Parts Unknown

My husband and I have very different television tastes. We meet in the middle on a few things, one of them being all things Anthony Bourdain. (Note - it is almost impossible not to want to eat watching Parts Unknown or any of his other wonderful programs).

His death comes as a surprise and shock to many around the world who loved him, or who he inspired with his fearlessness and embrace of "all" food, not just five-star. Some of the best meals I've had in my life have been in unexpected places or circumstances.

(photo: an unremembered red, time and place unknown)

"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, howevre small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt."

This calls for celebration ...

Since my last post, I have received positive news that I can share …

I passed my written comprehensive doctoral exam! 

This exam was such a monster, and I am so happy to have this portion behind me. My next portion is on March 25th, the Oral Exam. My father says, “you have the gift of gab, so you will be fine!” 

The next weeks will be spent preparing for things I might have to argue or talk about - piano, language, conducting, poetry, song, opera, chamber music. I can live happily if I get to put more studying into these matters.

I saw Charity, my maid-of-honor, on Friday, for a celebratory glass of wine on my way home teaching in Ithaca. And today, my newest batch of Nespresso pods arrived. 

(Heaven in a small cup).

Things are looking up.

In Vino Veritas

Last Sunday meant the "day off" so it also meant an activity (if the Crescendo students and staff chose to do so). I signed up for the wine-tasting which also included a really nice meal and trip to a vineyard. Still feeling the effects of the night before (see the post "wedding crashers" - ), I dragged myself onto the bus with my friends. 

The meal was exquisite (this place has been written up in the New York Times) and the wine served with it was also amazing! We then headed out to the vineyard for the "wine tasting." The trek took us to the top of a hill, where we tasted two dry white wines (these were my favorite of the afternoon). We got to enjoy the wine while looking around at the entire region. 

Following the "mountaintop experience," we went to the wine cellar. Amazing cool - cold, even! Thank goodness (most of the weather during our time in Hungary was hot!). I was able to get some great pictures of the "luxury room" - wine that, in total, was worth 6 million Euros!

We had our final bit of tasting in tasting room (still in the cellar). Here, I was really starting to feel the fatigue brought on by the night before. The wines also got progressively sweeter. That is a specialty of the Hungarian Tokaj Wine. (Sweet wines have never been my thing, though. I'm a dry red / dry white / Prosecco lady). 

The bus took us back and we joined everyone for the grill party, near the castle. Luckily, there was such a large crowd that I snuck home after a couple of group Hungarian dances. Monday was business as usual, and that meant plenty of rest was imperative.

PHOTOS: are from our wine adventures this day.