Regardless, I received these two notes from TA about my reviews.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
TripAdvisor Readers Appreciate My Reviews
0 commentsRegardless, I received these two notes from TA about my reviews.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Árpád Farkas Comments
0 comments"I think they give you those tourist advertisements because they know that you are reviewing hotels and they want you to know (and mention in your book) how they usually deal with guests and what they give them. Although I have never done it, reviewing hotels seems to be a pleasant job…" says Árpád. Yes, I think you are probably correct. Sleeping in different hotels to do reviews can be fun, it the beds are comfy and the pillows to your liking, otherwise, it can be a miserable nights sleep.
Pin It Now!Thursday, July 09, 2009
Bed in a Box
1 commentsThe further adventures of sleeping elsewhere besides home, but not when on vacation, always brings some surprises. Last night was another "sleep in a hotel to review for my book" mini vacation. In the past, I have slept in some disappointing hotels, but for a new hotel, this one takes the cake. If first impressions matter, I named it Bed in a Box.
Again, I will not divulge the name here, but the pictures will justify my impressions, I do believe. But let me start at the beginning. When I checked in, the front desk manager handed me an envelope while welcoming me to the hotel. Well, isn't that special! So I thought until reached the plain vanilla hallway to my room, devoid of decor other than a single plant in a cutout in the wall.
Opening my welcome envelope, I found the usual tourist advertisements we give our own guests. Does anyone listen to me when I say "I LIVE HERE" or are they all on remote pilot and have a required need to maintain automation? There was one surprise in the envelope. A little sheet offering massages: Swedish, Honey, or Chocolate massage for 25 Euros an hour. For an additional 10 Euros, I could get a "Vacuum" massage or full body coiling. Now I had to wonder if this was in everyone's envelope or was I just special? If they had specified whether it was dark, bitter, or semi-sweet chocolate, I may have bit for the chocolate massage, but I am particular about my chocolate.
The room is a box with a bed, period. I have felt firm mattresses before, but this was a slab. Pillows that refuse to change shape when you put your head of them, should be outlawed. It was fine for sitting up reading, but for sleeping, half of my body was at a forty-five degree angle.
Two large windows made up the fourth wall. One opened six inches, while other looked like it was fitted as a door the balcony outside, but without a handle it was possible. Perhaps they were afraid that at these rates, guests would jump after realizing what a poor choice they had made, so why risk letting them out on the balcony.
Then there was the sarcophagus shaped tub. Notice the similarities. Was I supposed to bath in it or wait for mummification to set in? I could not decide, but I would love to explore the mind of the decorator after he or she gets out of rehab. They must have been using something really potent when they came up with this idea. You cannot see the shower, but notice there is no door. Why bother?

Wednesday, July 08, 2009
I Have Been Sleeping Around Again
0 commentsIt is a tough life being a travel writer, but someone has to do it. I had to sleep in a luxurious hotel last night, but before anyone gets too jealous, it was only four stars.
I am not going to mention the hotel, because they should not get the free publicity. After all, I did not publish photos of all of the other hotels I have slept in in the past. You may be able to see the plate of fruit on the table. The classier hotels that have managers with a sense of good marketing, provide a little "gift" when a writer is staying with them. Nice touch!
When it is a bottle of wine, I bring it home to Ron, but fruit gets smashed along the way. Besides, I had a number of things to check out in the area, so I knew I would not be home right away.
I have another hotel to stay at tomorrow night. We will see how well they treat me there.
A Week of Eating
0 commentsTwo years ago when I was researching the first Frommer's book I was writing, there was a former Fulbrighter here, Angela Bennett, studying Hungarian for the summer. We had known her from her year here as a Fulbrighter, so she went with us to dinner from restaurant to restaurant for weeks, sampling dishes so I had more fodder to review. History has repeated itself in a minor way. This last week we had the pleasure of the company of one of the first Fulbrighters we had met here in Hungary, Jennifer Norcross. Jennifer was an exchange teacher here for a year, teaching English. She loves the city, so returns often. Her timing was impeccable, not only staying with us, but just in time for the restaurant tour once again. Jennifer had the good sense and I must say good taste to purchase my book ahead of time, so I had a make a list of the restaurants she would like to eat at while here. Each of her eight nights, we dined at a different place. I collected feedback from she and Ron concerning their meals. Besides being a good dining partner, she is great fun to be around. She has a vivacious personality and is never without something of interest to share whether it is over the dinner table or just over breakfast. Just observing her in daily life, I can imagine she is an incredible teacher. We just wish she could have stayed longer, there are so many more restaurants to waiting for us.
Pin It Now!Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Who is Frank Cotton?
0 commentsYou may notice yet another political banner on the right hand side advertising for Frank Cotton for President. I came across an offer I could not refuse. Post a banner on your blog or website and they will send you a copy of the new novel by Mark LaFlamme Dirt: An American Campaign. After contacting them, they said yes, they would send me the book in Hungary, so I put a banner on the blog.
Today, the book arrived, but I could not remember seeing the banner lately and when I looked, it seems to have disappeared. So guilt and gratitude for getting a free book persuaded me to replace the banner and write this post. Along with the book, there was a campaign button, bumper sticker, and poster. All are displayed in my office at the university to confuse and confound my students.
I have not read the book as it did just arrive today, but I will submit a review once I have. It does look intriguing.


