Flying High

One of the most entertaining parts of Budapest was relaxing in the park and people watching. The man below, whom I assume is a clown or crazy gypsy, spent about a half hour trying to get this National Hungarian-colored kite in the air. It was quite amusing and I could appreciate his efforts for the simple gratification he sought...

Warholing

As most of you know I’m quite the Andy Warhol fan and after a recent exhibition I can understand my fascination with his work. The exhibit featured a 3-D portrayal of Warhol’s many colorful works. Each element of the picture was individually dementionalized as to catch the every facet of his creativity. 

My question was however, are we as a society overstimualted to the point where each form of art is not complete without some form of multi-sensory stimulation. From multi-media platforms to the remixing and recreation of original works. If one compares the time and efforts put into classic pieces, relative to what is produced today, what is high art? What is organic? 

Budapest

An understated city in Eastern Europe, lies the great Budapest. Like most other European capitals old authentic architecture can be found in every corner. The history that surrounds this Hungarian city has seen hostile takeovers, wars, and vast changes in government and military control. 

The House of Terror, though sounding like cheesy carnival ride, is one of the most amazing museums I have ever seen. It shows an in depth look at the rise and falls of Nazi control to the later communist uprising and eventual Soviet takeover. Unlike most exhibits that leave the guest to see a picture and read the history behind, the House was unlike any other. Stimulating every sense it moved even the most skeptical museum go-er

If you have been to the Holocaust Museum or the Museum of Tolerance it is similar, but on even most extreme scale. Honestly, a definite highlight on this trip.

 

A True Croatian Vacation

The finer things in life I have grasped may be the most simple. The beauty of the Croatian islands is magnificent. The topography consists of vast rock formations amongst crystal clear sapphire water. Truly untouched nature that has yet to be fully discovered by the rest of the traveling world. I am in love with the unassuming lifestyle Croatians live. The simplicity of fresh food, natural surroundings, and good conversation is all one needs to enjoy life in this paradise.

Free from a life of chronic blackberry checking and competitive materialism is TRULY a way to vacation. You must try.

Birthday Abroad

I was weary at the thought of being away from friends and family on my birthday...until I realized that I was spending the week in beautiful Croatia with Mariel, Chris, Natasha and her amazing parents. Being with them on the boat cruising through the sea in coves swimming, drinking, and relaxing made my day awesome. It was nice having a simple birthday in a foreign country with a few good friends.

I am learning more and more on this trip that I don't need over-the-top celebrations to have a good time. Hopefully I can bring this notion home with me.

After an amazing fresh seafood dinner by the sea...

Prague

A city of such beauty it almost didn't look real. From the gothic architecture to the cobblestone streets of Old Town it exudes charm from every angle. The few days I spent here were a little more relaxed than the rest of the trip; I need to pace myself!

That said, I still enjoyed my new friend-making strategy: pub crawls! These drunken gallivants bring young travelers like myself together to drink and have fun. This has enabled me to meet some really interesting people and even a girl or two ;-] 

The Czech people I didn't find to be that friendly or helpful. Maybe its the millions of tour groups that overrun this small town and turn it into Disneyland, I try not to act like one of them... 

Locals-Only

In true German fashion, some new friends and I decided to do a Pub Crawl. You can only imagine what non-stop bar hopping can do to a bunch of travelers, not to mention the ever-so-mild Absinthe shots!

Proceeding the crawl was a look inside a true locals-only experience at underground parties in East Berlin. It was a lot to take in at first as the scene is the antithesis of LA. From the graffitied abandoned warehouses (which in fact where impressive pieces of urban art), to the sketchy streets leading to the many all-night dance parties found in the area, it was a feeling of welcomed cultural chaos. 

We happened to make friends with a group of locals who hung out on what looked like a condemned building. Instead of the usual "You're from LA! Oh my God do you know celebrities!?" we actually shared good conversation as the sun rose, the rain poured, and the music faded. 

It was nice to truly observe a city and all its facets. True life experience, I feel can be found in these circumstances where one put aside their comforts to adhere to local culture. Thereby allowing gratifying diversity to follow suit in your life. 

"Chin Chin"