About 1000 people gathered at the Corinthia Hotel last night to watch the elections and party. Although the majority were Americans, there was still a large turn-out of Hungarians and Canadians. The huge buffet, while lacking in vegetarian options, was splendid and was kept full all night. I was especially happy, since it was the first time in a week I have been able to eat with a fork. The free bar was also a plus and helped dull my dental pain. Everyone got a free cocktail from the Jack Daniel's bar, though for some reason they put ginger ale in my mojhito. You got your free cocktail coupon when you picked up your program and Obama or Mcain materials at the door. However, by chance or plan, the Obama packs quickly ran out and if you wanted your free cocktail you had to grab Mcain information. In anycase, it was a huge turn out, a good party, and a fantastic result for the democrats. Merrill Oates and Jeff Atwood deserve a big hip-hip-hurrah for all their organising through Democrats Abroad Hungary and the Obama Hungary groups to promote Obama among absentee voters and get voters registered. Obama has a 96% environmental scorecard from the League of Conservation Voters, so let's hope he can keep up the good work as president: maybe sign the Kyoto Protocol, ban oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ban genetically modified food, promote public transport and organic food...well, he said "hope!"

The problem I have had with eating this past week is due to a gum infection I picked up in Croatia last week. I am a big fan of Hungarian state health care - especially since the US is so useless (Obama???), but it was a nightmare trying to get treated last week. I arrived back and immediately went to my doctor from the train station. It felt as if my teeth were burning and falling out. being the day after a national holiday, neither my doctor nor the local clinic were open. Saturday I visited 4 hospitals, the first 3 of which were closed because of the country's medical system reforms. If anyone is stuck looking for a hospital that is open, you can call the following number in Budapest: 311-6000 and they should refer you somewhere.