Dear Budapest, 

You are gorgeous! Thanks for fulfilling all my hopes and dreams of being in the novel A Tale of Two Cities, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. But more than that, thank you for your wonderful people. I’m in love with everyone I met there and the spirit of your unique city.  

1. Making new friends. The best part of volunteering when you travel is making new friends. This past week in Budapest I defiantly met some kindreds. It’s fun to meet people with similar interests and passions. Similar to the people I’ve meet in hostels BUT I’ve actually been able to keep up with the folks and even meet up with them in other cities. This past week I defiantly met some favorites.  *Degrassi called – they want their picture back (just look at these characters?!). 

2. Meeting up with new-old friends. It was good to meet up with some new-old friends this week before volunteering and making some more new friends. I have found that the backpacking community is a rather small. There are always more people to meet but I have found, people with similar personalities tend to choose similar hostels, attractions, walking tours, volunteering opportunities, etc. You end up running into the same people and it’s kinda nice. We all seem to be going different routes but ultimately the same direction. 

3. River cruise at night. Gorgeous. I most defiantly recommend going on a night cruise to see the two sides of the city all lit up. And what’s better, you are greeted with a glass of champagne…and those that know me, KNOW, I’m obsessed with the champs. All the champs. And the lights. All the lights!   

4. The House of Terror. I’ve said it before, but I’m a bit museumed out. BUT this one’s … a little different. Ok, a lota different. The House of Terror was built to remember a rather shameful past that the Hungarian nation took part in; the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes. But also serves as a memorial to the victims of both. I’m not sure how the people of Hungary feel about this museum but as an outsider it was super informative and extremely interesting. And is it weird to say beautifully executed? Cause it was. You start on the second floor and labyrinth your way down to the basement. Every twist and turn has a new musical score and the lighting is continually changing to fit the mood. The details that went into each room were insanely creative. I highly recommend visiting. I’ve always been a learner (except for that damn high school history class) but the older I get the more I realize I know jack about the world. Good thing I flew to the other side of the world to work on this.
 

5. Vajdahunyad Castle (aka the castle in the park). This castle is actually a knock off…ever heard of Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle). Yep, now you know why it was a must see for me … Just in case I don’t make it to Romania for the real thing. As I walked through the castle gate there was a man playing a steel drum and it totally felt like Disneyland … But, only for a second. I soon realized the inside is a museum of agriculture…wah-wah. That’s a hard pass for this girl. For what it’s worth, I most defiantly enjoyed the music and lakeside view. And again, it’s a castle in the park. Dracula’s Knockoff Castle in the park! So, I’d do it again.   

6. Turkish Bathes. YASSSSSS. This is what I call THE ultimate killer combo. Combine relaxing in a warm to hot bath (bather’s choice) and some epic people watching. Yep. It doesn’t get much better. Well, except that these bathes are crazy healthy for you. I recommend all the bathes you can find. WARNING: some things you can’t unsee. Mwahahahaha.  

7. Ruins bars. What a concept?! Imagine a creepy, old, abandoned building … Now, add alcohol. Sound like me? TOTALLY. A new goal of mine to go back and visit ALL of them. #goalz  

8. Palinka. All I’m saying is a little bit goes a lonnnnnnng way. In some cases it’s a one and done kinda drink. It claims to be the long lost cousin of brandy…but I beg to differ. More like a fruity Everclear. It burns so good. I can see how this unassuming bevy can quickly ruin a casual night out. Cheers. Or as the Hungarian’s say Egeszsegere!

9. The late night kebab. In the US if you wanna feel ok in the AM after a night of drinking one might hit up the local Taco Bell for a yummy Crunchwrap Supreme or maybe Mcdonalds for a burger and fries or (where available) The Waffle House for some mediocre, greasy breakfast. But in Europe it’s all about the kebab. And I’m not mad about it. I love me some kebab, drinking or not. And after a night of Palinka and multiple ruins bars, one needs a Kebab. STAT. 

10. The diverse architecture. This was the first European city I could really feel the Middle Eastern influence (or Isamic architecture) mixed with Roman, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, all the good stuff. Budapest is a bit of a melting pot when it comes to architecture. And it’s gorgeous to say the least.   

BP-Until we meet again, and we WILL, Cheers!!!!

❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌

Em