Renovating the Budapest Apartment: The Humble Beginnings

It is almost May, and in a little over a month I am heading over to Europe. One of the things I am looking forward to this year is to finish our Budapest apartment. The renovations started last summer and I only got to see the very beginning in person. We left in July and since then it has just been emails, pictures and Skype.

Here I stand, June 2012 in the gutted ruins of the apartment. There is no floor, no windows, just rubble and dirt. This place has a long way to go!

A Kailua Home - Strictly For The Very Rich

You thought the home in my last post was expensive at $12 million? If you are not a bargain-hunter, here are  a few pictures of what currently in the most expensive home on the market in Kailua. It is listed for $25 million.

Now what exactly does 25,000,000 get you? Your own private tropical resort with a large main house and a 3-bedroom guest house. It is located on a huge lot (about seven times the size of  a regular lot) that reaches from Kalaheo Avenue to the beach.

A Great Looking Table

Saw this dining table in a Kailua home. It is cut from one giant piece of wood. Isn't it spectacular? The kitchen behind is not shabby either!

Lanikai Views

Imagine waking up every morning to these views.  You can, if you have $12m to spare. I think if I lived here I would not be able to accomplish anything for the first few months. I would just sit and stare.  

Temecula Valley - A Southern California Find

During our last trip to San Diego, we wanted to explore a bit. It is always good to find something new. Weighing the options for day-trips from our Del Mar hotel, we decided on Temecula.

Temecula valley is a small wine region a little over an hour north-northeast of Dan Diego. The 30 or so wineries are mostly located along the main road going up the valley, Rancho California Road. We visited four wineries during our time in the valley, plus a restaurant. Our first stop was Thornton Winery (http://www.thorntonwine.com/) Located at the beginning of the drive up the valley, the winery's Cafe Champagne offers not only tastings, but full meals as well in a picturesque setting with a view. They also have jazz concerts occasionally.

Sparkling wine with a view: at Thornton Winery