Egészségedre! (Cheers, in Hungarian)

There is a bar here in Sárospatak which is an "Italian Restaurant" (my friend and colleague, Paolo, a true Italian, laughs about the un-Italian-ness of this place) It gets a *lot* of business during these weeks of the Crescendo Summer Institute. It is my third night in Hungary and at this point, I am 3/3 for this place. The place is within a few minutes' walk, the prices are incredible (especially for those of us on the American Dollar or Euro) and the atmosphere and people are probably the best part. Imagine "Cheers," but in a remote part of Eastern Europe.

Today some friends and I raised a glass to just being here - to our important work as musicians and Christians and artists, and to supporting each other during our time here and throughout the year. The friendships and relationships which I've fostered from my time here have blossomed into some incredible things, and, my summer in Hungary 2011 is quite directly responsible for my engagement to Zheng!

(So yes, I'm incredibly biased about this place!)

PHOTO: is taken tonight of the first Pálinka which I've had during this visit. I have marching orders to bring some back to the United States, which I will gladly do.