Budapest

Every stereotypical image we had of what we thought would be an Eastern European city has come true in Budapest. It has a foundation of spectacular monumental architecture that has been neglected to the point of extreme dilapidation. As much as the grittiness adds to the appeal, we can't help but feel the enormous potential for beauty if some tender, love and care would be put towards the city. What is so amazing is that we are only 3 hours from Vienna, the most perfectly kept, pristine Western capital. Greg's ancestors are from Hungary and this is the first country we visited where we can directly trace our lineage. The Nagy (Great) Synagogue is the most grand we have visited so far.

Watch how you go...

Ian and Greg

on the drive to Budapest, miles of wind turbines...

Opera House...

Svent Istvan Bazilika...

Parliament...

Nagy (Great) Synagogue...

Gellert Baths...

Dilapidated buildings...

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, in the Salzkammergut lake region of Austria, is one of those places you hope to discover. This hidden town, surrounded by sheer mountain walls, is truly one of the world's most special places. It is no wonder that people like Hitler and Sigmund Freud vacationed here.

Summer finally arrived when we had a much needed day in the sun on the lake. Our own boat, a bottle of prosecco and PB&J...perfection! Who knew the day would get more exceptional when we took a cable car up to the surrounding mountains and reached an enormous glacier. The incredibly beautiful 360 degree view of the Austrian Alps is a sight that characterizes the entire country.

Watch how you go...

Ian and Greg

View from our room...

Lake was FREEZING...

The hills are alive...

This is NOT us...