"Wine at Paty", the invite said. || Paty, HUNGARY

I immediately opened the link, and a few sentences into reading the invite, I hastily confirmed my attendance.

Going a little far off the center of Budapest to harvest grapes, make and drink wine (and palinka), feast on local hungarian food, visit a wine cellar, play target shooting, and meet new people - I couldn't say no to that.. Who would say no to that?!

It was a mix of everything I'm interested in, and at that moment, I knew it was going to be an awesome Saturday.

And indeed it was.

Different types of Palinka! Tried them all! ;) 

Someone has clearly been eating while harvesting grapes.

My tastebuds were delighted - it was an all day food and drink fest - a concoction of hungarian food, wine, and other types of alcohol. My senses were heightened, and what better (and I must say, completely random) activity to accompany that: target shooting. Hey, after almost half a year, I once again got hold of a gun - an air gun! I was thrilled. 

It's a shame to admit this, but I only successfully shot a target kangaroo down after 10+ bullets!!! Oh well, at least I hit one down! ahaha!

To top it off, I was with, and had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world.

(Photo from Matthias)

We accomplished everything in our plan and a bit more than I had expected.. We even ended up sleeping over! (Though honestly that wasn't MY plan, I had no choice but to stay because those who said they would return to the center with me couldn't leave the place for some obvious reasons haha!) I don't regret staying, though. I had a pretty great time. :)

"Harvest grapes in real vineyard, stomp on them and make wine." 
That's one of the many things on my bucket list.

Sadly, we didn't stomp on them. They don't do that anymore, apparently. Machines replaced our pretty feet and are now used because they are more efficient (definitely not fun, though!!).

So, yes, I haven't ticked it off the list yet.

I still look forward to the ultimate vineyard experience. :)

But I guess what I did today could count as a half-mark on my list? ;)

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October 9-10, 2011
Paty, HUNGARY