The beauty of Budapest

A very special person I know had a poster in her office that read “when you are at peace with yourself, any place is home.” We are at home in Budapest, awed and enthralled by the opulence and order of this fine city.  Built up along the banks of the Danube, the Hungarians are proud of their 1000 year history.  One person told me that other post-Soviet nations ‘hate Hungary’ because of its strong identity and notable culture.  These characteristics are evident here!  Budapest is one of the three highest ranked ‘livable cities’ in Europe and a place where much international investment is going on.  The food is outstanding!  Beautifully presented and very tasty – my family does like interesting cuisine!

I got to see the hospital where Semmelweis did his famous hand washing experiment with doctors in 1847, and reduced the mortality rate of mothers post partum by a drastic rate.  Then he was laughed out of the medical profession and later died in an insane asylum.  A sad end for such a noble physician.  I tell this story when I teach research methods … now I can say I saw where it all happened!  It is an interesting story of how change takes place in medicine, and what happens to doctors who want to implement new ideas – poor Dr. Zamboni!

I’ve developed a terrible kidney infection – a little souvenir of my procedure in Katowice.  And my fellow sufferers will know what follows a urinary tract infection … yes, I am thinking I am on my way into a major attack.  Taking Copaxone seriously now and getting more sleep.  I recommend those of you who may go for this procedure at Simka’s shop think twice before allowing use of a urinary catheter.  

Two days until the conference starts and looking forward to seeing colleagues I only see once in a while. 

Tomorrow we celebrate daughter #2’s birthday with dinner and a river cruise …. Then she flies home Sunday ;-(.  We will miss her.

Pictures tomorrow …..

TPP