The Usual Suspects

 The Budapest Zoo in downtown Pest is truly one of the prettiest places I've seen. Almost 150 years old the Zoo has withstood decades of peace and turmoil yet serves as a perfect example of the stunning artistic and architectural heritage that exists in this city. The elephants and hippos are especially lucky - they live in this award winning domed roof building exemplary of Hungarian Art Nouveau.    

 The Zoo suffered a particularly hard blow during the Second World War when it was repeatedly bombed. With only 14 surviving animals the zoo was rebuilt and restored to its former pomp. This isn't a new story for this part of the world but it's a testament to their passion for art, symbolism and persistence.

We thought we'd share with you some of the usual suspects that we met there this week. The new baby giraffe (who unsurprisingly already towers far above our heads) was particularly popular.

xo from Pest

Spring's Rebirth

Sunday morning we awoke to a proud mother and her relatives dancing in the yard. 

We ventured out to find a rambunctious new addition in the field. 

This brave little beauty had already taken to her legs by sun up, celebrating her newfound independence and showing off for her older sisters. 

Mama's words of encouragement make her bold and adventurous, but the real mystery runs much deeper. Although each year new calves are born it never ceases to amaze us how they enter into the world so differently than we do. They are barely dry before they are trekking through the mud, falling over themselves, exploring the space that surrounds them.

Welcome to the farm little one! 
What should we name her?