Arrived here in Houston yesterday to a Texas-sized rain storm—found with relative ease the bed & breakfast, a gorgeous antique-furnished Victorian in Houston Heights. (Even more quickly founda great cafe where I chatted with the friendly barista girl for over an hour (on these promotion trips I talk to EVERYBODY about the movie and the ucoming screenings. You never know, you may fill one more seat in the theater.)

Today screened at University of St. Thomas during the American Hungarian Federation 1956 Symposium (Freedom Dance haveing been invited by the Texas Chapter preisdent, Chris Cutrone.)

In addition to authors and professors and dignitaries, AHF Executive Committee Chairman Bryan Dawson was a guest speaker, and spoke—as always—so enjoyablly.

“This is great,” I commented as we walked together to the Blck Labrador pub (surprisingly authentic). “We’ve partied together in DC, Baltimore, Virignia, and Houston!”

“I know. Isn’t it great!” Bryan (who’s not that much my senior) and I quickly found a brotherly companionship when we first met a year ago or so. It’s a friendship and professional relationship I value very much. He’s been such a tremendous support of the movie and continues to offer his help.

Lunch at the pub included author Arpad Gergely withhis wife and Chris Cutrone with his distinguished father. Bryan and I, both craving the same two menu items, switched plates mid-way.

The symposium went well, I thought. I met many distinguished people who seemed very intrigued by the Hilbert’s story. Chief among them was Phillip Aronoff, Council General to the Republic of Hungary, a man my buddy Zoltan Feher at the Embassy of Hungary strongly suggested I meet. (As it turned out, we sat next to one another in the theater.)

The audience was quite active in the Q&A that proceeded the screening. (Everyone wants to know why we never see Judy on video, and many Hungarians express an appreication for telling their own story through that of the Hilberts’.

Next screening is Sunday at a luncheon also hosted by the AHF in another part of Houston. Tonight, Bryan, Chris and friends are to hit the town and have invited me to join them. Tomorrow, Bryan and his family have invited me to join them on the Gulf at a boardwalk/carnival called Kameh. Fun, fun, fun.

~S