For those who might be wondering...    Published: Aug 16, 2003 No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, nor the #4 or #6 tram which takes me up and down Erzerbet Utca. each day as I go about my business here in Budapest... "So, what do you do Mr. Hall?"    Published: Jul 29, 2003 "I mean what do you do for a living? What is your job?" Those of you who know me personally, know that I am seldom at a loss for words. But as those questions to were poised to me by the director of perhaps the nicest hotel in Budapest - if not all of Hungary - I was speechless... Those imaginary balloons...    Published: Jul 27, 2003 I can’t remember which of my childhood sweethearts was the first that my father told the story of the imaginary balloons to, but now some twenty five years later it really doesn’t matter. It might have been Tammy Callahan, or perhaps Tanya Gostic, but even though the memory of the girls has faded, those words of wisdom he spoke have never and will never fade from my memory. "I hear music in your photos..."    Published: Jul 22, 2003 And so said the piano player to me as he gazed admiringly at the collection of European travel photos I have shot over the past several years which were playing on my computer screen sitting in from of him. “These are simply beautiful. You have such a wonderful ability to capture life with your camera.” That is most of what I can remember from our conversation that evening in the piano bar of the 5-Star Grand Hotel Royal just literally 50 feet from the front door of the apartment building in Budapest where I have taken up residence. But this is neither the story of the piano man nor that of my photos of Europe, but rather of the experience I have been having these past two weeks with this lovely hotel, The Grand Royal Hotel. Simply Amazing!    Published: Jul 10, 2003 Those were the two words repeating over and over in my head as I walked amongst both locals and tourist alike in the Budapest market this morning.  The same market which has seemingly been calling to me each and every time I have walked past it in the three I have lived here in this wonderful city.  Walking past stall after stall in the large building with my tripod on my shoulder and computer bag in hand, it couldn’t help but to remind me of the large market back home in Cleveland which I would visit every two weeks as a young boy with my parents to buy the groceries for the ten hungry mouths back home in the suburb in which we lived, Euclid. And just like that...    Published: Jul 9, 2003 I have a whole new life.  Or so it would seem.  That was the thought this morning as I watched her fight her way through the crowded #6 tram to the exit on the opposite side of the car in which we were standing.  She had a 7:30 am appointment to have her hair done before she would head off to her job as a government attorney.  She takes the same tram each and every morning I thought to myself, so why was she surprised when the door which opened was on the other side of the crowded car at that particular stop, forcing her to push her way through all the other Budapestites on their way to work.   I was so fortunate I thought to myself to have had her come into my life three weeks ago and my life has not been the same since.    Happy Birthday America!    Published: Jul 4, 2003 It must of been nearly 3 in the  morning Budapest time when I arrived home with my girlfriend this morning from a night at karaoke when I decided to call my brother Bob back in Cleveland to say hello and happy 4th of July.  I was probably a tad bit more tipsy than my girlfriend, but she had had her share I'd say.  Anyway, in talking to Bob, he asked how come I haven't loaded any pictures lately onto my web site.  So, having a few minutes to kill this afternoon on what is just another day in Hungary whose day of celebration for the nation is not until August, I thought I'd accommodate my brother's request and put a short journal entry in with some photos he might enjoy of a recent visit to Lake Balaton, not too far from Budapest. A Perfect Evening - in Budapest!    Published: Jun 27, 2003 There is a book that was given to me by a friend nearly twenty years which has been such a valuable asset over the years called "The Book of Questions" by Gregory Stock PHD. A compilation of over 200 hypothetical questions, some quite silly while yet others deeply serious, it has provided countless hours of conversation amongst myself and various friends and acquaintances. But there is one question in particular that is often a favorite of those who are asked it, and I believe it is question #73. Life in Budapest...    Published: Jun 25, 2003 is so good these days, and thus begins yet another day. I was actually able to sleep a full eight hours last night and upon waking, my first stop was the lovely diner/restaurant near my house. "Sure you can go to my husband's computer shop and update your journal the lovely restuarant owner told me. Just finish your breakfast and I will walk with you!" In this journal entry, I attempt to explain why it is that I love this city as well as a description of a day in which I would end up getting smashed by two different women in Squash at my new health club, but I would find that that wouldn't bother me at all - as I was in Budapest! It has got to be the water...    Published: Jun 23, 2003 That is the only reason I can think of as to why the women of Hungary are perhaps the most beautiful in the world, or at least in the parts of the world I have seen. Also, the chiropractors must be making a killing here because... Like candy from a baby...    Published: Jun 20, 2003 That is all I could think of today as I walked the "neighborhood" with my camera and computer bags and my tripod. It was like magic, each place I stopped wanted a panorama or two or three for HUF 10,OOO forints each (about 5O bucks each) First a cafe, then a Hungarian wine shop, and then the prize, a beautiful musuem. And that is how I ended this first week in this wonderful town of Budapest. If you'd like to read more about the week... It's only money...    Published: Jun 18, 2003 That is all I could keep telling myself outside Schipol (skip-hull) the other day as I smoked what I kept telling myself would be my last cigar for awhile as I pondered the incident that had just occurred at the KLM ticket counter just inside the airport - its only money. Wrapping it up - Part Two    Published: Jun 12, 2003 Continuing on with the final update of my journal, come with me through Sweden, Copenhagen Denmark, to Haarlem The Netherlands... Wrapping it up - Part One    Published: Jun 12, 2003 Nearing my sixth week on this trip, this is the first of two parts to my final update before moving on to Budapest from Haarlem Netherlands tomorrow for up to six weeks of recovery and relaxation listening to gypsy music and eating good food. The decisions of the road...    Published: Jun 10, 2003 The choices of the road can be both interesting and challenging.  I left Copenhagen this morning at eight and arrived where I am now at 3 in the afternoon. The drive was quite nerve wrecking as there was a lot of traffic, especially north of Hamburg...but it was worth the drive.  As I drove the road today averaging 150 KM/Hr to get here, I couldn't help but to think of the days ahead and where I should go before returning home.  But I was also thinking of where to spend the night.  I had thought I'd be in the town of Harlingen, but I ended up... An email from Kriszta...    Published: Jun 10, 2003 Having just driven from Copenhagen, I find myself in the small town of Gronigen in the part of the Netherlands very near the North Sea known as Friesland. A completely different world than that of Amsterdam or the rest of Holland for that matter. Anyway, for those of you who have been following, you can imagine I am tiring. But, I am ready for 6 weeks in Budapest with a side trip to Krakow in Poland for three days. It was so nice to get this email from my dear friend Kriszta who will be waiting for my arrival to help me get situated into my hotel for the evening. After reading her note, I think she will be relieved that the majority of my six weeks is booked up already... An evening in Stryn!    Published: Jun 9, 2003 The town of Stryn is in Norway located northeast of Bergen were you to try to find it on a map. I had been invited to stay on a farm by a lovely couple named Torild and Amund. It was a visit that ended up being far too short as they are them most wonderful couple and have a farm which is full of history and charm. Come along for a visit! I AM IN LOVE!!!    Published: Jun 8, 2003 Yes, that is correct and she is so wonderful. I do not have the time in this journal entry to go into details, I just thought I would share with anyone following along the great news. I will try to fill you in when I arrive back in Haarlem later in the week. Take care and that is all for this journal entry, so don't bother clicking the link. ;-) Would you believe?    Published: Jun 7, 2003 Would you believe I am cruising down the highway in Norway today headed for Sweden where I am now and a rather large bird tried to get out of the way of my car doing 140 KM/hr but seemed to go under the car. I heard a thud and saw some feathers. I didn't feel too bad as I really had not done anything wrong, though I felt sorry for the little guy. Anyway... Pancakes for Dinner???    Published: Jun 5, 2003 Yes, and if you were visiting the lovely family that I am in Stryn Norway, you would be having the same thing. I arrived here late this afternoon and can only say I wished I hadn't lolly-gagged my way in getting here, as my hosts are the most wonderful people... Simply Breathtaking!    Published: Jun 4, 2003 Ok, so now in addition to steering a ferry in waters of Venice and a ship from Scotland to the Shetland Islands, I am now proud to say... Bergen is a must!    Published: Jun 3, 2003 Every now and then when I travel, I come across a magical place. Last year it was Basel, this year Bergen! I arrived in Bergen!    Published: Jun 3, 2003 If first impressions mean anything, Bergen is a lovely city. I have hardly scratched its surface but after this entry I will be walking by the harbor and nicely painted homes adjoining the waterside. Update from Norway    Published: Jun 2, 2003 I thought I'd update you on my travels catching you up from my departure of Haarlem to where I am now in Dalen Norway some four days later... Distant Places, Familiar Faces...    Published: May 28, 2003 That's the phrase I conjured up on the A7 from Amsterdaam to the small village of Makkum. It only took an hour and the drive was delightful. Sunny and warm, all about were windmills, green grass, sheep and cattle grazing. And, there were thoughts of the friends I am to see upon finishing this entry. Auke and Teatske Ann. Two days in Haarlem    Published: May 27, 2003 Here I sit at the end of a short two day visit to this wonderful town near Amsterdam. Tomorrow I move on for two weeks in Norway... Like the back of my hand...    Published: May 26, 2003 That is how it felt upon my arrival into the Netherlands this morning after having caught an early easyjet.com flight from Scotland. I jumped right on a train, caught a transfer and here I sit in Haarlem. I found a lovely room right on a canal for 20 Euros (dollars) a night and will stay here for two nights, seeing the Matrix movie tonight. Wed. I pick up a car and drive up to see my friends Auke and Teastke Ann in Makkum. (that's all there is to this journal entry...) A Week in Scotland - Again...    Published: May 25, 2003 Having a bit of time to kill, I thought it might be best to attempt to update my journal at this point in my journey. In two days, I will begin a part of my trip which will take me to a place in this world that I have dreamed of visiting for a very, very long time - the Fjords of Norway. It's the people stupid!    Published: May 19, 2003 Last night, as I was sitting on my balcony of the Tsaki Sea View resort in Corfu Greece on what would be my last night on this island, I had the following thought.  Earlier in the day, I engaged a local in a conversation and in doing so, I told him San Francisco is one the most beautiful places in the world.  He asked me a question that no one else has in the five years I've been doing this web site.  He asked, "if you come from such a beautiful place, why do you travel so far away from there?"  My immediate answer to him was that there are many beautiful places in the world, and I'd like to see them all.  But, as I began the last few drags of a Cuban cigar and sipped the last of what had probably been a quadruple scotch that would leave a lingering taste in my mouth as my head hit the pillow a few moments later, I realized my answer to him should have been - "it's the people stupid..."  A week in Corfu - Greece    Published: May 16, 2003 Having spent nearly a week in this very warm and sunny spot near the mainland of Greece, I wish to share with you the experience(s) I've had here... A man and a scooter    Published: May 14, 2003 That's what you'd see if you were here, me on a nice little scooter I picked up for three days. I decided I was not going to spend the whole time I was here in the resort by the pool looking at overweight women laying by the pool with their breast bared for all to see... Hello from Greece    Published: May 13, 2003 Hello from the little island of Corfu off the NW coast of Greece A weekend in Oban Scotland    Published: May 13, 2003 C'mon along for a trip to a lovely little village called Oban on the westeren coast of Scotland. Considered to be the opening to the isles, I'd certainly recommend a stop here... Glasgow Airport    Published: May 11, 2003 Just a note to say all is well as I get ready to board a flight for Greece! Will try to update from the island! I am on an internet phone and time is limited... From Oban Scotland to an island off Greece!    Published: May 9, 2003 I've only been in Europe on this trip a few days and already the wheels are spinning. Having arrived after a very nice flight to London and then on to Edinburgh, I'd never of imagined I'd be laying a beach in the Greek isles by weeks end! A day in Vienna!    Published: Aug 13, 2002 My third visit to Vienna proved to provide a much needed rest after having had such a busy and unforgettable prior several days... A week I will never forget...    Published: Aug 9, 2002 That is all I can really say about these six days I spent in Hungary, what I consider to be my homeland. Having had the good fortune to have two wonderful tour guides, I was able not only to get to know Budapest extremely well, but I also had the opportunity to travel into the heartland of Hungary and thus discovered three exceptionally wonderful towns! Thanks Kriszta and Katia... What a life I lead...    Published: Aug 4, 2002 That is all I could think of as I walked the streets of Cambridge England after having just left the King's College Chapel, a cathedral unlike any other I have seen during my travels. It is Sunday morning right now and just last night I was in Prague and now I am enroute to Edinburgh Scotland where I will spend the last few weeks of this incredible journey that has lasted three months... I will have an extensive journal entry this week of a week in Hungary I will cherish forever - and ever... I'm Still Alive!    Published: Aug 1, 2002 I know it may seem like I dropped off the face of the earth after being so diligent with my journal, but I have been having one hell of a good time in Hungary and Austria and to be quite honest, needed a break from the rigors of updating my journal. But, I am back and have I got some stories for you. This journal entry covers my visit to Graz and Bernstein Austria and I am currently writing my latest entry from six days in Hungary. God, I love that country, but for now enjoy my adventures in beautiful Austria! Goodbye my Hungary...    Published: Jul 30, 2002 I miss you already - sooooooooooo very much... Every now and then...    Published: Jul 24, 2002 Every now and then I have a morning like today - perfect! I got up at 5 and the drive to Vienna could not of been better. I hope to update my journal tonight. Life is good! I am so sorry...    Published: Jul 23, 2002 I am so sorry to tell you that as hard as I have tried to get a recent journal entry up, my time has been so very short and to be quite honest, I am so very tired. I am south of Vienna right now at 10:30 at night and I have (want) to be up at 5 so I can drive to Vienna, return my car and catch a train to Budapest so I can be there mid day. I also have had a MAJOR change in my itinerary. Without much detail, after two days in Budapest, I will journey by train to a small village in Souther Hungary and stay with what seems to be a most lovely family. I will try to update my journal when I can. Thanks for understanding - I am going home... "What day is it anyway?"    Published: Jul 21, 2002 That was my very thought as Franz and I pedaled the small boat out from the dock of the Hotel Au Hof on the shore of Lake Wofgangsee, just outside of Salzburg. Having been on the road for nearly two months now, I sometimes have to literally stop and ponder exactly what day of the week it is! The Hotel Au Hof was not on my itinerary, but as you will read, it made for a most profitable morning! Who would of thought...    Published: Jul 20, 2002 Those were my very thoughts as Evelyn, the manager/owner of Haus Hirt in Badgastein Austria took me through this most magical of hotels. I immediately knew as we went from room to room, that this is the type of hotel one comes to for a day or two and wishes they could stay a lifetime! "All of them Mr. Hall..."    Published: Jul 18, 2002 Those were the words spoken to me just hours ago in this small village of Castelrotto, just north of Bolzano in northern Italy by Franz Holzknechr, the director of tourism. Of course he was referring to the panoramas I spent only a couple of hours shooting yesterday. How many is that then I thought as I counted - 1,2,3,...10! Ok sir, that will be $500 Euro. With please was his reply, and so ended my 10 day visit to the beautiful land of Italy! "See you next year Mr. Hall?"    Published: Jul 16, 2002 Those were the words spoken to me by Mr. Castelforte as I left the Castel Rundegg this morning and thus, five nights in beautiful Merano. See me next year I laughed and said back to him. Yes, perhaps Sir, but maybe I won't see you again until my honeymoon. He then said "We will have to reserve the honeymoon suite for you then!" What a nice man I thought to myself as I headed down the road to my next stop, Castelrotto via Bolzano! "Thank you for a wonderful evening!"    Published: Jul 15, 2002 Those were the words last spoken this evening to Mr. Defranceschi, owner of Hotel Tivoli in Merano Italy after a most relaxing afternoon. Having just finished a nice dinner of duck on the terrace, I was ready for a good nights sleep... "We are inspired of food"    Published: Jul 13, 2002 - and so grows harmony. The singular plates merge into one another. Taste, colour, and also the seasonal adaptation are bearing this harmony." "Our kitchen brigade, lead by Chef de cuisine Josef Siess will surprise you with an exceptional dinner." And as the wonderful staff of Castel Fragsburg proclaimed their inspiration of food on the evenings menu card, allow me to share with you that which most inspires me. Life! I Love Italy!    Published: Jul 12, 2002 That is about all I can say about the past five days in this wonderful place called Italy. Come along for a trip that at least I will never forget... What I miss about home...    Published: Jul 11, 2002 . What a life!    Published: Jul 9, 2002 That is all I could think about tonight, over and over again, as I had finally made it - safely - out of Verona Italy on my way back to the beautiful estate of a an actual "Count" in the nearby Italian countryside. It was getting dark about then and even though the scenery was breathtaking, all I could think about was the events of the past couple of hours. Swerving in traffic trying to listen to my Italian local passenger of Egyptian origin (does that make sense? Ok, I picked up a guy off the steet in Verano who lives there but was born and raised in Egypt - how's that?) give me directions to our destination on the other side of the city when the police stopped us. Now why would an English/American nice looking guy with a nice car be driving the streets of Verano, swerving all about. Well, before I get to far ahead of myself, next thing I knew my car was being searched from front to back, top to bottom. All the while, the Italian-Egyptian guy was talking frantically with the police! What a life I thought as I sat there on the curb awaiting my fate... But enough about all of that, I need to actually go back to where I last left off, Geneva Switzerland. My oh my - Basel Switzerland!    Published: Jul 9, 2002 Every now and then when I am traveling, a city or village captures my heart and holds it forever. Basel is just such a city. Only having 24 hours there, I could easily ascertain it will be a place to visit again and again! I truly think aside from all its history, the people themselves are what distinguish this location from its neighboring Swiss cities of Geneve and Zurich. Thank you Basel! Moving On...    Published: Jul 7, 2002 As I begin my trip into Italy, here at Lake Maggiore located near the Swiss border, I find myself playing catch up. This journal entry covers my brief two day visit to the lovely lake side town of Montreux where I stayed in a Palace and a lovely hotel named Eden au Lac. (Paradise on the lake) A dog, a cat, and a man...    Published: Jul 1, 2002 That is what you would see if you were here with me now at a lovely apartment outside of Zurich Switzerland where I am at the home of a lovely lady named Sabina who is at work at the moment, providing me with a great opportunity to do something I have not had the ability to do in quite a few days... Playing Catch Up...    Published: Jun 30, 2002 That is what I have been doing over the past two days in preparing this journal entry. Covering the past 10 or so days, I will take you from the northern coast of Scotland, to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, on to the German countryside, and finally here to Zurich were I am submitting this prior to going to the train station to watch the world cup final with thousands of others on large screen tv. Enjoy! Goodnight from Zurich Switzerland!    Published: Jun 30, 2002 Not having time to complete the nearly 10,000 word journal entry describing the events of the past week, I thought I'd share some pictures of my day today which will both let you know I am ok, and I had a nice day in Zurich... I need a vacation!    Published: Jun 27, 2002 Would you believe that is what I was thinking as I hurried through this famous and picturesque village in central Germany toward an area that the hotel owner wanted some panoramas of before I left in the morning for Baded-Baden. (again) Full moon over Frankfurt...    Published: Jun 26, 2002 That is the sight I see as I look out over my balcony in this small village just under 100 KM from Frankfurt after yet another hectic but productive day. It is 2:30 in the morning now and I just returned from what had to be a 200 dollar dinner at a local restaurant where I must of worked for 7 hours tonight doing photography for the chef/owner. I will be up early as I have an appt. with the village "mayor" tomorrow to sell him some panoramas before heading to the next village on my trip. Only a forty five minute cruise on the auto bahn, I'll do it all over tomorrow. I could write volumes about tonight, but instead I thought a picture could easily sum it up instead. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Oh, and I chose the third one from the left, Cuban of course... 1 - 2 - 3 - JUMP!    Published: Jun 25, 2002 That is what we the three of us said just before jumping for the bridge over the Rhein River in northern Switzerland. Now, if only my hosts' daughter Claudia could capture the jump from the third floor window of the Hotel Rheinfels in Stein Am Rhein! I am exhausted!!!    Published: Jun 24, 2002 But do not feel sorry for me as I have been very, very well taken care of this world-famous spa town of Baden-Baden Germany.... Sail Away with me honey...    Published: Jun 21, 2002 Just before my journey, Amanda introduced me to David Gray and his album White Sail. On it was a song that she said is her favorite, thus the title of this journal entry as that is exactly I did with her. To the islands of Shetland for an unforgettable weekend we sailed 14 hours to get there, and once there, we discovered a paradise! Some U.K. Slang for ya!    Published: Jun 18, 2002 In preparation for my journey, I compiled this list of terms you just may wish to study carefully before opening your mouth during your visit. Enjoy! A dot on a map...    Published: Jun 16, 2002 In the months leading up to this journey, one spot in particular was of extreme interest to me. That spot was a village called Walls on the main island of the group of Islands called the Shetlands. Now, having spent the past two days on this paradise in the North Atlantic, I find myself ever so anxious to share all of it's wonders with you... "You've got it cracked young man!"    Published: Jun 12, 2002 Those were the words spoken to me at the end of two wonderful days in Scotland which included the Loch Ness, The Highlands, and Edinburgh by an older man who approached me as I smoked my cigar and sipped my Scotch as he was about to begin his round of golf at the fabulous Marriott Dalmahoy outside of Edinburgh. Just a thought...    Published: Jun 9, 2002 Have a Grateful Heart...    Published: Jun 9, 2002 "Have a grateful heart, and be quick to acknowledge those that help you." It is with that quote in mind that I begin this journal on this, my third day in Scotland. As I write this, I am currently in a small village about 10 miles outside of Edinburgh Scotland called Mid Calder. A day in London    Published: Jun 6, 2002 Well, my very short visit in London is coming to a close and I find myself in the sitting room of the lovely hotel known as Pembridge Court Hotel. The day actually got off to a late start, as I overslept. I woke up at with only a half-hour before I was do to check out from last nights hotel, the Kensington House Hotel, only a few blocks from this location in Notting Hill. It's raining in London...    Published: Jun 5, 2002 I arrived in London just before noon today, and to my dismay, it is raining quite well. Shopping for Amanda    Published: Jun 4, 2002 "Sweetie, can I ask you a big favour?" That is the beginning of the email message that greeted me this morning over breakfast. It had been only minutes since we had hung up from our phone conversation and Amanda had forgotten to ask me to pick up a treat from Holland before I left tomorrow? What you may ask did she want from Holland? The road can be a lonely place...    Published: Jun 4, 2002 At least that is how I replied to my young nephew's email this afternoon after reading his praises regarding my past and current travels.& Pictures from Amsterdam    Published: Jun 3, 2002 It is the beginning of yet another day here in the Netherlands. Hello from Amsterdam    Published: Jun 2, 2002 Hello from Amsterdam, where the weather on an early June day is fantastic. I arrived in Haarlem at 12:10. A night on the Farm    Published: Jun 1, 2002 After a wonderful day on the farm, what else could follow except for a wonderful night... A day on the "Dutch" Farm...    Published: Jun 1, 2002 What a wonderful time I had, these past two days on a farm in the very northern part of Holland with my friends Teatske Ann and Auke... I'm there!!!    Published: May 30, 2002 I am so pleased to let you know that I am only two hours from the first stop on my trip. It is now just before 6:00 PM local time in The Netherlands. I find myself on a train headed north to the town of Leeuwarden. One hour and counting    Published: May 30, 2002 If the rest of the trip could be half as good as the trip to the airport this morning and to this lobby where I sit, I would be a very happy camper. I got a nice wake up call from Amanda, wishing me a nice flight. It was a tad bit earlier than I had expected to get up but I had a lot on my slate, or should I say plate? 3 hours and counting...    Published: May 28, 2002 SFO Airport Wake up call from Scotland    Published: May 28, 2002 The phone rang this morning just as it has almost every morning of the past two weeks. Upon answering... Let the journey begin...    Published: May 28, 2002 I am not the same having seen the moon shine upon the other side of the world… With that quote from an anonymous author, I say hello to all of you. I find myself only hours from departing on my longest journey to date and wanted to take this opportunity to make the first of what will probably be many journal entries chronicling my travels.