Day Trip: Vienna

When I was initially thinking about where to study abroad, Vienna was one of my top choices. Of course, in the end, I decided upon Budapest [and what a great decision that was], I knew that while I was abroad I needed to visit Vienna. Last Friday, I finally made it. Vienna is actually very close to Budapest, about a three hour bus ride away. And wow, the city is beautiful. The buildings are pristine and lit up for Christmas. There are so many Christmas markets everywhere as well, although the biggest one we found was at Rathausplatz, right by Parliament. 

       

There were tons of vendors, most of which were selling some sort of delicious treat: huge pretzels [sweet + savory], chocolate, apple strudel, soup, sausage, and of course, hot mulled wine, Punsch. The best parts about the wine are that a) it's hot and you're absolutely freezing, b)it's delicious, and c) you get to keep the Christmas market themed ceramic mug it comes in!

We also went on a tour of the Parliament building. Only 2.50 Euro with the student discount! The building is small, but has incredibly intricate decorations on the inside. Part of the building was bombed during WWII because the Germans used it as headquarters, and that area has distinctly new construction and style. However the original parts were very cool to see. 

One of the amazing buildings that makes up the Hofburg Palace. 

The ridiculously cute and picturesque entrance to one of the Christmas markets. Almost worth the frostbite we suffered.

 

More beautiful street scenes. I was only in Vienna for a day unfortunately, and I wish I had more time to explore the city. I'm glad I was able to go though, and hopefully next time I visit I can stay for a few more days. 

A Pseudo Thanksgiving Break

As we all know, Thanksgiving is an American holiday. So here in Hungary we didn't have any school or time off, of course. But we managed to celebrate anyways. 

First off, there were so many visitors. It seemed as though everyone had a friend, significant other, sister, sister's friend, etc come to stay with them for the week. So, that added to familial holiday feel. Secondly, I was one of the lucky ones I mentioned above, for Justin came to visit me that week! It was so great to see him and to show him around Budapest. He can finally see why I am in so in love with this city. Thirdly, the whole gang came together and chipped in to create a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. Literally, everyone either made something or brought drinks and we ended up with an enormous spread of food -- all of which was surprisingly delicious! Obviously I love spending Thanksgiving with my family, but I truly have to say that this year was one of my all time favorite Thanksgivings, or as I've deemed it, Friendsgivinkkuh. Definitely something I will never have again: in Budapest, with all new friends and a few visitors, and Hanukkah at the same time!? Once in a lifetime. 

Anyways, albeit a little late, but, Happy Thanksgiving from Budapest! 

Weekend Escapade: Paris

I know it's been a little while since I last wrote.. Life all of a sudden picked up with school work, traveling, and visitors. But, two weekends ago I traveled to Paris! Made even more amazing because it was my birthday weekend. Such a hard life, no?

My parents simply love that I'm studying abroad because I provide the perfect excuse/opportunity for them to get some great traveling in. They visited me in Budapest, and coupled that in with a tour of Prague and Vienna, and then two weeks ago, they met me in Paris! We have all been to Paris before, but it was almost nicer for me this time because I didn't feel as though I had to run around, trying to see every site in existence in a matter of days. On most of the trips I've taken this semester, I try to do it all, because why not make the most of the trip. But the three of us were able to relax in Paris and leisurely walk the streets, stumble upon cool places and famous sites, and of course, eat delicious French food and pastries. No complaints.

Our first stop was Notre Dame. Still as magnificent as ever. And the view of the Seine doesn't hurt either.

 

I love the architecture in Paris. Granted, all the buildings look very similar, so you either love it or hate it I suppose, but I happen to be a big fan. I think that possibly my favorite part of the buildings is the roofs. The rows of windows peeking out, the chimneys stacked, and the attic rooms I can imagine within.

We checked out the Centre Pompidou but didn't venture inside. 60,000 square feet of show room? We weren't prepared. But the verdict's out - Dan and Sharon strongly dislike the building. Thoughts?

We used Air BnB to rent an apartment for our trip. We stayed on the cutest street: Rue Cler. In the 7th arrondissement, it's a street full of specialty markets. Boulangerie, boucherie, fromagerie, marché... and of course, heaps of amazing restaurants. Little brasseries packed with Parisians. Not a bad place to wake up.

We also stumbled upon the Christmas markets on our way back from the Tuileries! A lovely discovery. Mulled, hot wine, chocolates everywhere, and so many booths of gifts and little trinkets. I wasn't aware Paris had Christmas/Winter markets - I've only really heard of the ones in Vienna, and now I know, the ones in Budapest as well. But I've come to realize that Christmas time in Europe is a big deal. Festive music begins in the beginning of November! With no holiday around Thanksgiving time, there's nothing to stop Europeans from beginning the Christmas cheer. 

Our last stop was le Tour Eiffel. A classic. And, hey, this is a potential sneak peek at the Polite family Christmas card! 

Up next, I'll be posting about my day trip to Vienna and about Justin's visit to Budapest!