I’m not sure if I discussed this much (although I didn’t try to keep it a secret) but I wasn’t really looking forward to coming back to Budapest after my summer on the road.
The first six months in Budapest were very difficult for me–unexpectedly so–and I couldn’t drum up enthusiasm to come back. Living here for six months before leaving again didn’t give us a lot of time to develop that much attachment, and add in the fact that we were moving to a new neighborhood that I was unsure of AND I would be starting yet another new job…this new beginning didn’t bring the excitement of adventure I usually feel.
It was one of the few times in my life where staying somewhere (in this case, America) was sounding more appealing than going. Seeing all of our friends and family members made it even harder to leave.
A few months after returning, though, and I’m so grateful I gave Budapest another chance. I love my job, I love our place, I love the city, I love the exploring we’ve been able to do, I love that we are making new social connections, and we’re at the tail end of one of the most glorious autumns of my life.
One thing that really struck me recently is how much it’s starting to feel like home here, both the city and our flat. I never thought I would feel “at home” in a city where I don’t speak 95% of the language–but I do.
E and I apparently had an unspoken agreement when we moved in that we would really settle into this apartment–and that included buying things we haven’t had the inclination for in years. We never discussed any of it–usually any purchase that isn’t a strict necessity has been heavily debated in the past few years–we just did it. We bought it. Stuff like cozy blankets and actual kitchen supplies and candles.
I seriously cannot stop buying candles.
What’s funny about all this is that just recently I realized that we are only in this place, and I’m only in this job, until June. Of course, the chances are good that we could stay another year–or even longer–but it’s only official until the end of this school year. Either we stay, we have to find a way to squeeze in my beloved kitchen scale (…who am I?), or we leave our already furnished place more well-equipped than before.
I can’t imagine staying here, or anywhere, really–settling anywhere has always been a vague “someday” sort of thing, or a fun way to dream about living in my ultimate places…but as I light one of my many candles and eat some amazing soup E made in our functioning kitchen, I also wonder if maybe this could be home.
And maybe I’m ready for a home, more than I ever thought I could be.
Crazier things have happened.
it’s not bad to have a permanent home, you know:)
I know! I just never wanted one. But maybe now I do 🙂
So glad things are beginning to feel more settled. I think Budapest is a beautiful city, but it’s one thing to visit and quite another to live there. I hope things continue to look up, and buy all the candles!
So true! I visited and adored it–but then I moved here and it’s not all beautiful buildings and vistas. Still! I’m starting to love it. And my candle collection is INSANE but it’s also the coziest ever so, no regrets 😉
Ooooh this is exciting! Good that you have plenty of time to see how it goes still… but what a lovely feeling 🙂
Yes! I really am crossing my fingers that we get to stay…:)
Yesyesyes to all of this. After we started our fourth year abroad (after coming back from the States for the first time), in our minds we kind of committed to staying here… and started buying more very essential things (I finally have a real rolling pin! hah). After this decision, there was this huge mental shift… like *this* was our home. I also noticed with expats in CZ, there is this feeling like other expats don’t want to get too close to you if they know you are just going to leave next year or something. Since we’ve told everyone we’ll be here for the foreseeable future, people have been even nicer and more welcoming.
That soup E made looks SO GOOD + I have the same candle game going as well. Is that your TV or did it come with the flat? (if it did, dang! nice furnished flat, man!)
The TV came with the flat! It’s such a nice flat. We actually found it on Airbnb and luckily, our landlord was about to have a baby and wanted a long-term tenant. It’s worked out so well!
I can’t believe you’ve been in CZ for over four years! Are you at five now??
Still no real rolling pin but I have to admit, the wine bottle is actually pretty effective ;).
I’ve heard that from other expats–if you don’t have a deadline, or are open about staying longer, people will warm up to you longer. I’m so glad it’s feeling like home for you too! I mean, you even have an adorable pup now!! 🙂
I am a bit behind on my blog reading, and just came across this post today. It made me really happy! Really happy for you that you are liking where you are….really happy for you and E that you are settling in and starting to create “home”….and happy because I got to see you so much on your journeys back to the states. The idea of settling can be tough…but I think you guys are at a good place. And whether you stay, go, or settle somewhere else soon I know you have many more adventures ahead! Love you!
Yay for you loving your city now and finding a home! I think the first 6months to a year is the most difficult, but then it becomes home in a way. Budapest seems like a lovely place! 🙂
Yes! I’m not sure it will ever be “home-home” but we are starting to be pretty happy here 🙂