Hello all! I arrived back to Gatwick safe and sound yesterday afternoon. The flight from Budapest took about 2 hours and it was shockingly on time (a rarity with budget airlines). I have had quite the busy day today though. Spent the day in London getting sorted for work with my new agency. Back in Oxford tonight packing up as much as I can to take tomorrow morning. The rest, a friend is helping me take on Sunday. After I move on Saturday, its back to Oxford for Jessie's 1st birthday party...can't believe she was only 5 months old when I met her! Time is really flying over here! I just said to Kendle and Meaghan (girls in Cambridge) that I cannot believe I haven't seen them since New Years in Scotland, almost 5 months ago now!
So Budapest - first of all, I went there on a recommendation from Catherine (thankfully for her, I loved it!). It is a BEAUTIFUL city, rich with history and architecture. From World War 2 to communism, there was a lot for me to see and do! The first day I just spent walking around and exploring (as I find that is usually the best way). I stayed at a hostel, recommended to me by a well traveled friend. It was my first hostel experience and I must say, as someone who has high standards, I was blown away by how awesome this place was. It was totally secured (MOM) and tucked away in a nice little courtyard. So although it was right downtown (on the Pest side) it was completely away from all the craziness. The staff were unbelievable - they truly felt like my mates after the first day. The owner, Feri, had a complimentary wine tasting party for us on the Tuesday night. It was really cool just sitting and chatting with everyone. Later that night, a UK bloke and I went out to a REAL Hungarian pub with one of the staff members to watch the Manchester United v Chelsey match with his mates. It was a really cool experience. Similar to Poland, most people under 30 speak English. I spent the rest of my days exploring pretty much the top 10 sights to see! I went to the Thermal Baths - SO much old people sagging skin to scar me for many lifetimes, and even a few old men hitting on me (awesome), but it was a gorgeous day and very cool experience. I went to the Terror House - which was the site of the Nazi and Communist party operations and torture chambers. I must say, it was the MOST bone chilling exhibition I have EVER been too. The museum is SO well done, I actually felt like Hitler or Stalin could jump out at any minute...it was incredible and a must do. I spent one morning walking around with Matei from Romania. I would describe him as a gentle giant! I met him the first night at the hostel. He looks like a hard-core rock/medal fan (which is actually is), but has a heart of gold and would do anything for you. We went to a museum in the morning and walked around a HUGE market. It was nice walking around the city with someone else too!
Paul (Berlin), Dan (London) & Matei (Romania)..............some interesting photos from my room in the hostel
The last night I was there, a new batch of travelers came in. The original few that were left and the staff, were helping me celebrate my last night there. I felt like it was my birthday! We had so much fun, lots of laughs. I ended up going for a walk by the Duna River to get some night shots - it was an incredible sight. My camera didn't capture all the beauty, but I'm glad I went for that walk.
Archeological Site - SOOO COOOOOOOOL!
A great trip, a memorable one! I think back to a few years ago when I was in Montreal, Quebec for the first time - and HATED the fact that nothing was in English, let alone people speaking it. It is an EXTREMELY cool feeling to have conquered both Poland and Hungary on my own. After I got to the airport yesterday, after taking the tube to the train to the bus (costing about 1 Euro) and none of it being in English, and NO one really around to ask, I gave myself a pat on the back for a job well done!
Last minute packing to do before a busy busy day tomorrow. Really looking forward to seeing the babbas...who are not such little babbas anymore(!!) and their lovely parents - it has been 3 VERY long weeks.
Much love. xo
