Yesterday marks one week in Budapest! It’s been a (rather disconcertingly) smooth transition, from packing to the trip over to settling in. Even immigration, so far, has been quite smooth–we walked right up to the counter and were seen right away, which is unheard of, according to the HR Manager at my new job, who was escorting us to the office. We had all of our paperwork in order, nobody made us leave the country to re-apply (side-eye Prague), and the lady working on my papers even smiled at me. Success!
After SUCH a smooth trip I started to feel suspicious, of course. Because that’s my natural reaction when things are going well.
Despite how well things are going, things aren’t perfect, of course. Our flat is teeny–like studio-teeny, with no bathtub or oven, sad face–but it’s quite clean, our landlord and his little family are adorable, and the location is prime. I’ve started work–and will be working through this weekend–and it’s been harder than I anticipated to fill the shoes of the teacher who left before me, but I’m already crazy about my students. My brain needs to adjust to being in teacher mode (and needs to adjust to a new school, a new culture, a new schedule, etc) but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll love my job.
One not-so-smooth thing? The jet lag!!! (note the many exclamation points for emphasis!!!)
The jet lag this time has been the worst ever. Is that because I’m getting old?! Maybe it’s because of the winter, as it’s dark and cold all the time so that makes it worse? I don’t know, but our first weekend was a blur of exhaustion, immigration, banks, and attempting to find “our” grocery store. Then, work has been so busy that I haven’t had time to eat lunch, much less explore the area. I’m looking forward to NEXT weekend, when we can get to know our new city a bit more. Hopefully sleep will be happening at regular intervals by then, too.
Another thing: Hungarian MUST be one of the hardest languages to learn. So far, in comparison to Prague, there is much more Hungarian spoken here. They are very proud of their language, and thus have kept it very much alive. I am all for this, but my Hungarian is certainly not up to snuff (aka it’s essentially nonexistent). The one word that’s sticking in my head? Inexplicably, the word for apple (alma)–as well as the casual forms of “yes” and “hello” which really aren’t that applicable at shops.
A huge bonus about our life here is, well, that we live close to Parlament and I get to walk by the gorgeous building every day. (This makes up for the no-bathtub thing, mostly).
Europe, I’ve missed you!
YAY! Glad things are going smoothly for the most part 🙂
Thanks, Jenn! 🙂 So far they’re going pretty well, lots of adjustments :). Hope all the changes in your life are going smoothly, too!
Wow, what a week! Sounds like you’ve hit the ground running, which I think is the best way to transition to a new place 🙂 And, what a beautiful view you get to walk past everyday!
So true! I was kind of bummed that I didn’t get more time to soak up the city before I started work, but it definitely helped with the jet lag to get going right away! Hope you are adjusting to your new life in Chile–can’t wait to hear more about it! 🙂
I hope you get settled soon!:)
Thanks, Tanja 😉
So glad to hear you are settling in! Can’t wait to see more of your new city 🙂
Me too!! I need to get out and take more pictures, ha 🙂 it’s so cold here! although probably not as cold as Iceland and you take amazing photos almost every weekend sooo…I have no excuse ;).
I had a friend living in Hungary, and while he was learning to speak Hungarian, his own professor encouraged him not do so since it’s so hard! I found that so bizarre. Glad to see your settling in!! Best you have the most gorgeous views!
That’s so funny! Several people have told me not to bother to learn it since it’s so difficult and it’s only spoken here. But I at least need to figure out how to order coffee ;). Hope all is well with you!! xo
p.s. now that we are neighbors we will definitely be visiting Slovenia soon! Probably this summer 🙂
Yayyy! Our paths cross again 🙂 Let me know as soon as you know!
Do you mean that there is more Hungarian vs. English spoken there than in Prague’s Czech vs. English ratio? Can’t wait to hear more about your experience getting settled in 🙂 Do you work Czech ESL teacher hours or is it a bit different in this position?
Yes, I meant the ratio :). I always got on well in Prague with my broken Czech/bits of English. Here, not so much! Which is probably a good thing, I’m more motivated to learn the language and I had trouble with that in Prague. This position is more of a full-time teacher (I’m the main teacher for 1st grade so I also teach Science, Math, Art, Gym, etc, as well as English) so my schedule isn’t as variable. Still not 9-5 though!!
Yay I’m glad to hear you guys are mostly finding the transition ok! Looking forward to hearing more about what you think of Budapest 🙂