Budapest.

I have a case of the Mondays. Not because I raged all weekend at some loud, smokey European club. In fact, there was very little raging in the traditional  sense this weekend in Budapest. Yet, I can honestly say it was quite the adventure nonetheless.

We took the overnight train Thursday and arrived early Friday morning, already thoroughly exhausted from our train sleep (or lack thereof. Actually, I slept relatively well because I had a sleeper cabin all to myself. I should stop complaining.). We checked in to our hostel, The Black Sheep (baaa) and then headed straight out. We ate lunch, walked for a bit and did one of those low-expectation free walking tours throughout the city. But alas, my expectations were exceeded. We saw a whole lot. Upon arriving in Budapest, I had been concerned that I wouldn't get to see that traditional postcard view of the city that I had been hoping for. Luckily, I was more than appeased at the end of the tour when we saw that magnificent view. I took a lot of pictures. Like a lot.

Our intentions were good when we left the hostel that night to go to a bar. We had planned to hit a few bars, drink a few drinks, and just have a relaxing night. We maybe got a little too relaxed. We were home by 11:30pm. Sad, but necessary. My brain was no longer functioning. It needed to be done.

The next morning, we set out early for what was going to become the day we walked (probably) every street in Budapest. In fact, I didn't take public transportation once the entire time I was there, which was either an incredibly stupid decision or a brilliant one. Either way, it was a bold decision. I regret nothing. 

So we went to Central Market Hall, which was fantastic, as I have a natural gift for wanting to buy every useless trinket just because it's pretty. I bought a few little chotchkies and a GORGEOUS cobalt blue embroidered pillowcase, which I am absolutely obsessed with and can't wait to display in my new room (Here's hoping! Will the lease be signed this week? Stay tuned!). 

After walking and walking and walking some more, we ended the day at the Turkish Baths, which are really just giant steamy swimming pools with lots of Europeans in them, all surrounded by pretty buildings. But it was soothing for our aching bones, which were just about done for the day. We were delirious from all of our adventures and easily could have face planted and drowned. It's a miracle I'm even alive.

And finally, Sunday was more of an easygoing day. I mailed some postcards, ate lunch, walked some more, and got on the train. It was Komal's birthday, so we were sure to buy goodies for our train party, since no one had any energy to do a real party the night before. 

It was a great weekend. It made me feel alive. Prague is a fairytale, but I definitely enjoyed the return to real life in Budapest. Even though we were constantly on the go, I felt at ease, just looking at the busy streets around me. There is a great attitude there, and we were just in our own little world, efficiently enjoying everything that we wanted to do. I really do feel like we got a lot done, and I am very proud of us for it. And of course, I'm happy with my pictures!