This past weekend will forever be known as the weekend with a thousand different plans- but really only four.
Originally, I had a trip to Paris booked and planned. After much deliberation, I decided due to the recent activity in the northern part of Europe, I did not want to go. I'm happy to say the friends who went had a lovely time and got back safely. There is a fine line between living in fear and being a bit over-adventurous, shall we say, and we're all just trying to figure that out for ourselves. It's like I tell the kids at camp, your comfort zone has three zones: green, yellow, and red. This semester, I'm doing my best to live in the yellow for the majority of the time. Going good, so far.
After canceling Paris, Michael and I decided we would try to go to the Amalfi coast. On account of Easter, all trains to Italy were booked. Then, we thought we'd do day trips around Switzerland. Then, out of no where, we decide to go to Vienna and Budapest. I knew Easter weekend this semester would be one I'd never forget, but I definitely could not have predicted this one.
Thursday afternoon we boarded a train around 4 p.m. and arrived in Vienna around 12:45 a.m. Friday. Longest train yet. Never again. I got antsy. I watched High School Musical for the millionth time and Michael and I made lots of progress in the game 7 Words. Great app, check it out.
Originally, I had a trip to Paris booked and planned. After much deliberation, I decided due to the recent activity in the northern part of Europe, I did not want to go. I'm happy to say the friends who went had a lovely time and got back safely. There is a fine line between living in fear and being a bit over-adventurous, shall we say, and we're all just trying to figure that out for ourselves. It's like I tell the kids at camp, your comfort zone has three zones: green, yellow, and red. This semester, I'm doing my best to live in the yellow for the majority of the time. Going good, so far.
After canceling Paris, Michael and I decided we would try to go to the Amalfi coast. On account of Easter, all trains to Italy were booked. Then, we thought we'd do day trips around Switzerland. Then, out of no where, we decide to go to Vienna and Budapest. I knew Easter weekend this semester would be one I'd never forget, but I definitely could not have predicted this one.
Thursday afternoon we boarded a train around 4 p.m. and arrived in Vienna around 12:45 a.m. Friday. Longest train yet. Never again. I got antsy. I watched High School Musical for the millionth time and Michael and I made lots of progress in the game 7 Words. Great app, check it out.
We found our Air BnB without much trouble, showered, and slept so late. We woke up after ten. I haven't slept past ten in I don't even know how long. It was glorious. We got up and headed to Naschmarkt market in Vienna. It was such a neat place. I had a chocolate donut for breakfast.
We walked around for awhile looking at all the different vendors. We saw lots of fruit, kebabs, scarves and tapestries. I ended up buying a really pretty blue one. I'm pumped about it. At the market, I ran into my friend Rachel from SERVE! So crazy. She was just walking right by me at this market, what are the odds. So cool. It was great to see her and catch up.
We walked around for awhile looking at all the different vendors. We saw lots of fruit, kebabs, scarves and tapestries. I ended up buying a really pretty blue one. I'm pumped about it. At the market, I ran into my friend Rachel from SERVE! So crazy. She was just walking right by me at this market, what are the odds. So cool. It was great to see her and catch up.
After the market we went to see the opera house and the "little palace".
I happened to see a butterfly garden, and we all decided to go! The things we happen upon, are always the best things. I bet you never thought you'd get a planner to admit that. Embracing that adaptable life. The garden was beautiful. I was only a little afraid of the butterflies flying at me.
After the garden we went to see St. Stephen's Cathedral. It was lovely. They were in the middle of their prayers around the cross service when we arrived. I was sad I couldn't understand the German- I'm guessing it was German- but it was good to be in the presence of God's people on Good Friday.
We headed to the Easter Market after St. Stephen's. It was the typical Easter market- full of different vendors selling all sorts of Easter decorations. I ate some delicious cheesy potatoes at this one, though. They had flavor. There were peppers. I missed peppers.
I took a picture with the big palace 'cause that's a thing. Can you tell my caption game and care of the buildings is getting a bit weaker? I'm trying people, I promise. At this point, we still didn't have an Air BnB secured for Saturday night. I was stressing. We decided to go back to our place before dinner to try to figure out what to do. Thanks to Michael and some hotel deals website, we booked a Courtyard Marriott for Saturday night for cheaper than half of the hostels I've stayed in. The lessons in trusting and being adaptable continue.
I took a picture with the big palace 'cause that's a thing. Can you tell my caption game and care of the buildings is getting a bit weaker? I'm trying people, I promise. At this point, we still didn't have an Air BnB secured for Saturday night. I was stressing. We decided to go back to our place before dinner to try to figure out what to do. Thanks to Michael and some hotel deals website, we booked a Courtyard Marriott for Saturday night for cheaper than half of the hostels I've stayed in. The lessons in trusting and being adaptable continue.
Saturday morning, we got on a train with the Hogwarts Express cubbies to Budapest. We arrived in Budapest and checked in early at the Courtyard Marriott. It was wonderful. Beautiful. Comfortable. American. So. Happy.
We decided we shouldn't just stay in the hotel all day, though it was tempting, so we bought Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets and headed to see the sites.
We decided we shouldn't just stay in the hotel all day, though it was tempting, so we bought Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets and headed to see the sites.
First, we got lunch at this adorable outdoor market that we, of course, just happened upon after the place we planned on eating was too confusing for us. I had a delicious burrito and nachos. I was so excited I didn't even take pictures I just ate. Also the pigeons were scary. I did take a picture of the adorable coffee truck, though.
After our bellies were full, we headed to Buda castle. It was Budaful. See what I did there? I know. I'm classy. We also saw the cathedral and some pretty flowers and delicious food.
That night we went to the baths! It was so fun! And gross. But I tried not to think about it.
After the baths, we had a lovely dinner and enjoyed the beautiful sights of the city at night.
Easter morning we woke up and headed to St. Stephen's Basilica. We walked in during the homily in ENGLISH! It was so exciting!! I was happy to be in a church on Easter morning listening to the story of the road to Emmaus.
After church, we went on a boat tour. It was pretty, but I was tired and the recording of the voice was very monotone so I tuned it out. I'm really losing steam here on this traveling thing.
I had subway for Easter dinner. Not granny's delicious Easter ham, but it was great to have American food for the first time in three months.
After dinner we left for the airport. We flew Wizz Air, which is my favorite airline, so far. We did have a very odd gate this time, though. It was basically a Warehouse. We weren't impressed, but the Wifi was better there than in the actual airport. Go figure. I felt very peaceful at takeoff. It's important to appreciate those rare moments during travel; they're fleeting. Despite all the chaos of planning, I'm glad we went away. It was a lot of fun, and I went to three new countries.
All in all, it was a lovely, albeit unexpected, weekend.