When traveling to a new city I always like to do a Top 10 List.
It's a funny and true take on my view of the city. Kind of like the David Letterman Top 10 but Katie Bond style. I've been doing these lists ever since I've started traveling and keeping them in my travel journal. I think my favorite list is the one I made when I went to Kenya... As I leave the city of Budapest, here are the highlights that come to mind. Budapest Top 10:
10 - Did you know it's the bookstore capital of Europe? 9 - The city has sooooo many bridges 8 - Buda and Pest, were two towns that started dating, forming the city of Budapest 7 - There is a McDonalds on every corner 6 - It's impossible to turn left when driving! 5 - The city is green, green, green... so many trees 4 - It's so clean you could eat off the streets, but I recommend you do not 3 - The people are friendly, but don't even try to understand the language :) 2 - Look both ways before you cross the street!!! I'm speaking from experience. 1 - If you have spare time, the Danube river cruise is cool, really Cool... take a blanket!!!
Buda and Pest = Budapest 2 beautiful cities connected by the Danube.
After 30 hours of traveling, I have landed in Europe. Destination Hungary. City - Budapest... a beautiful place to explore. The sites remind me of a combination of Vienna meets Prague. It's lovely.
I do recommend that you look both ways before crossing the street. Today I was almost hit. My friend has laughed about it alllll day and made me put it in the blog. Said it was one of the funniest things he's ever seen. What's so funny about a car almost taking off my right leg!
The day was filled with laughs, seeing news sites, and drinking a lot of coffee! Took a river cruise, walked around the city, and then jet lag hit. If you ever get a chance to visit this city, do it. The people are friendly. The food is good. The sites are beautiful.
I’m sitting in London looking out at the melancholy sky.
My eyes are so heavy I can barely keep them open.
Tired, with only 3 more hours until I board my final flight into Budapest.
The journey to this point has been comical and at times frustrating. Oh the joys of international flying; yet even with the headaches - I still love traveling.
On my last day in the US friends look me out for a final Mexican feast/birthday send off.We ate at this amazing place in Long Beach and then headed to LAX.
Since I am moving, I’m traveling with so much more than I am comfortable packing.Usually my bags are small/light… not this trip!I’m packing almost 100 pounds in my two carry on bags!It’s pretty much everything but the kitchen sink.Getting them to let me take both bags on the plane was an effort.It took 3 tries and the 3rd time was a charm.However, in the process I got my fingernail almost ripped off.I’m serious.Go ahead, take a look at the 4th fingernail on your right hand, now imagine it getting torn halfway back… Painful.That is how I started my venture.
It gets even better… my flight leaving LA was delayed.Since I’m using my miles to fly for free I’m stopping in Dallas, then London, then Budapest.When we landed in Dallas, I had 15 minutes to get to my gate.They held the plane and let me out first.I’m running as fast as I can (w heavy carry-on’s) through the airport to catch the tram to the next terminal.I get on the tram with 10 minutes to spare and the tram breaks down!Needless to say, I missed my flight but was connected on a flight leaving one hour later.Once I arrived in London, I had to go through the check in process again…this time a grumpy lady took my carry on bag with all my breakables and checked it.I do not like her!
I missed my flight out of London and have to wait here at the airport for 6 hours.I have read a book, walked around, been so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, and I sat in chocolate so it looks like I shit my pants!Yes, I could not make this up if I tried.So, I did what any normal girl would do; I went shopping and grabbed a coffee. :)Feeling better.Looking forward to getting out of airports soon.
Been trying to get a hold of my friend who is driving from Serbia to Budapest to pick me up but can’t reach him.He’s going to be waiting 7 hours.Oy vey!
When life hands you lemons, sometimes it’s best to add vodka!
The day has arrived... house is packed, everything in storage. Even my cat, Mother Teresa, has found a new place to stay. I'm moving to Europe. I can't believe it. I'm actually doing this. Yes, it is happening!
I will be traveling for one month and then landing in Vienna. The journey looks a little something like this: fly into Budapest drive to Vienna, drop off my bags celebrate my 31st birthday (July 26) drive to Serbia with friend Rajko take a road-trip all the way to Athens bus my way to the coast of Croatia and stay with yoga friend Ana train-ride to Graz and into Vienna, Austria. Once back in Wein, I hope to see my friends in Europe as much as I can taking weekend trips to various places like Germany, Spain, Ireland, England, France, Italy...
I have to finish packing... Turn in my Mini Cooper And a short list of other last minute items. Today is busy. Today is bittersweet. Today is my last day in Laguna Beach. A city I have come to love...
Over the last days I have been able to spend time with friends and loved ones. It has been wonderful and I am grateful to the people who make my life full. I have a sense of peace and at the same time excitement. Let the new journey begin. I'm moving to Europe. I can't believe it. I'm actually doing this. Yes, it is happening!
Two nights ago I walked into my clients home for dinner. Two nights ago little did I know the surprise that awaited me.
As I entered Lonnie and Cindy's home I was asked to meet their son who was taking a semester to study abroad in Prague. And then from his bedroom, 20 of my friends popped out! What?! I was so surprised. Did not see this one coming. Literally had no idea. FUN.
The evening was filled with friends, food, and great conversations. A relaxing night with people that hold sweet spots in my life... from spin people, to yoga people, to neighbors. It was a time I will never forget as this was the first surprise party ever thrown for me. :-)
I can not describe how grateful I am for the people who make my life so rich and meaningful. Life is meant to be shared with others.
Two nights ago I went to my first surprise party. Two nights ago I was surrounded by community...
"Life is a work of art in progress made up of beginnings and endings that run together..."
As I opened my Daily Om meditation book this morning, that was the first sentence. I was sitting on the beach patio - 6 days before I start a new season in my life - and all I could think of was 'Yes, that is So True!'
I have a never ending to-do list running through my mind. Yet, at the same time I am calm and feel peaceful. I'm learning to enjoy the moment. Embrace emotions. Take as many mental pictures as I can.
Last night was my final spin class in Laguna Beach. Today is the last yoga class at California State Univ. Fullerton.
I'm getting excited and find myself smiling when I think of the future.
When traveling to a new city I always like to do a Top 10 List.
