After a month and a half abroad, I’ve come to the realization that I ask people if they speak English a lot. For this reason, I made a goal for myself: by the time my study abroad is over, I want to be able to ask “Do you speak English?” in at least 8 different languages. I mostly just like the irony of it.
Anyway, a couple weekends ago I traveled to Budapest, Hungary for the weekend. Now I know I will probably say this after every city I go to, BUT I think Budapest is my favorite city I’ve visited so far. It’s different from Rome or Vienna, because it doesn’t feel like a tourist trap every time I take a step. There is a rich culture that embodies Budapest that I really appreciate. I hope to visit it again before I leave, because there are still places I want to see. That being said, I did check out some of the touristy sights. I went to Heroes Square, which is ginormous. I also saw Castle Hill and hiked up a “hill” (to put that very gently) to see the citadel. Unfortunately, it was a little foggy so the view wasn’t that great. I imagine you can see a very far distance when the sky is clear though. On Saturday, I walked around sort of aimlessly. My friends and I saw the Parliament, the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, etc. A few things were under construction since it is the off-season, but it didn’t take away too much from the sites. Overall, I plan on going back to visit the Great Market hall and the Esceri Flea Market. I also would like to check out some more of the communist museums.
Lastly, I’m taking a trip to the Alps this weekend for a snowboarding/skiing trip. It should be interesting since I’ve only snowboarded twice in my life and 80% of the time I was one my butt. Hopefully, I have a blog about it up by Monday!
I shook hands with Ronald Reagan!
Heroes Square
Location: Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest sounds awesome! I’ve heard it’s much less touristy than other cities, and it’s great you agree. Wish you the best on learning to ask if one speaks English.
Do you know why they have a statue of Reagan? I’m not much of a history buff, so I was wondering if he gave a speech there or something.
It sounds like you are having a really great time traveling! I can’t wait to continue with some more travels. It is going to be so awesome to go to the Alps for a snowboarding trip, even if it is your second time. How many people in the US can say that they went to the Alps in college just as a trip to snowboard?! I like your idea of learning how to ask if someone speaks English in 8 different languages, it will be interesting how many people can actually respond back. Have fun with the rest of your adventures!