Arrival.

So where to begin?

I loved it. I love to travel. We took our trusty ferry across to Vancouver and made way to our airport hotel. The idea was to rest up the night before our flight.

The hotel and sleep were divine. Now, interestingly, what have we found regarding children and travel? I would say if you have developed parenting habits you are proud of, you likely have the skills to travel with your child. We packed goodies and snacks–just enough to get us through our journey abroad. But I won’t get much in to all that here.

Flight day was a great day. Check in and then check out all the shops past security screenings. Vancouver Airport is lovely, comfortable and West Coast. The International Departures lounge boasts all kinds of shopping and a sizeable aquarium filled with colourful British Columbia marine life. Had a moment to enjoy an espresso at the Illy cafe. Delightful.

Then things got interesting. Flying to Amsterdam was fine. Connecting and making our transfer was another story. We attempted to check our information and ask helpful terminal staff along the way. As it would turn out by some mistake we exited customs to Arrivals only to discover we had to go through security screenings again to make our connecting flight. I’m sure we missed a transfer connection within International Departures, Schiphol somewhere . . .

Well, we ended up making our connection with time to spare: we enjoyed an espresso and some refreshing beverages. We even scooped up some Mature Gouda samples and local cookies (something like Amaretti) before heading to our gate.

Budapest, here we come. A brief flight into Ferenc Liszt Airport (and an airline catering strike later) we had made it. (In place of on-board catering we were provided candy, an apple, and a cheese and mustard sandwich ensemble)

Arrival. Family was there to meet us. We enjoyed a stretch of driving north west of Budapest to see family in Tiszafoldvár, Hungary.

Rustic and country. A warm afternoon following a cool sleep. We pitched in to help around the house the next day: raking, cracking walnuts and other small tasks. Children playing outside and dogs barking in the neighbourhood.

A major highlight? Well, we drove to get lángos (l-ah-ng-oh-shh). Dough pastry something like a neutral doughnut fried in oil that makes up a crispy, fluffy circle larger than your outstretched palms. Fried in oil and topped with macerated garlic, heavy sour cream or cheese (some of many toppings).

Munch, munch, munch. Gone. A quick coffee to pair with. It drank like a bold Italian cafe but more than that: chocolate. Brava whole beans brewed in a simple, dated household espresso machine. Yes, life is good.

In the coming days we head south to meet more family. With time for visits and lone touristing to come, things are just getting started on this trip.

One observation today: while raking leaves in the yard I saw a small, brown spotted frog. I smelled the nutty aroma of walnut leaves and woodsmoke from a nearby cottage. Dogs yelping in the distance and the sun setting in a cool fire of pink in the sky. Not a bad start to the trip.

Did I mention there was wine, brandy and coffee? Or course I mentioned the coffee. If you’re looking for me tomorrow, I’ll be lounging under a tree drinking in the views and smells of the season.

Adventure awaits.