We are staying in the Castle Buda area of the city. Our room overlooks the Fisherman Bastion which was the fish market during the Middle Ages. It frames the Castle and St. Matthias church. It is also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. It was built during the 13th-15th centuries, with a very gothic style in architecture. During the Turkish period it had been converted into a Mosque. This beautiful church was where I attended Easter Mass. The service was a celebration. There was a string ensemble, full choir, all sung in Latin, incense, and close to 2 hours. I have to say I loved the pageantry, and it was a great end to Lent.

Monday was the big guys birthday. We had scheduled a wine tour/tasting for later on in the day. Julianna was our tour guide, and took us to Etyek, a small village with a population of only 5,000 people. We were to experience 3 small family owned wineries in this white wine region. During WW1 more than half of the vineyards were destroyed, and during WW2 even more. When the Russians took over, the wine makers could only produce about 100 liters of wine. Anything more became theirs.

The first Winery was Anonym and the wine maker was Aaron, the second one was Nada Bormuhely, with Peter being the wine maker. They produce white, rose, Pinot Noir and are just starting a sparkling wine. They rent the land to grow the grapes, or buy from other sources. They use no irrigation to force the roots to go deep and totally rely on the rain. Harvesting happens in September, but it depends on the winemakers decision, with every year being different. 2 years in the barrel and one year in the bottle. At our last winery, Debreczeni-Ferenczi, Carmen was our most gracious host. Not only did we taste his wines, but he served us a delicious 3 course authentic dinner.

I fulfilled the promise I made so long ago. Another place, another area, another adventure. #Hungary #Budapest #twobrokekids