Budapest Part 1

This week was the school's autumn break. It was also the time when my parents came over to visit me. I was so excited and travelled on a bus and a train to get to Budapest (the train line is still being repaired from Sarospatak). When I finally arrived in Budapest, I got the metro line to Batthyany Ter. Getting off at the stop, I walked along the street until I finally found the hotel we were staying in.

It was very good timing as I arrived just five minutes before my parents. It was a cheerful reunion, as I hadn't seen them for over two months (an eternity in my opinion). We then settled into our hotel room, before heading off to find a restaurant. We managed to find one near St Stephen's Basillica, which was a more hip style restaurant, however the food was excellent. We walked around the city centre for a bit, looking at the sights, walking across the Chain Bridge. Then it was time for bed.

The next morning we were treated to a lovely breakfast and with a lovely view of the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge across from our hotel. Then it was time for sightseeing, we bought tickets for a bus tour and the bus soon arrived and we were on our way around Budapest, finding out interesting facts about the capital of Hungary and the history itself. Then we got off the bus across from Heroes Square, took a few photos there and then decided to go for somewhere to eat.

We spent time at the Varsoliget, which is a city park close to the centre of Budapest, we went to a cafe there (I know I keep talking about food!). But it was so delicious, I had chicken paprikash (paprika chicken) and for dessert, a yummy chocolate mousse with lavender ice cream. After this, we went back on the bus before going back to our hotel and relaxing. We had a few hours to relax in the hotel, before we went back again on the night bus tour. However, there was a demonstration on that night which meant the Chain Bridge had to be closed off, so we didn't get on the normal route that the bus would take, up to Gellert Hill. But it was still a good tour, as we got to see the lit up Heroes Square, which normally wouldn't happen on the night bus tour. Afterwards, we went to another restaurant where we tried some more Hungarian specialties and then it was time for a good night's sleep in our last night in Budapest.

The next morning we would check out at 11.00am, but kept the hired car in the hotel's garage while we went sightseeing again, this time at the top of the Citadella, where the famous Liberty Statue is. In my opinion, it is the best place to get a fantastic panoramic view of the city. After the Citadella, we then took the bus to the Castle district, visiting the shops and St Matthias church, as well as the Fisherman's Bastion. It was here that my parents bought me a beautiful Hungarian rag doll, who I have decided to call Eva. After this,
we took the bus back to Adam Clark Square (or Clark Adam ter), arrived back at the hotel, got the car and then headed off to Sarospatak, where I live.

I had a lovely time in Budapest and hopefully it won't be long until I am back there soon. In the meantime, enjoy some of the photographs which were taken on our trip.

Rachel xx

N.B. I had two trips to the city, one in October (where my parents visited me) and one in February as a solo traveller. Hence, the names of the blogposts are Part 1 and Part 2.

Budapest Parliament Building, Heroes Square, Buda Palace and the Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge (at night), view of Parliament Building and Gellert Hill (with the Liberty Statue), St Matthias Church, chocolate mousse with lavender ice cream courtesy of Varosliget Cafe & Bar, Budapest. Yum!

Photos by: Rachel Summers

Dream...

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a dream. A dream which constantly occurs. I am currently sitting here outside the Rákóczi castle in Sárospatak. It overlooks the River Bodrog and in the distance I can see the Zemplén mountains which leads to the next town Sátoraljaújhely and eventually onto Slovakia. Why am I here? Well, it's all because I accepted a job as an EFL teacher and because I met my wonderful friend Aiysha. I have been here for over 2 months now and the time has certainly flown, especially as we are on the first holiday of the school year.

It has been hard, I'm not going to lie. There are times I have felt homesick for my native Scotland, however I have learned to trust in God and know that He has a plan for me through this short time I am here in Hungary. On Monday, I will travel to Budapest and meet my mum and dad there. It feels like forever since I last saw them and I'm looking forward to seeing them again. I hope they will enjoy this beautiful country.


Below are some photos I have taken of Sárospatak and its beautiful scenery.  These photos speak for themselves. Until next time,

Rachel xxx

Hello!

Hello again everybody!

Just a quick update from Sárospatak. It is almost the end of the first term, as Thursday is the start of the school's autumn break. It is incredible how quickly the time has gone here. I am trying to learn more Hungarian during my time here, so far I've learned the basics, the colours, the months and the numbers. I can get around the shops easily enough here as well.

Next Monday I will be taking the bus and a train to Budapest, where I will be meeting my parents who are flying into the airport there. I am really excited and can't wait to see them!

The one thing that is funny about staying here is at the moment, the weather isn't that cold, so when I just go out wearing a dress and a cardigan, some Hungarians ask me if I'm not cold. I laugh and I say that I am a Scot, the weather is not so bad compared to Scotland! Hungarian winters in January and February are supposed to be very cold, so thank goodness my parents are bringing over my winter clothes before then!

I am also really glad that I have taken up Hungarian folk dancing. Not many people will be able to say that they've tried that!

Anyway I better get to bed, as I am teaching at the student weekend tomorrow.
Goodnight!

Rachel xx

Hello everybody!

I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while, just been very busy with work and also with getting some important paperwork done as well. I had a bit of a health scare on Monday, as I found out that there was blood on the bottom of my eyeballs. However no need to panic since it is just burst blood vessels and I was given some eye drops to help clear it. I have to avoid spending a lot of time looking at a computer screen, which is pretty difficult seeing as I need to use a computer for work a lot of the time.

I miss all of you back home, but it won't be long until I see you again soon. In the meantime here are some photos of a squirrel I saw in the park/school garden near my flat (because everyone likes squirrels, obviously).

Until next time,

Rachel xxx