5 Reasons why I love Budapest (Part 2): FOOD

If you are a traveler who is not only interested in tourist attractions but also the discovery of the culinary life of your destination, then Budapest is perfect for you. The Hungarian cuisine has managed to make me salivate and has tempted me to eat well beyond my stomach capacity. In fact, I find it hard to control my diet here. Oh yes, I gained weight and my finger points to one specific culprit, and the evidence is exhibited by the empty plate on my table! 

When you think about Hungarian cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is paprika but Hungary has much more to offer.  Hungarian cuisine is known to be heavy but rich in aroma, texture, and of course flavor. Here are some of the victuals I've tasted that made me forget the name of my husband. :D

1.  Kolbász - The Hungarian sausages that you might be familiar with may not be the authentic ones. In fact, in countries like the Philippines, they are just German sausages with paprika in it. The real Hungarian sausage is more of a closer cousin of the Spanish chorizo but bigger and has a touch of spiciness and a very appealing taste.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Debrecziner.jpg

2. Gulyás soup - Filipinos might confuse this with "caldereta" but it is not.  This is a Hungarian soup of pork, beef, veal or lamb and vegetables (potato and carrots), seasoned with sweet and spicy paprika and other spices. You can also put cream cheese to make the dish more interesting. This is so heavenly - depending on how the soup is cooked - that it can make your palate thrill.  

http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/hungariansoups/r/gulyasleves.htm

3. Langos - Think deep fried dough coated with garlic topped with cream cheese and trappist cheese and you'll have langos, plus a wide variety of additional toppings of your choice, to mention a few are bacon, sausage, herbs and spices.  It actually tastes like bread - not baked but fried. The plain one is still a personal favorite :D

4. Palacsinta - The Hungarian pancake is more of a crepe than the typical pancake that we are accustomed to.  It's usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and filled with either chocolate or fruit jam.

5. Pörkölt - Pörkölt is a meat stew similar to goulash soup but without potatoes, caraway, and meat bones.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gulasch.jpg

6. Pork Knuckles - The first time I was served food which I would call fit for a king, or maybe in this case queen, was when we were at Budapest's Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant. Sword fights, exotic belly dancers and jester are only a few things that will keep you entertained while feasting those gigantic portions of food. I never regret ordering the crispy pork knuckles because it was so ambrosial.

7. Marcipán - There actually was a dispute between Hungary and Italy as where Marcipán was really originated. But it doesn't matter to me anyway; what matters is that it is highly pleasing to my sense of vision and taste! :p

Photo by: Madeleine Guico

8. Kürtőskalács - You'll find this pastry mostly during Hungarian festivals, and if not then its distinct aroma will lead you to its stall. It tastes like bread - but grilled not baked. :D

http://www.chimneycakehawaii.com/

9. Túró Rudi - If you are taking a tour around the scenery of Budapest, then this should be your companion. It's chocolate-coated curd and one of Hungary's best selling local sweets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rudi_akt.jpg

A tall tale of a Pixie

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker_Bell

Tinkerbell has always been my favorite cartoon character since I was little. Oh well, I'm still literally little, and that is the reason why I still love Tinkerbell now that I am in the late 20's. Like Tinkerbell, I am small but feisty, desirous, very ambitious and I hate it when things don't go my way. Both of us say what we want to say and don't give a shit on what others may think, and we are happy to tell people they are warts in the ass!

I used to ask God, why am I petite? There are lots of things that I want to do but my height constraint has always stood in the way. Being a field reporter was my dream since I was still young. However, my dad said that it would be difficult for me to find a place in the news casting industry due to my short stature. To cut the story short, I never had the chance to do what I really wanted to do. I asked my mom what happened to those inches lacking, and she told me that it may possibly be a symptom of my asthma and the medications I was taking, which actually made sense.

I've been bullied many times in school, calling me names and hurtful words which made me feel inferior and bitter like an ampalaya.  I used to feel like I have to prove myself to them and when I failed, I felt like I am not loved and pitied myself more. But when I joined the cheering squad in high school, I gained my self-confidence a bit because I contributed a major factor in winning the competition. Yes, you're right! I was on top of most of our pyramid and lifting stunts and I did this extraordinary stroke on the grand finale. I also did the same in college. According to the dance troupe members, I was the first girl to do the somersault with three turns in a throw. My light weight helped me maneuver perfect circles on air. And again we made it to the championship and brought home the bacon, or better yet the chorizo! :D From then on, I never let my shortness be a hindrance in whatever I want to do in life.  I used my imperfection in achieving what I want now and not proving myself to anyone.  Being petite made me more ambitious and determined to succeed in life. I am capable of achieving heights beyond the reach of many women who physically dwarf me, even without heels.  Needless to say, my husband who stands 5'11" tall fell deeply in love with me because of my "pixieness." 

We, Tinkerbells, know we have advantages in life:

1. We don't need to scrunch down in small cars.

2. We look younger.

3. We always get discount on tickets, e.g. student tickets.

4. We can sleep anywhere, even on a single couch and we don't stick our feet out in beds, like my

husband does.

5. We don't hit our hands on ceilings when stretching up.

6. We are less likely to require surgery for herniated spinal disks.

7. We can squeeze through crowds easily.

8. Making other people do something for us is so much easy.

9. Last to get rained on when it rains and don't have to hold the umbrella when sharing.

10. It's easier for us to hide somewhere, especially when our place is being robbed.

Until now, there are envious people, mostly Pinays, who still bully me like "She is so small for her husband." I just ignore them because I know that they are only jealous and want to take my place. If you are curious about my height, then be curious for the rest of your life since I'm not gonna tell you that little secret of mine. Hahaha :p Don't feel inferior if you are petite, use it as a foundation of your self-confidence and success in life. Be like Tinkerbell, hyper, bubbly, determined and free-spirited.  Think and act pixie-fairyish! :) Come and let's sprinkle some pixie dusts! :D

You may also want to read these articles about being petite and fashion for petite women: http://retropetite.com/blog/advantages-of-being-petite/ 

http://www.fairiesworld.com/famous-fairies/tinkerbell.shtml

http://www.alreadypretty.com/2011/10/reader-request-petite-style.html

5 Reasons why I love Budapest (Part 1): Tourist Attractions

Budapest has not been in most people's vacation destination list. But this has changed especially that most tourists are getting more cost sensitive and would rather make most out of their money by spending little and experiencing more. A bang for your buck as they call it and Budapest is just perfect for that. 

Hungary, in general, possesses Roman ruins, Nouvaeu art and the heritage of Gothic and Baroque periods.  Even if you are just wandering down the streets of Budapest, you will encounter wonderful masterpieces of the infrastructures and architectures detailed with antiquity and history. I, myself, am a fan of historical places and I guess you could call me lucky to be in the place where every corner will enthrall your visual senses. Here are a few must see attractions when you decide to visit Budapest. 


1. Tourist Attractions/atracciones turisticas 

Saint Michael's  Church at Night. Photo by: Arnold Larena

Heroes Square. Photo by: Arnold Larena

   

The Buda Castle District at Night. Photo by: Arnold Larena

Szechenyi Bath and Spa Budapest. Photo by: Krissy Morales

View of the Danube River from Visegrad

Szent Istvan Basilica. Photo by: Krissy Morales

The Hungarian Parliament Building. Photo by: Krissy Morales

The Interior of the Opera House. Photo by: Michael Rodriguez

Trivia: Katy Perry's music video of "Firework" was shot in Budapest. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&list=PL7F96BA143A3CA58C&index=110&feature=plpp_video

A simple sacrifice for a worthy Quaresma

As Catholics, we are now observing the 40-day lent from Ash Wednesday to Black Saturday. You may wonder why of all numbers, they chose 40 and it is because there are a lot of Biblical facts like:
1. Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai with God
2. Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Mount Horeb
3. God sent rain in the great flood of Noah for 40 days.
4. Jesus fasted for 40 days when he retreated into the wilderness


These are among the few reasons why we have to fast for 40 days.

Praying at St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

Most people are seeing Lent as a good way to unwind by taking vacations on the beach, mountain climbing, hiking, and etc. yet they forget that it is the time for us to withdraw ourselves from worldly attachments and dedicate ourselves to Jesus who has dedicated his life for our salvation. Since its hard to follow our tradition on how to commemorate the Lenten season in our home country, my husband and I decided to hold back from indulging ourselves from our favorite foods and drinks for 40 days.

Fasting is not only about abstinence of meat but also withdrawing from your vices even just for the meantime. My husband and I are fond of chocolates, chips and soda so we took the challenge of fasting those favorites. And congratulations to us because it's been a while since we've tasted them on our palettes. We do really hope that we can get through it until Holy Saturday! So, how about you? What vices are you willing to give up for the Lenten season? Most importantly, don't forget to pray solemnly.