About two months ago or so, I saw snow in my Brazilian friend's Instagram story. Surprised that there was snow in Brazil, I asked her if that was so. She responded saying she was in Budapest, and that I should come! In just a few days the decision was made, and I booked my fights. Very spontaneous, very unexpected, but very much an adventure!!
Yesterday, 15th May, I traveled to a city and country I had never been to. I had an evening plane, so it meant that I still had much of that day to get ready. I am a terrible packer. I take forever for some reason. I make a list, and it just takes me so long to get through everything. But this time I feel as though I've packed light enough (for me anyway). I only have a small carry-on suitcase (although Ryanair's new rules mean I put it in the hold before I board), my backpack, and camera bag (with the camera in it of course). I packed the day before and got most of it done that day, reducing last minute stress, and knowing I could add the last few bits in the morning (early morning flights make me stay up late as I am packing all the last-minute things very late. You know when you keep remembering things, even things not on your list?) Anyway, this time I felt a lot more relaxed. Kind of how I feel when going to visit my sister in Glasgow for the weekend. This is almost a week yet I managed to fit everything in a case I would usually take on a weekend trip. Yay me! I'm proud of myself haha!
I've been to the airport many times on my own. I've traveled on a long-haul flight on my own (on the way to Atlanta when I was going to Mexico). So I'm pretty much used to it by now. But yesterday on the plane I wasn't alone the whole time. A young woman from Armagh sitting next to me (9 years older than me), who I later found out was also a Sarah (with a "h"), started talking to me. And so our 3 hour flight became a lot shorter and more interesting as we discussed topics from our lives, to current affairs (such as Harry and Meghan's wedding this Saturday, or Brexit). She was such a lovely person, and it was nice to talk to someone on a plane for a change!
We landed about 3 minutes late (no fanfare on Ryanair's part), and my friend came to meet me at the airport. We took a taxi to my hostel, Wombats City Hostel, and when we got there, the guys at the reception entertained us while I checked in (jokes were promised, but we never heard one. There was a lot of humour though!) Getting into the room was hard as it was dark, and two girls were already asleep. Trying not to disturb them, I set my things down, brushed my teeth, put my PJs on, and tried to make my bed in the dark with only the torch on my phone (today I had a nap, and realised that the sheets were bigger than they seemed last night so they did actually fit the mattress! Also, I latr relaised there's a light beside my bed, under a shelf.) That part was actually the easy part of the night, because what was coming was a night of very little sleep.
There are six beds in the room, a bathroom and lockers. Six beds, only three of us. I was hoping that the other three, who were definitely already there, would try to be as quiet as me when coming in. But boy, was I wrong. I think I may have gotten a bit of sleep, but it wasn't long before they came back, speaking at full capacity, and drunk. This went on for a long time as they all showered, their conversations completely understandable from the bathroom with the door closed. One went to bed, started calling out another. I knew all their names by now. And so it went on. One started crying, another sounding as though she were with her (two are on the same bunk, and the third closer to me) rather than in her own bunk, trying to calm her. This conversation was harder to understand as at this point they were trying to whisper, and one of them was whinging after all. Sounded like she did something she regretted. Who knows. Anyway, I must have fell asleep at some point as the next thing I remember was the snoring.
Oh the snoring. There were two culprits as I later realised, and the one further away from me was the worst of the two. I didn't sleep for almost two hours, from 4 something to about 6. And on top of that not one, but two other girls (who were asleep when I arrived) left around that time. At first I was convinced it was the girl below me, but then the top bunk in the bed beside me was empty. I only saw/heard one person move. This morning both were empty. This wouldn't have been too bad if there was no snoring. I don't mind them having to leave, she/they (don't know if I was actully awake for when both left) was/were trying to be as quiet as they could.
On top of all that, it was very hot. So basically, if you take that horrible night away, the trip has been good so far! This morning, after giving myself extra time in bed due to being very sleep deprived, I met my friend's mum (was gonna type "my mum's friend", which would have been apt too). Before, I had a much needed shower, all-you-can-eat breakfast (1000 Ft.), and just after 10am I set off to meet her. We walked to the castle, and visited the National Gallery. Lots of beautiful paintings there. We then went to meet my friend for lunch around 1pm, and ate in a place called "Good Bar! or "Good Burger" or something. Afterwards, we walked back to my friend's place/my hostel, and I decided I needed a nap. I was also planning on visiting the surrounding area a bit more after.
I am in Budapest right now, of all places. And because of some disrespectful girls making too much noise (and a lot of snoring) I had to have a nap. An afternoon I could have spent visiting the city some more, but as I was so tired I needed some rest! I am still exhausted, and wandering around would be too much for me, so I'm waiting until it's time to meet my friend and her mum. Anyway, an earlier night tonight and (hopefully) better sleep will help me get back to my more energised self! I just hope I can sleep well without disruptions this time! Luckily tomorrow I will be going to my friend's apartment for the rest of my time here! And now it's started raining, so I better get ready to meet the others, and maybe put on a pair of jeans!
Wish me luck for tonight,
Sarah xxx
Photos coming soon!
