Budapest Archives - Page 7 of 10 - Amy and the Great World

April + A New Instagram Hashtag!

April 4, 2016

Happy April!

Truthfully, in the past, I’ve never looked forward spring. Maybe because growing up in the Rocky Mountains in America, the joke is that spring brings mud and construction–that’s all. And a lot of snow, usually.

Of course, last year’s spring in Prague completely blew me away, and I’m excited to experience all that Budapest has to offer this spring (and summer)!

So far it’s pretttttty nice.

Last week was interesting–it was short since we didn’t start work until Wednesday/Thursday, so it was essentially a TWO-day work week. #spoiled

Sometimes, though, the short weeks seem almost harder than the long weeks, and this one was still packed. Coming off the high of Greece, too, had me leaving grumpy to have no travel plans until May.

So, how does one beat the post-travel blues?

Well, first, exploring more of the city I am lucky enough to live in always helps.

Secondly, nothing beats the post-travel blues like planning a new trip–in this case, a small getaway in the middle of April. Just two days in Bratislava, Slovakia!

It’s only about three hours from Budapest, and I’ve traveled through several times without stopping, so I’ve decided it’s time. Should be a wonderful little weekend getaway! Have any of you been?? Any tips?!

Another way to beat the post-travel blues–Instagram!

Besides blogging, Instagram is hands-down my favorite form of social media. I love looking at gorgeous pictures from all over the world, and being inspired by all of you! To keep this going and to increase my connection to my current followers, and future ones ;), I’m excited to announce a new Instagram hashtag!!:

#meandthegreatworld.

So, join the fun! Add the hashtag #meandthegreatworld to your photos from your explorations anywhere in the world–from just down the street, your backyard, a new nearby city, or on an epic trip around the world–I want to see it all, no trip is too small!

Once or twice a month, I’ll feature some of my favorite photos on this blog, or one other forms of social media, such as Twitter, Facebook or even Instagram itself.

So, let’s get hash tagging–I can’t wait to see your photos!

Hungary

Daily Life in Budapest, volume 2

March 23, 2016

–I finally got my residence card! Hooray! Of course I spent weeks waiting for it to arrive in the mail only to finally call to learn that it was waiting for ME to come pick it up. Oh, language barrier.

–The last time I was at immigration, with E, we were taking in forms they didn’t have (or, LOST because we most certainly gave them said forms) and our clerk was really nice. My previous dealings with immigration offices anywhere usually have you dealing with stony-faced grumps. Not her! She was so excited to see that E was from Seattle and wanted to talk to us all about American football and the Seahawks. Her opinion of the Broncos? “The Broncos is sucks.”

–International Women’s Day is a thing here, although some people don’t like it because, I was told, it was originally introduced by the Communists (I have no idea if this is true for the rest of the world). Still, I got a pretty flower and a “Happy, uhh…Girl’s Day?” from several little boys, so it was sweet. Of course, the little boy who handed me the flower didn’t say anything, so I assumed he was just showing it to me (this was before I realized that only the girls were getting flowers) and I put it back on his desk. A few minutes later, I saw my co-teacher coaching him to give it back to me! Oops.

–I had my first doctor’s appointment here last week. Of course, it was nothing like I thought–I thought I was seeing a doctor for my sinus issues, but they were under the impression it was the general physical all the other teachers were getting. Just like my first doctor’s appointment in Prague, this one also had me walk through several public lobbies (and up several spiral staircases) with a flimsy, see-through cup of…urine. (TMI?) It also involved my ankles, wrists, and chest-area being hooked up to what I’m pretty sure was an ancient EKG.

–As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been struggling quite a bit at my new school. It just isn’t the right fit, so I’ve been looking around at other schools here for next year, and deciding IF we even want to stay! I figured once we got here I would want to stay for quite some time, but now that we will be homeless this summer and I won’t have a job for two months, the options are more open. Stay tuned!

–One of the little boys picked me flowers today on the playground. How sweet is that? Also, surprising, since we don’t even have grass (spring is stubbornly staying away) so I don’t know where he found them. Still, pretty!

–I was talking to my family this past weekend and I realized that in just about six weeks, I’ll be back in the States for my sister’s wedding! I admit, spending a large chunk of cash on an overseas flight, when you’re living in Europe, is difficult and not necessarily ideal. However, I wouldn’t miss this wedding for the world, and even though it will be a ridiculously exhausting several weeks, I can’t wait!

–We leave for vacation on today! Woohoo! Check out my Instagram to find out where we decided to go for Easter/Spring break :). Although I’ve spilled the beans to so many people, by now everyone might already know…oh well ;).

–My thoughts are heavy today thanks to the recent terrorist attacks in Belgium. I don’t generally use my blog or social media to comment on these types of things, but I love brave little Belgium so much. My heart is with the victims and their families, and victims of violence and terrorism all over the world.

How is your daily life?

Hungary

Two Months in Budapest (By the Numbers)

March 15, 2016

Although this is my second time officially living overseas, it’s still interesting to me how the first months in a new place feel so much slower and longer than the rest of the months, combined!

I’m approaching my second month here in Budapest and it feels like it’s been years, not just a handful of months. It’s been so eventful at work, and a little too uneventful on the fun side of things, but as the sun comes out more, I get out more! Here’s what I’ve been up to:

TWO MONTHS IN BUDAPEST: BY THE NUMBERS

SIX WEEKS at my new job! Some days it feels like its been six years…

TWO four-day weekends…in one month! So spoiled. I’ll make up for it as April, May and June have ZERO breaks. (Except for going back to the States for my sister’s wedding!)

ONE NIGHT out at the ruin pubs! This one, Szimpla, is the most famous I believe, and it’s a must visit. Try to find the bathtub! I was so surprised to discover the bar food they sell: CARROTS. I’m sorry but that is the worst drunk ever. However, I saw quite a few people chomping away throughout the night, so they seem to do brisk business.

FOUR HOURS at a pen factory for my first field trip with the kids! It would not have been my choice to take the kids there–nor would it have been my idea to immediately give 18 first-graders long, flexible pen tubes that can be used to injure each other/themselves–but still, they seemed to enjoy it. I can’t tell you much about it as not a word of it was in English, but it was a clean factory with a lot of big machines.

TWO MINUTES accidentally walking onto a movie set.

THREE HOURS at our new favorite bistro. It felt like stepping back into time, and right into the Great Gatsby. Plus, the food–incredible!

ONE national holiday experienced. Although I’ve been sick (again!!) most of this holiday weekend, we did manage to pop into Parliament, since it was free yesterday!

SEVERAL DAYS of sunshine to help explore the city a little more. I love finding little neighborhoods that have their own distinct personality.

THREE wine bars visited. The Hungarians are all about their wine and for good reason! My favorite is DiVino, but it’s fancy, I’m looking forward to visiting smaller tasting rooms in the near future.

COUNTLESS VIEWS of the city at night. A sparkly Budapest might be my favorite way to see the city. Be warned, though–everything gets turned off at midnight! I guess that’s when Cinderella has to go home…and everyone else wakes up to start clubbing.