Budapest. Now. Oh, And I Went to Rome.

Budapest is amazing. Of course everyone loves it. Now

It is easy to maneuver, manicured and renovated. I love the things that have evolved and I love that more people are realizing what a jewel this place is.

Don't get me wrong. It has always been breathtakingly beautiful. 

But... As I've said so many times this week, I loved Budapest even before it was so lovable. I lived in Budapest for 4 years, a few years back. 

I loved Budapest when you were met in the shops by grumpy grandmas who did not value customer service and no one spoke English.

I loved Budapest when things were not as clean as they are now and when you had to have a ticket before you got on public transportation though there were few places to buy them. 

I loved the city when there were less cafes, less visible creativity and less tourists. Even with despair, more evident then, etched it more faces. Though it is still evident in many and apparent in some areas more than others.

10 years ago, I came to Budapest, an idealist. A very ordinary person, but full of hope, desiring to share it in some small way. And as it so often goes when you purpose to give, I received more than I ever expected or even knew to want. I met local and international people who helped me form a more complete picture of the world. I forged friendships that helped form me; aligning my perspective more closely to reality.

I have many reasons to think fondly of this beautiful place, and the memories I created here I will always treasure, but besides those I can still feel like a kind of unnatural love for this city. It feels almost like someone planted it deep within me. It is something I cannot explain. 

Things I noticed coming back from the desert. And arriving in Hungary.

Cold Water

I love washing my hands in cold water. The choice of water temperature feels luxurious. When I left Kuwait hot water was my only choice. Hot water to wash clothes. Hot water after working out. Hot water in the toilet. 

Less is Not Always More

There are some things where less is not more. For example, when it comes to clothing. I am revelling in the freedom to wear sleeveless tops and shorts. But. I have been a bit shocked. To say women dress more modestly in Kuwait than in Hungary, is an understatement. A few years back, Europeans didn't wear shorts (or only with tights underneath them). My how things have changed. 

Less is not always more.

What a Sweet Sound

The Hungarian language sounds so sweet. It seems like everyone is talking to a small child. (Edes, nyugi, nagyon jo). It contrasts with the way some other languages are spoken. Where they seem like everyone is always yelling at each other.

I Will Miss You When You're Gone

They are slowly renovating the only metro lines. There is a bit of a gloomy, sad feeling in parts of the city, especially on Metro 3(blue). They still use the same Russian cars that were installed during communism. I will actually miss them when they are gone though. Even the way the doors slam. shut. I will always have the panic of them slamming shut, on me, to remember them by though. And the memory of how I had to call out for help because evidently it wasn't apparent I wanted any. (I am stuck in between the doors people!)

But I Like Paper Towels!

Recycle, reduce and reuse are back in my vocabulary.

I should be congratulating the environmental consciousness of Hungarians, but I miss paper towels.

Don't forget to weigh and sticker your produce, but do it yourself, unlike in Kuwait.

Oh yeah. AND I went to ROME!

Observations of Rome.

-The city is easy to get around. 

-The metro is crazy packed. Crazy.

-Smelly bathrooms and toilets without toilet seats abound. There is garbage everywhere, too.

-Air conditioning is rare. 

-There are cafes and flowers everywhere though. And also people. everywhere.

-The buildings are colorful. 

-There are no Starbucks or chain coffee shops in Rome. But they do coffee, and food pretty well.

I went with my good friend Misha to visit the capital city of Italia! I did enjoy experiencing this famous place, but perhaps you can see when pairing Rome with Budapest which one remains in the foreground. Both of us agreed the Colosseum was our highlight (overwhelming when thinking of all the history, but we also went to Vatican City (my 27th country) and other places. Italy was the 26th country I traversed to.  

SO MUCH HISTORY. 

In summary, Rome is a one of a kind experience.

**I didn't take any pictures, but, in Budapest, I also went to two ICFB gatherings, IBCB, Golgota and Rezkigyo(twice). I enjoyed reconnecting and catching up with many good friends and I made some more special memories.

And now it is time to say goodbye to Europe. I will miss you. America, looking forward to seeing you soon.