My new favorite bar in the world.

Sonia scored a pack of Hemingway Bar napkins.

Watched the US give away the win to Portugal with a couple hundred Americans in the basement of an Irish pub in Prague.

Our hotel bar. Hung out with obnoxious TV personality, Jim Cramer and his wife. Turns out he’s a very nice and mellow guy.

If you have seen Orson Well’s second best movie, The Third Man, then you’ll recognize this antique ferris wheel. I get a little uneasy on ferris wheels in general, but considering this one is the oldest antique still in use I decided to throw caution to the wind and had a ride.

Wieners and Wiener Schnitzel.

May there be many campsites in your future.

It’s our last evening in Budapest. It’s a gem of a city and blew away our expectations. Sorry about yet another Chain Bridge picture, but I can’t stop myself from taking pictures of the view.

Costes, Budapest’s most critically decorated restaurant, didn’t disappoint.

The thermal baths of Budapest are a must. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the oldest and most popular. There are fifteen pools, three outdoor and twelve indoor, all varying from hot to cold. In addition to the pools, there are saunas, steam rooms and massage rooms.

At the end of the day, Sonia and I splurged for some massages. My “masseuse” was a burley Hungarian man who was not happy with the length of my board shorts. He made me hike them up as far as possible for my sixty minute session with him. All week long I was read by locals as more Hungarian than tourist. Must be the Lithuanian in me. Because of this, Sonia asked me last night at dinner if I had any Hungarian in me. Well, after my massage I’d have to say a little bit.

We took in Hunyadi László at the Hungarian State Opera. They even provided sub-titles so that we could follow along.

Hard to show just how fast, but you have to be ready to get on and off.

I had goulash and I’m a fan.

St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Andrassy Ave. The Champs-Élysées of Budapest.

Hero’s Square

The House of Terror. A look back at Soviet and Nazi Occupation.

Budapest is filled with ruin pubs. These are pubs that open in formally derelict and condemned spaces. This is Szimpla Kert, the oldest and most popular ruin pub.

City Park. Sonia almost fell in.

First walk of the day. From our hotel in Pest to Buda. We crossed the Chain Bridge and climbed Castle Hill.

#58 Visit something Ancient

Not much to look at, but this is Aquincum – The Roman Ruins of Budapest.

A subdued first night. Had dinner at Nobu ($41,600 forints if you were wondering). Still not sure what I’m tipping. After dinner we walked around Fashion Street, then watched the Mexico-Brazil game at our hotel before sleeping off the jet lag. Big walking day in the morning.

#62: Stay at one of Conde Naste’d gold list hotels

The Four Seasons at Gresham Palace.

Turbulence

First time in the new international terminal.

Back under control.

#38 Don’t Buy A Watch

The most surprising fail of the year. A Happy Father’s Day indeed.

There is no friend as loyal as a book. ~ Ernest Hemingway

Watched the Kings became champs while at the Dodger game.

I’m too weak with the carb-flu to post anything new, so here’s an old video of my nephew playing kickball with Grandma. He’s never asked her to play kickball again.

#5: Prepare 12 meals at home.

It only took a little over five months this year to complete. For the first time in years, Sonia and I are off carbs, including alcohol, and haven’t eaten out since getting back from New York. I’ve never felt more lethargic in my life.

Spent the weekend in the pool and read, Looking for Alaska. This was the book my Dad recommended I read, but I read, Chasing Alaska instead. Two very different books. Looking for Alaska is a very well written coming of age story that would have slayed me had I read it as a young man.

I’m canceling my Scottrade account.

#57: See 10 New Movies in the Theater

If you like fart jokes, you’ll love this movie.

New springs, reinforcements and stain for the fences. Exciting stuff. We have now completed 10 nagging home repairs. Unfortunately another 10 have already popped up.

#94 Read 10 Books

Really enjoyed, Chasing Alaska. The author did a great job capturing the many layers of Southeastern Alaska.