Mary's (Cinnamon) Rolls

Over two years ago, we went to a brunch and had amazing cinnamon buns. Like any pastry-lover would, I procured the recipe. Since then I've been persistently threatening to make them, to no avail. So after years gone-by, including 11 weeks in COVID limbo, we finnnnnaaalllllyy have some ooey-gooey deliciousness! 

Using the recipe from Lil Luna.com, I was feeling confident. Anchorman Ty, who was feeling especially Saturday-night-self-isolation-bored and coupled with general disbelief that this moment was actually, finally happening, will be debuting his short film in this year's Cannes Film Fest. 

For those who are interested in an advance screening... 

A Sprint Across Canada

After a *slight change of plans, we had 10 days to pack-up, leave Albania, reinstate our Canadian driver's licences, buy a car and bolt across the country...arriving just in time to start the new school year in British Columbia. Logistically it was a bit of a nightmare, but when opportunity comes knocking, it's time to forget about sleep and practicalities, and make big moves!

A big shout-out to all the people who supported our manic-ness- From the best neighbours, Mel, Adi & Coco who helped us in Albania, our Mom who patiently chauffeured us around looking for cars, Uncle Paul and cousin Meg&Kyle for wonderful catch-ups and comfy places to rest our weary bones, and Corinne and Eli for being them and welcoming us with a beyond convenient home-sweet-home, big bowls of vegetables (needed after eating McD's for four days) and a their cheerleading! Cue acceptance speech music...

So, we've taken 4 days, 47 driving hours, 4,550km and condensed it into 5 minutes of video, which, to be honest might even be way more airtime than required. As you'll note, we didn't stop for landmarks, monuments, or fun of any kind. We just drove. and drove. and drove... while occasionally taking pictures/videos out of our increasingly bug-splattered windshield.

Haikus for Hungary

Buda and the Pest 

What a city full of life

When in Hungary!

Got our plaids on and ready to see Budapest in the throws of autumn!

Pruney like raisins

Two bears in a thermal tub

Scrubb-a-doobie-dub

Disclaimer: Not our photos, because where do you stash a phone while in the public baths? We first lollygagged in Rudas Thermal Baths, built in 1550 by the Ottomans.

Then, having developed a taste for bath houses when living in Korea, we couldn't resist a second soak-- Spent an evening in the Szechenyi Baths. We were squeaky clean *

 Budapest in shade

Bobbing down the Danube

Lit up just for us ❤ 

Went for the discount boat tour. They offered us blankets but no life jackets. They assured us that if the boat sank, the river was shallow 👍 Now to learn to photograph those lights...

Who knew? Paprika.

Central Market goulash. And

Then I ate the bowl

Why don't people rave more about Hungarian food?!

Derelict spaces

In the Old Jewish Quarter

The ruin bars bump

One lone photo was taken at the ruin bars--Again reminiscent of our Asia days. Life happens when you're not on your phone, doesn't it?

Up one side and down

The other. Pale ale is an

Autumn colour, right?

Fisherman's Bastion
Fairy tale spires, bottles
Of wine they inspire