Today was our first full day in Hungary, and it was just as hot. But Adam’s brother, father, and stepmother arrived at 2 this morning, so we’ve been together all day. We walked along the Danube this morning and then made our way out to Hungororing for the Formula One afternoon practice session. It was mercifully shady in our “Super Gold” pass seats, right across from the pit lane! We didn’t actually get to see many drivers today, and I’m worried that Adam won’t get the photos he’s after with his fancy camera. The track is very fenced in, it’s hard to get close to the main track fence for photos. But it was still fantastic, and I bought a Rubens Barrichello Brawn hat…I have picked my team and driver.

We splashed around in the pool and then had the most amazing dinner at Tigris, just a few blocks from our hotel. The family who owns it has the biggest winery in Hungary. I know Hungarian wine isn’t the first thing one thinks of when exploring the vino of the world, but it was great. And I had this amazing veal cheek in a pepper-sauce, accompanied by homemade papperdelle with sour cream and butter. I can’t remember the last time I ate that well, and everyone sampled my dinner and agreed it was ridiculous. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my camera to dinner.

I have also learned that foie gras is ubiquitous and cheap here. It’s normally not my favorite thing, but here it’s buttery good and crazy affordable. So I may break down and order some one of these meals.

Here are photos from the practice session, which I did bring my camera to.

A Red Bull car whizzing by.

F1 is so outrageous and glamorous that the Safety Car is a lowly, disposable Mercedes.

Shenanigans in the Renault pit garage.

Holding up a pit board for one of the drivers.