I went down to Budapest this weekend to get a new stamp in my passport (because don't tell anyone, but I'm still not legal here in Slovakia) and to visit friends. Though I'd been in Hungary for a year, I did many things this weekend for the very first time. Take for example the baths. It'd be wrong to say I'd
never been to the baths before this weekend. However what I learned on Saturday was that Amy and I only went to the "tepid" bath outdoors in the dead of last year's winter. As we left last January, we were cold and unimpressed. "Why were the baths so dang popular?" we wondered. Is it only because they are from natural springs that people flock to their pools in droves? I can now celebrate their glory thanks to the trip this weekend that was guided by two pros - Abi and Katie. From the 34 c indoor bath, the peppermint sauna (that burned my eyes and made me nearly hyperventilate), whirlpool, the steam room, 16 c pool, and good conversation, this trip was worth far more than the $5.
Then there's Mokka's. It's possible this restaurant is getting considerably more press than last year, or else I'm more aware of it because of new social circles. Either way, Mokka's is tastefully decorated with gourmet food at gourmet prices... at dinner, that is. At lunch however, their menu is a fraction of its dinner prices with the same grand quality. I snagged some matches from there... you'd be surprised by how difficult it's been for me to find matches for our gas stove.
You might also be surprised by how difficult it is to find non-rye bread here. 4 out of 6 loaves I've bought have had at least traces of rye, if not full fledged rye. I don't like rye all that much. Or at all. I've given in however and started putting cherry marmelada on my rye toast any how.
The third new thing I experienced this weekend was going into cafes to listen to music. Of course I'd been in cafes before, but this time we were not searching for good food. We were rather seeking good music. There was a Jazz Music Festival from Thursday to Saturday and from 11pm to 1am, the jazz bands went into cafes to play. It took us a while to find the advertised cafes and then any space for us in a cafe, but once we did, I was magically transported from the Soul Cafe to a club in Chicago where I'd been for an Over the Rhine concert. What a gift for my body and mind to return so vividly to a fond memory: through the musical intensity, through the spirited atmosphere. One of the things I miss the most here is the accessibility of culture. There just are not as many chances to go to shows or to buy new music, and consequently have conversations about these things. However, after this weekend's experience in the Soul Cafe, I'm going to do a better job of seeking out these opportunities.
Saturday night was a night in Kispest - which once was my second home. It was interesting to return to the same place with a completely new crew. Interesting in neither a good or bad way. It's incomparible. Just like comparing my year in Duna with this year. It can't, and shouldn't, be done. We ate dinner at the Mayflower which is highly frequented by those from Trefort and called Carice to wish her a happy birthday.
In case you haven't picked this up from my other entries: this is a good year. I am worked hard but the challenge is invigorating. I miss my friends from last year, but there are deeper roots being grown with ESI friends that are still here as well as new roots growing with new friends. I feel blessed. A little bit undeserving and surprised by it, but blessed nonetheless. Perhaps the surprise makes the blessing that much sweeter.
