FOOD IN HUNGARY:

I’m loving the #3 Combo at the Burger King across the street. Yes, unfortunately I AM that American who goes to a foreign culture and jumps for joy when he sees a KFC. Of course I experience the local cuisine and fine dining, which is lovely, but when the bill comes, and I’m a cheap-ass miser, well, that #3 Combo doesn’t sound so bad now, does it. My per Diem (daily cash allowance for expenses) has always been a little game for me. How much can I actually bring home with me at the end. And being a hermit who has barely seen any of this city yet, I am off to a smashing start. I think my goal is to be Old Man Jones one day who lives in that run down mansion on the hill outside of town, who never comes out, and just counts his money while cackling to himself. Meanwhile, thunder roles outside anytime the town folk speak my name. A boy can dream, can’t he?

ON HERMITAGE:

Since cameras don’t role until June 8th, I have SO enjoyed the couple hours here and there rehearsal schedule so far that affords me all this much-needed down time. I finally pulled out my maps and travel guides yesterday, after being here almost 2 weeks, saying, “Hmm…… so …….. Budapest ……….. hmmm ….. ” What’s the hurry, I have until early November, right?

THE PRINCESS:

I have been rehearsing scenes with Guillermo and the lovely Anna Walton, who plays Princess Nuala. Without giving anything away, I will simply tell you that this is one fantastic actress, and her highness may bring out a side of Abe Sapien that you’ve never seen before. Anna is just delightful, and is here in Budapest with her 4 week old baby!!!!! I shall never complain about stress ever again for as long as I live (said Dougie, as he pictured 3am feedings before a work day).

One day on the way out of the production office with director Guillermo and lovely Anna, I put my hands in my jean pockets and found my fingers swirling around in star-shaped confetti. Ah ….. yes ….. and old tradition that Mrs. Laurie started long ago. Every time I leave for a location shoot, she sprinkles metallic confetti throughout my luggage when I’m not looking. Then when I land in my temporary home on the other end, I find myself picking this crap out of every fold and pocket of my clothes ….. for weeks. Annoying, but Mrs. Laurie finds it amusing as she sits at home chuckling to herself, while sipping tea and wearing an outfit that she didn’t have to shake out first. This time, it is in the shape of stars with little pointy tips all around. After hearing my explanation of this, Guillermo said, “Well THAT could hurt in the wrong garment” I assured him he was correct. And Mrs. Laurie chuckles once more.

OOH — Here is a video interview I did at a sci-fi convention in Burbank, CA just a couple of weeks before coming here. A few minutes of candid chat that will give you more insight into Dougie’s world of late. Thanks to the good folks at IESB.com…….

CLICK ON THIS: www.iesb.net

OK then (Dougie looks at his watch), looks like dinner time, and I hear a #3 Combo calling my name.

There’s Love!! — Your Dougie