Further confirmation why you shouldn't eat sushi here.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Hobby Lobby
I used to have an inferiority complex about hobbies. Maybe due to permanent brainwashing from b-school applications, I was convinced hobbies had to be extreme activities about which I was PASSIONATE. Which explains this disaster.
Only recently did I realize the things I enjoy (running, yoga, scrapbooking, traveling, writing) are hobbies too, albeit hobbies more reminiscent of a suburban housewife than a SWF.
Yes, these are the things I think about at a 6:30 AM spin class based entirely on McCoy’s Another Night (which I enjoyed, perhaps making my list of hobbies also reminiscent of a teenage boy on spring break in Amsterdam).
The above musings obviously beg the question: What are the popular hobbies in Hungary?
Cleaning one’s flat. This is by far the most common answer to “what did you do this weekend?”
Being a “sportman” (or “sportwoman”). This phrase never gets old. I also love that in addition to soccer, water polo is both a popular sport and source of national pride.
Attending Metallica concerts. Metallica must tour 6-8 months of the year in Central and Eastern Europe. I would too if I had such a devout fan following. Literally the entire office is leaving at 3 PM today in preparation for tonight's concert.
Learning a 4th or 5th language. Further feeding my hobby inferiority complex.
So, what are your hobbies? As of April 25th, my sister Kara’s was not wearing underwear.
Only recently did I realize the things I enjoy (running, yoga, scrapbooking, traveling, writing) are hobbies too, albeit hobbies more reminiscent of a suburban housewife than a SWF.
Yes, these are the things I think about at a 6:30 AM spin class based entirely on McCoy’s Another Night (which I enjoyed, perhaps making my list of hobbies also reminiscent of a teenage boy on spring break in Amsterdam).
The above musings obviously beg the question: What are the popular hobbies in Hungary?
Cleaning one’s flat. This is by far the most common answer to “what did you do this weekend?”
Being a “sportman” (or “sportwoman”). This phrase never gets old. I also love that in addition to soccer, water polo is both a popular sport and source of national pride.
Attending Metallica concerts. Metallica must tour 6-8 months of the year in Central and Eastern Europe. I would too if I had such a devout fan following. Literally the entire office is leaving at 3 PM today in preparation for tonight's concert.
Learning a 4th or 5th language. Further feeding my hobby inferiority complex.
So, what are your hobbies? As of April 25th, my sister Kara’s was not wearing underwear.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hungarian Eats: Week I
I begged; a few of you clicked.
You asked; I answered.
To kick off the weekly Hungarian Eats post, I proudly introduce the Top Hungarian “Don’t-Knock-‘Em-Til-You-Try-‘Em” Eats.
Ham-flavored spreadable cheese. That’s right; I went from Hungry Girl-approved Laughing Cow light cheese wedges to this. Don’t judge. At least I don’t pull out this when purchasing.
Goose cracklings. Fried goose skin is the Hungarian equivalent of Pringles: Once you pop you just can't stop...until you develop severe gastrointestinal problems.
Beet ice cream. Little did I know that my quest for the best beet salad in Boston was child’s play compared to the beet options in Hungary.
Gypsy roast. I was happy to discover that this specialty is indeed a slab of roasted beef and not another way to persecute the gypsies.
Bread topped with lard and onions (different from Langos). In its continual quest to sweep the best drunk food awards, Hungary offers this salty snack at both upscale winebars and dives. Just accept that lard likely isn't much worse for you than the latest ingredient food purists are rallying against, and don't breathe on anyone for five days.
You asked; I answered.
To kick off the weekly Hungarian Eats post, I proudly introduce the Top Hungarian “Don’t-Knock-‘Em-Til-You-Try-‘Em” Eats.
Ham-flavored spreadable cheese. That’s right; I went from Hungry Girl-approved Laughing Cow light cheese wedges to this. Don’t judge. At least I don’t pull out this when purchasing.
Goose cracklings. Fried goose skin is the Hungarian equivalent of Pringles: Once you pop you just can't stop...until you develop severe gastrointestinal problems.
Beet ice cream. Little did I know that my quest for the best beet salad in Boston was child’s play compared to the beet options in Hungary.
Gypsy roast. I was happy to discover that this specialty is indeed a slab of roasted beef and not another way to persecute the gypsies.
Bread topped with lard and onions (different from Langos). In its continual quest to sweep the best drunk food awards, Hungary offers this salty snack at both upscale winebars and dives. Just accept that lard likely isn't much worse for you than the latest ingredient food purists are rallying against, and don't breathe on anyone for five days.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Crazy Idea
I am going to be in Cambridge for at least the next two years, have a lousy housing lottery pick, mortgage rates are low...is it totally crazy to look for an apartment to buy in Harvard Square?
Maybe. But I did move here and that was pretty random.
If anyone has advice about or names of agents for this process, can you please let me know? As a first step, I am talking with Boston Real Estate and Boston City Properties today/tomorrow (just found them online).
In honor of making big-girl decisions, let's join McSweeney's in paying homage to my favorite group of girls, all grown up.
Maybe. But I did move here and that was pretty random.
If anyone has advice about or names of agents for this process, can you please let me know? As a first step, I am talking with Boston Real Estate and Boston City Properties today/tomorrow (just found them online).
In honor of making big-girl decisions, let's join McSweeney's in paying homage to my favorite group of girls, all grown up.
Happy Mama's Day!
For Mama's Day Weekend, I got Mama Boch all to myself in Paris.
(Although I did half expect to find Gracie & Olivia in her suitcase chowing down on the Peanut Butter Puffins I had asked for. In fact, Peanut Butter Puffin would be a perfect nickname for Gracie.)
I wish I looked this good post-transatlantic flight.
On Friday night, we went to a wine tasting at O Chateau, the former personal wine cellar of Louie XV.
Our sommelier Anselme declined to answer when asked his thoughts on Two Buck Chuck. He however did compare over-oaked Californa wine to doing sexual things to Pinocchio.
My favorite wine was the sensual Cotes du Rhone Village, spicy with a hint of eucalyptus. I even could detect the earthy minerality indigenous to the region.
Yeah right! By wine #4, our notes mainly consisted of making fun of the other (much more knowledgeable) people at the event.
You would look this happy too.
For some reason, the Lourve was really funny that night.
Mom was eying the chandelier in Napolean’s apartments for our dining room at home.
Mama Boch and I have the same vacation style: lazy with a hint of (unpictured) gelato.
Best Mama's Day ever!
(Although I did half expect to find Gracie & Olivia in her suitcase chowing down on the Peanut Butter Puffins I had asked for. In fact, Peanut Butter Puffin would be a perfect nickname for Gracie.)
I wish I looked this good post-transatlantic flight.
On Friday night, we went to a wine tasting at O Chateau, the former personal wine cellar of Louie XV.
Our sommelier Anselme declined to answer when asked his thoughts on Two Buck Chuck. He however did compare over-oaked Californa wine to doing sexual things to Pinocchio.
My favorite wine was the sensual Cotes du Rhone Village, spicy with a hint of eucalyptus. I even could detect the earthy minerality indigenous to the region.
Yeah right! By wine #4, our notes mainly consisted of making fun of the other (much more knowledgeable) people at the event.
You would look this happy too.
For some reason, the Lourve was really funny that night.
Mom was eying the chandelier in Napolean’s apartments for our dining room at home.
Mama Boch and I have the same vacation style: lazy with a hint of (unpictured) gelato.
Best Mama's Day ever!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Boldog Szuletesnapot!
Hungarians celebrate both birthdays and namedays, special days designated for a person’s name based on religious or famous figures and historical events. Some names have seven namedays a year (you pick one to celebrate); some names have none (you pick a random day).
Birthdays are a more intimate affair celebrated by close friends and family; namedays are casual. Because women typically are given flowers on their nameday, flower prices can rise around the dates of popular names.
My namedays are March 18 and May 18. So no worries if you missed my birthday – you will have another chance in two weeks.
Can you imagine having to remember the namedays of all of your family and friends? If you live in Hungary, chances are you know at least 11 Janoses, a name with 13 potential namedays. I would astound you with the resulting number of permutations, but I forgot all math above a sixth-grade level after sixth grade the GMAT.
When I asked my coworker Geza how Hungarians celebrate namedays, he replied, “Drink.”
When I asked my coworker Geza how Hungarians celebrate birthdays, he replied, “Drink.”
So I did.
Birthdays are a more intimate affair celebrated by close friends and family; namedays are casual. Because women typically are given flowers on their nameday, flower prices can rise around the dates of popular names.
My namedays are March 18 and May 18. So no worries if you missed my birthday – you will have another chance in two weeks.
Can you imagine having to remember the namedays of all of your family and friends? If you live in Hungary, chances are you know at least 11 Janoses, a name with 13 potential namedays. I would astound you with the resulting number of permutations, but I forgot all math above a sixth-grade level after sixth grade the GMAT.
When I asked my coworker Geza how Hungarians celebrate namedays, he replied, “Drink.”
When I asked my coworker Geza how Hungarians celebrate birthdays, he replied, “Drink.”
So I did.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Roadtrip
Sus and I roadtripped to Slovenia this weekend.
Super-cursory Slovenia primer: Slovenia is the wealthiest ex-Yugoslav state, formerly comprising 8% of the population and 20% of GDP. Given its relative prosperity, the rest of Yugoslavia was not surprised when Slovenia declared independence in 1991. Although it bombed the country for ten days, Yugoslavia ultimately let Slovenia succeed because the majority of the population was Slovene (and not Serbian). Besides, the army had more important things to do - like bombing orphanages in Sarajevo.
Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 with the highest GDP per capita of any new member state. The country’s culture varies by region; the north reminds me of Austria, the east has a Mediterranean feel; the south shows Turkish influence.
Our first stop was Lake Bled, although GPS tried really hard to get us to drive to Croatia instead.
It is tradition for the groom to carry his bride up the steps of this church; the bride must remain silent during the ascent.
Sounds like the beginning of a healthy relationship.
When I first googled "Lake Bled", I learned the area was famous for its Kremna rezina.
I then told Susan a weekend in Slovenia sounded like a great idea.
We spent Sunday in the capital, Ljubljana (Looby-ahna).
Crouching apparently alleviates my fear of heights. And feeds my fondness for alliteration.
I kept imagining the mushroom soup in a bread bowl was a giant cupcake.
And no, there was no drug use over the weekend. Why do you ask?
According to Greek legend, upon triumphant return home with the Golden Fleece, Jason slayed the dragon by the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
In unrelated news, no matter what travel books claim, Slovenia tops every other country in gelaterias per capita. I tried every flavor except for "Obama."
If Slovenia were a gelato favor, it would be cream - fresh, rich, appealing but not particularly exciting.
Super-cursory Slovenia primer: Slovenia is the wealthiest ex-Yugoslav state, formerly comprising 8% of the population and 20% of GDP. Given its relative prosperity, the rest of Yugoslavia was not surprised when Slovenia declared independence in 1991. Although it bombed the country for ten days, Yugoslavia ultimately let Slovenia succeed because the majority of the population was Slovene (and not Serbian). Besides, the army had more important things to do - like bombing orphanages in Sarajevo.
Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 with the highest GDP per capita of any new member state. The country’s culture varies by region; the north reminds me of Austria, the east has a Mediterranean feel; the south shows Turkish influence.
Our first stop was Lake Bled, although GPS tried really hard to get us to drive to Croatia instead.
It is tradition for the groom to carry his bride up the steps of this church; the bride must remain silent during the ascent.
Sounds like the beginning of a healthy relationship.
When I first googled "Lake Bled", I learned the area was famous for its Kremna rezina.
I then told Susan a weekend in Slovenia sounded like a great idea.
We spent Sunday in the capital, Ljubljana (Looby-ahna).
Crouching apparently alleviates my fear of heights. And feeds my fondness for alliteration.
I kept imagining the mushroom soup in a bread bowl was a giant cupcake.
And no, there was no drug use over the weekend. Why do you ask?
According to Greek legend, upon triumphant return home with the Golden Fleece, Jason slayed the dragon by the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
In unrelated news, no matter what travel books claim, Slovenia tops every other country in gelaterias per capita. I tried every flavor except for "Obama."
If Slovenia were a gelato favor, it would be cream - fresh, rich, appealing but not particularly exciting.
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