Some of you have asked for updates on my research. How do I type a crying face emoticon?? Just kidding. But an update on my research would involve too much complaining about being behind, not finding materials, getting the run around, having a seriously worrisome pain in my leg that might be a pinched nerve (are numb toes a bad sign?) and wanting to be a tourist instead of a researcher. Right now, I’m too intrigued by the idea of flinging my research out the window and becoming a poet who lives in a Winnebago to talk about my research.
Can you tell I needed a chill out day recently? I want to chat about that instead.
We’ve been trying to fit in sightseeing and shopping when we can, but I needed something more chill, so we hopped on the train and headed to Aquincum, a Roman ruin. Because tourist season has dwindled, it was just us and the trees (I’ve missed trees). Oh, and this cat.
I sat down for a moment to put my camera away and he hopped on my lap and flung himself down on my purse where he began to purr and, to my Mom’s utter disgust, drool on my pants. Is it weird this stray cat was hugely comforting?? He smelled clean enough for snuggles, and totally cracked me up!
My Mom insists the better part of the day was this:
Although she sure did seem to spend a lot of time trying to snap photos of me.
In addition to a bunch o’ photos of my derriere (even with a limp, I move faster), there is a whole “where’s Waldo” type series of me trying to dart out of her field of vision:
Life with paparazzi must be unnerving. No wonder celebrities go batty. Despite the photo dodging, my Mom managed to snap a few of me and I looked happy and relaxed! Hopefully this sunny, leafy, super chill day was enough to recharge my battery and help remind me I’m in beautiful Budapest and should enjoy more, stress less.
Glad you're getting some quality down time and mom time. and don't worry about the research progress; my best papers have come when trying to figure out what went oh-so-wrong. cheers!
Ha, I wish my best papers would come when I'm trying to figure out what went wrong! Thanks for the encouragement. Aside from being busted at the library for taking photos (copying is SO expensive) today was hugely productive so I'm feeling better. Plus, I'm at a new historic library (details soon) which is kind of special.
Gorgeous as always! (I'm talking about you!) But the ruins and trees are gorgeous, too! Looks like a nice beautiful day to relax. Hope things get easier for your research!!
Awww, you're makin' me blush. Hungarians don't seem to wash their hair as much as we do (I've read lots of articles here about it being bad for hair), so this is me trying to blend in with my second day messy hair!
OMG the cat cracks me up! He's like the squirrels in the Public Garden here in Boston. They will molest you if you sit down for more than a minute. What a friendly little guy, so cute! And you look gorg, t! Great to see you relaxing a bit.
Haha! They are aggressive, those little nutters. I am chilling out, maxing, relaxing, relaxing all cool.
You look lovely! Glad you got a day out of the city. I hope you can get a spark of inspiration to scoot you along with your research soon!
I didn't even get far outside the city, but it was refreshing. Budapest has a dense population in the downtown. The space to stretch out my arms and not touch someone was liberating!
I'm glad you got to get away! And I'm not grossed out by kitty drool, even from strays, so I'm with you. Petting kitties does truly lower the blood pressure and reduce stress. Good for you for taking a small break and refreshing yourself!
Good, I'm glad. Mom had me worried I'm some cat-petting freak. Should have seen the look of horror on her face. Then I started thinking, "do cats drool"? Then I got itchy. But, seriously, that little furball made me laugh so hard! Had to have been good for me!
That last one is a really, really nice photo of you. You should let your mom take more 🙂
Haha! It was this weird little room that once was a bath but they had enclosed in glass. We learned it had really nice light (but only in one spot) so we took a lot of photos in there 🙂
What a beautiful place to take a day off and chill. And that cat is awesome- we get a number of strays around our house- perhaps because it's the safe zone. A number of surrounding neighbours have dogs in the yard- those tomcats can cruise right through our place. I always imaged strays to be a little wild but they are pretty affectionate- I think they know it's the ticket for bumming a meal. And some cats just drool- I've heard that sucking on blankets/clothing (ewww!) and drooling is a trait of kittens weaned too early. Sounds likely for a stray. I wouldn't fret that it's a sign of illness or the like. That looks like a pretty healthy cat. I know that you not fishing for compliments but the photos of you are lovely. I get self conscious when someone wants to take my photo. too but you shouldn't, they are very good.
Oh gosh, so happy it didn't suck on my clothing! That might have been too much cat-loving for me, lol. Now I wonder if this cat was loving on my for food?? What a heart breaker.And thanks. Not fishing for compliments, just trying to put a face to a voice when I can. Most days back home involve yoga pants and messy hair so few photo opportunities. At least here, my messy hair is combined with makeup and some clothes!
This is so random, but my cat drools when she's in a state of utter content. I think the comfort you gave that cat relaxed it enough for it start drooloing. Apparently cats forget to swallow when they are enjoying a rub-down from someone and go in to an almost trance-like state. Lucky you! That's total trust! 🙂
Oh gosh, in this perspective it's kinda cute!! This fella (gal?) was pretty relaxed – he became totally limp and I even had to hold his head up, lol. This makes it less icky and more "awwww". Super jealous you have a lovely kitty! My allergies limit my exposure 🙁