The Budapest Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2015

Brendan Behan claimed that the Irish do not have a nationality, but a psychosis, which might be correct- and it might also be contagious. No other nation in the world, particularly not a relatively tiny one, with 6 million people stranded on a remote island, could generate such a commotion in a Central European capital thousands of miles away from said island.

The crowds are larger every year, to the confusion and merriment of passers by- and not so much merriment for the folks stuck in their cars on Andrássy avenue as the long orange-white-green snake slowly crawled away towards Instant. Two little old ladies were so taken aback by the sight that they insisted this must be a political party, albeit they had no idea which one it could be, since the Irish colours are most contradicting if one takes into account the local political spectrum.

As a side note, each year the weather is forecast to be horrible to near apocalyptic and then it turns out just fine. Luck of the Irish, one could say.

Friday After the Rain

Budapest's been lately seeing snow for hours or so- just as the English summer is half an afternoon of sunshine in June and the storm, Budapest winter is half a morning of snow in February and the rain. But at least the pavement is shiny in the evening light, if that's any kind of consolation. A very feeble one.