We went to Hungary, but we didn't go Hungry!

It's taken me a few days to relax from the big excursion Ty and I went on last week! Let me break it down: six days, three countries, eighteen hours on a bus, and four hostels. When we got back, all I wanted to do was sleep! But now that I'm rested, I'd love to share our experience in Budapest with you!
This was a special trip for us because when Ty was young, he did a project in school about Budapest. He knew about the sights, but never had either of us thought--before study abroad--we would ever go to Budapest. We all learned the capitals of the country, but in school, those are just names. When you step off the bus onto some rundown bus stop with people rushing by you speaking in unintelligible words, eating unknown food, it is real.

On our trip we went from Prague to Budapest to Krakow, to Bratislava. This wasn't the most direct route, but it was the cheapest for us, and the timing worked out so I could see my friend from Bratislava.

We started our "real" time in Budapest by finding our Hostel. First, we had to get on public transport. In Budapest, it is VERY regulated. There are people standing everywhere to make sure you have your ticket to get on the subway. (This is very different from Prague where we use the "honor code" and only get checked sporadically.) Then on the subway, we got checked yet again to make sure we had our ticket. On our way out of the subway, wouldn't you know, we get checked AGAIN! In my opinion, if someone manages to sneak past all that security they probably deserve a free ride.

Here's a picture of Ty and some nameless person on the subway.

Once free from the ultra-guarded subway, we found our hostel. I can only describe the owner as interesting. We were walking up the street to the hostel, and--like most places in Europe--it wasn't marked well. Ty approached a pair of men talking in front of a dentist's office and asked if they knew where "Gallery Hostel" was. The owner says, "Yes, I should hope I know where it is. I own it!" He then proceeded to take us inside, up three flights of stairs, and into the hostel area.

I'd like to point out here, that there are times in our travels where  I think: "Wow, am I really doing this?" Especially in moments when I'm following a random Hungarian stranger into a building.

The hostel was a very laid back place to the point of being homey. The owner showed us around and then sat us down in the living area with a map. He told us that he had lived in New York for thirteen years, that he didn't understand cops in the US, and that while it was a pleasure meeting us he hoped that he wouldn't see us again because we should be spending all of our time outside of the hostel and seeing the city.

Our "room" we stayed in.

We stayed in the top part. Luckily, no one was staying in the bed below, so we had the room to ourselves.

The bathroom.

The kitchen we shared with other guests.

The street our hostel was located on. Many of the streets in Hungary look identical.

After our encounter with the colorful hostel owner, we set out to explore the city!

 This is the train station in Budapest. It's abnormally beautiful for a train station. The reason why? The designer of this building also designed the Eiffel Tower! You can read a little more about it here.

Another perk about European cities is all the art on buildings! Budapest was teeming with statues of lions! I'm glad too, because Ty obviously needs to practice his lion face a little more!

The next stop on our walk was the Terror Museum. Many people were tortured in this building because of the communist movement. Cameras are forbidden in the building, so all I have of the inside are some brochures. Basically, people will do anything to reach their goal. However, what one leader or a group of leaders might think is for the "common good" might not be good at all.

And after that, we needed a beer. Just kidding, we didn't get on this "bike," but it would definitely be a good way to travel the city!

 Instead of riding the fancy bike/bar, we walked to Hero Square. Note the picture. My fanny pack also makes for a nice makeshift tripod. Hashtag, fanny pack for the win!

Budapest Castle. It really looks like something from a fairy tale.

Ty in front of the Castle.

This was a cute elephant we saw in front of a restaurant! We took a picture because I know my mom loves elephants!

That night, Ty and I had a really fun experience! We were looking for a restaurant to eat at when we saw this big tent in the park that advertised food and beer. Music was playing from inside and we thought it would be a fun place to have supper. Once inside, we were greeted by a friendly server who suggested a sausage with fries and bread (delicious) and a Hungarian beer. Little did we know that we'd accidentally be attending a concert of a Hungarian rock band! We couldn't understand the words, but the music was quite good!

Our "traditional" Hungarian meal.

With all of the excitement under our belts, and food in our bellies, we made our way back to the hostel to sleep and recharge after such a big day of sightseeing.

The next morning Ty and I had a disagreement. He told me that I'm not spontaneous. To prove him wrong, I got pizza for breakfast. That's spontaneous... right?

That pizza was delicious by the way. We definitely weren't Hungary afterwards. (Like how I slipped that in there? hhaaaa!)

The Danube from the Chain Bridge. I was shocked about how free the bridge was; the railing was minimal to put it lightly. Many places along the river throughout the city either didn't have a rail or the railing was very simple. Shocking considering how fast the Danube flows!

After walking across the Chain Bridge, we made the trek up to the palace. From the palace, we had a lovely view of Budapest.

This is Budapest's parliament building. We took this shot on the way back along the bridge.

Here I am in front of one of the many fountains!

 Now, some of you might not know this, but my husband is spoiled rotten. Which means, he wanted Hard Rock Cafe. Which also means that he got Hard Rock Cafe. But, I'm not complaining. It was tasty. :)

After walking everywhere for a day and a half, we were exhausted! As a way to relax we went to one of Budapest's natural thermal spring pools. Some pools were very warm and some were cold. The one we stayed in felt like bathwater. We had fun playing in the pool, and I had fun getting a tan!

After our excursion to the pool we had to eat. Our hostel owner had told us this was the most beautiful McDonald's. It's located in the train station. The food was what you would expect, but the view was very breathtaking! 

Once we finished our "healthy" meal we decided to walk to the parliament building. It's situated adjacent to the Danube, so from our location we could see the palace lights as well as the parliament building lit up.

The palace from across the river.

Ty and I standing by the illuminated building. I was taken aback by how beautiful the building was! 

Once we were  finished at parliament we made our way back to the hostel, only stopping once so Ty could support this poor homeless man. He looked really cold! ;)

The next morning we hopped on the bus to Krakow and said goodbye to Hungary!