill, walking along the Danube, enjoying a nice afternoon at the baths, and discovering the most amazing hidden spots of Eastern Europe. I had no idea that Budapest would have so much to offer- but it was a wonderful trip!

a view from the "Buda" side

with Ricarardo's mother, sister, and the famous aunts!

Maria and I in the cable car

the view from castle hill

gates to Andrassy Ut.

the terror museum, where the kept prisoners from the communist and facist regimes

statue park- removed from the city after the fall of the communist era

and a nice relaxing visit to the hungarian baths

5 years!

It all begain in the wilderness of Denmark, a homeade tent for 10, and a cold can of spaghetti. Thanks for sharing your cookies with me Rick! You Rock (literally)

the Riches in Budapest last week

fleeing the border

After leaving Vienna, we decided to side track a bit to visit nearby Bratslava, Slovakia. It was only 30 minutes off our path, so we couldn't pass it up. We spent a short afternoon around the old town and enjoying a nice lunch. To our suprise they were having a local festival and parade with the traditional Slovakian dress. Not bad for a suprise visit to a town you've never heard of.

First Stop, Vienna

Just back from holidays, a journey around central and eastern europe with Ricardo and his family. Vienna is a beautiful antique city- around every corner is the most spectacular site, palace, museum, opera or garden you've ever seen. Home of Mozart, Wiener Schnitzel, Weiner Sausages, and Apple Strudel. Wien is actually German for Vienna, thus the name Wiener.

the streets of Vienna

Cathedral

Royal Palace Parliament

taking a break at Museum row Belvedere Palace Apple Strudel cooking demonstration

the Gardens of Schonbrunn Palace

the Palace overlooking Vienna

Mexico: Work, Margaritas, and Great Friends

Straight from Brazil to Mexico. I'm working with a group of consultants to transition the work we're currently doing with them. I love my job, really it has been such a good move for me. And while I haven't spent more than 1 weekend in Charlotte and am exhausted, the opportunity is wonderful. Luckily I got to spend some time with my friends Ana and Carlos while I was there.

Dinner at Casa Maria

w/ Margaritas and Mariachi music!

Can you believe the size!
a wonderful dinner with Ana and Carlos
(i've known these guys for 7 years now)!

Brazil, a view from the car and hotel windows

Just returned from 2 weeks on the road for work. First stop, Sao Paulo and Santos, Brazil. 99% of my time was in meetings and dinners, but the other 1% was fabulous. I spent a week in Rio and Santos 6 years ago for my vessel tour with work, but this time was much more rushed. As seen thru the looking glass, as this was as close as I got!

Sao Paulo from top of the Hilton

Santos from the car window- yes, this is exactly how i felt.

oh look, there's the beach....... and..... now it's gone.

i felt bad for not having any pictures of me in Brazil, so here ya' go! in transit.

1 Packed week- US style

Asheville, Charlotte, and Charleston. Ricardo came to visit and besides eating at our very favorite restaraunts, we got to see the family (Richards and Migioia's), some Charlotte friends, try out the new car =) and head to Charleston for a little Re lax ation. Lovely time! Only complaint- too short!

A walk on the beach at Isle of Palms

Lunch in Asheville with Mom, Dad, Rod, Suz, and Addie. She's waving hi to "Fricardo" here. the cutest thing you can imagine. When he left, she called and said "Where's Fricardo?". I melted. We have a family picture from Grove Park, but not sure who's camera.

Swingin' in Charleston Grove Park Inn- My new (to me) Toyota Solara with Dad and the MiataDinner with the Migioia's at Hyman'sLunch in AshevilleOur stay at Middleton PlantationsThe Inn at MiddletonRainbow row, a carriage ride, and a bike trip around Charleston (check out Ricardo sporting the cruiser in the bottom right corner =)