Prague Museum Night 2009

I look forward every summer to Museum Night. It has been a fixture of the Prague cultural program for 5 years. I was introduced to it by my boyfriend, who used it to woo me and win me over to be his years ago. Museum Night is always a Saturday night in the middle of June when all the museums of Prague open their doors from 6.00pm-1.00am to the public for free.

Every year the crowds have grown, and last year it was overwhelming trying to get into any museum. So I decided this year I would only choose one or two I really wanted to see and try to avoid massive crowds. I went with my a place that always comforts me, and where smiles come easily. I visited the third floor of the Prague National Gallery in Veletržní palác. Czech and French artist from 1900 to 1930. I adore impressionism. The straight lines, the dabs of color, the world seen not as it is but as it is felt. I spent some time with Václav Špála, traveling on lines of rose and green to rivers of blue that flowed and pulled me into their depths.



I wanted to also go to the Museum of Czech Cubism at the Black Madonna house. However, the line was down the steps and backed out the door. I am willing to come back on a sleepy day in the future and pay for the privilegde of walking alone in the gallery. I walked from the Black Madonna house through bendy alleyways to Old Town Square. My camera came along on the trip with me and we got some good photos.

As the night dripped and covered the daylight and dark clouds rolled in, I found a tram to take me home.



www.prazskamuzejninoc.cz/clanek.php?id=1&l=en
http://www.ngprague.cz/en/16/sekce/national-gallery-in-prague/

Budapest 09

It wasn't my first trip to Budapest. It wasn't even my second. This was my third time I boarded a train and headed to Budapest. And I was hoping third time would be the charm for me, because up until now I had not been converted into a Budapest fan.

The first two trips had involved dodgy accommodation, gloomy weather and unfulfilled expectations. But I decided that this trip, this third time east, would be the trip to make me fall in love with Budapest. And it worked! Well, I can't say I'm in love with Budapest but I now have a strong appreciation and affection for her.

I took the train to Bratislava to meet T and G on a Friday afternoon. We had a nice traditional Slovak meal in the center and then hopped a train to Budapest. We arrived in the cool of the afternoon and found our hotel easily. The hotel was actually a building of family apartments that had been reconstructed into rented apartments. Great location, clean and comfortable with internet, a kitchen, washer and fridge (www.agapetours.hu). Home away from home.

Dinner was a nice traditional Hungarian meal with a live Hungarian band serenading us, and then trying to badger us into buying them a round of shots. The beer was a sweet Pilsner and went down smoothly, facilitating my sweet dreams.


Saturday the only plan was the spas. We spent hours soaking and swimming in the warm waters of Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. We had a long walk to the park, enjoyed a wine festival that offered not only wine but cheeses, meats and sweets...a feast for eyes and mouth.


Sunday we walked through the center and watched the sleepy city wake up. Our journey ended at the Castle, where we parted ways. I found my way to the train station, fully satisfied with my third Budapest experience.