I have been feeling very sluggish since I really haven’t done much exercise since I started my trip. So I really felt the need to go for a run, I also thought it was a great city to run in since you had all of the lovely scenery to look at as you went by. I ended up running down one of the bridges over to the Buda side then running along the river, it was a great feeling just to let your mind wander and have your body work. I couldn’t be out for too long since I had to check out of the Aboriginal hostel. I wanted to stay longer, but the hostel was booked (I think Elyane took the last booking and I teased her about it) but no worries, I booked into ... read more

I woke up for my first day in Budapest and walked out for breakfast. The Aboriginal hostel is already a great place in my book since they give you a free breakfast! I got some cereal and freshly made waffles and sat down at the large table where about 5 people were already sitting and finishing up their breakfast. I introduced myself and talked to the others over breakfast, there was an older American guy, Sandy, who was so cool and down to earth. There was a Swedish guy, Andy, and two other Americans (so this is where all of the Americans are hiding). After breakfast I went out to get a handle on the city of Budapest and figured out what I wanted to do with my time there. The city was very windy and ... read more

I saw the Carlsens off this morning for their trip to Italy, they really looked after me while I stayed with them and even gave me everyone cell phone numbers, even people who worked for the Embassy, just in case anything went wrong. Mirella (their Croatian help) was so incredibly nice to me, she gave me cold medicine to take with me, along with a few bottles of water and a few granola bars. She spoke wonderful English and told me that I wouldn’t be able to buy anything since that day and the next were Croatian holidays. I loved her accent and the way the Eastern Europeans talk to you, they are a straight forward and honest bunch! The night before, Colonel Carlsen had arranged for their taxi driver to come and pick me up ... read more

The next day Marcus and I took it easy and had a nice breakfast where I told Marcus stories of when Dad and I were there, and Marcus got to know Lynn and Ayse a little better. It was just like old times only with a new person! Lynn couldn’t stop talking about how much fun Dad looked like he was having, and I concurred that I didn’t think I had seen Dad that happy and relaxed in a long time. I remember when Dad was here how we would tease each other mercilessly back and forth and then we would get on Skype to talk to Mom and she would get tired of hearing us poke fun at each other, but we were having a blast. After breakfast (Marcus was worried that I had talked ... read more

I got up at 5 am to see if I could catch a glimpse of the wonder that I was told the hot air balloons would be. Sadly, I got up too early to catch them and in my early morning sleepy state I didn’t realize it. I went back to bed then got up a little later to make it down for breakfast (more yogurt please!). Today was a relaxing day with nothing on the agenda, Fatih had mentioned that we could visit a nice Hamam here and after a little exploring the group decided that would be a great idea! Marcus kept asking me what I wanted for my birthday so once I realized that we would be going I told him I wanted my stay at the Hamam for my birthday! (That ... read more