Today/Ma

Kaposvár Friday 11/11/22 Cool Hi: 12°/53° Lo: 3°/37° Cloudy

While walking through the main square here in Kaposvár, I was surprised, yet delighted that the town was busy raising the Christmas tree for the Xmas Market; there were at least 5 workmen on scaffolding, busily scrambling around putting up the twinkling white lights that I remember from last year. It's a very large tree, perfect sitting between the City Hall, the Kapos Hotel & Saint Imre, the Catholic Church towering over the square. [I found this info: in Hungary, 'Imre' is a masculine first name, the same in Estonian use; it relates to the name Emeric, Emmerich or Heinrich. Its English equivalents are Emery and Henry.]

As I was writing that, Mary called from Jordan. She and Dave are staying at a small hotel near Petra; she says it is fabulous, highly recommended. That's good to know, as I've always wanted to visit those historic caves. (She mentioned that Julie & Ritchie spent time there, last month, after their tour of Egypt.) I believe Mary said she & Dave will head to Qatar & Doha for the World Cup championships when they leave Jordan. The next time I see Mary & Dave will be in Zagreb, Croatia, around the middle of next month. I'm looking at Airbnb's for Zagreb & Budapest; they will stop over here in Kaposvár, in between, for a few days to see Andrea & the family. (Mary & Kelly were here when Cameron & Alexandra were infants, around 2000, 2001.) Cameron have invited us to Kecskemet, for a volleyball game, before we spend the last few days of their Europe/Near East vacation, in Budapest.

Winter is worming its way into our lives. Today was brisk, windy & cool. It certainly puts me in the holiday spirit. There are no 'Thanksgiving' celebrations, so the stores have Christmas decorations & gifts out already. The Christmas Market I mentioned earlier will get under way in a week or so. I love a cup of hot, mulled wine, while listening to the Xmas carols. Many nights, the local children's choirs sing on the stage set up near the tree. Very festive (but not gaudy).

I've been working on a wrap-up of my trip to Istanbul; hopefully, I can finish that & post it here. More later.