As per usual, it has been a pretty hectic couple days.  Since I last wrote, we had another funfilled day in Budapest and have traveled to Vienna or Wein as it is properly called.  I have had many realizations in the past couple days including my preferred method of travel, and the importance of people over places when traveling.  More on that later though.

Our last full day in Budapest was quite rainy, and it led to a fortunate series of events.  After a sleepy start, we decided to venture into the heart of the city for a well-mannered game of frisbee.  While my goal is to run in every country that I visit, it is Rachel’s to toss her ‘bee around in each one.  We stepped out of our friendly hostel only to discover somewhat substantial rain.  We jumped the nearest bus in search of a park anyway, and when we finally found one it was pouring.  We ducked into the nearest building, which happened to be an incredibly swanks restaurant frequented by Arnold S.  We spent three hours ordering luscious treats and chatting over tea waiting for the rain to stop, but to no avail.  We finally conceded to the rain and went on our merry way, having what would seem like an ordinary day.  We did some shopping in a funky store off the beaten path (my wallet is doomed this trip), internet surfing which allowed me to work out my itenerary, and then we went to the store to buy some dinner supplies.  The rain continued on our small parade, and it was determined that rain, darkness, traffic, and a substantial amount of pedestrians could not deter us from helping Rachel meet her frisbee goal, and thus on a busy street corner, we commenced our quest.  Forehands, backhands, hammers, and even a scoober or two soared through the air.  Our brave frisbee narrowly avoided shaving inches from passerby’s hair, withstood many a steely gaze, and even survived hitting a pole and being rescued from underneath a somewhat ominous cab. 

After a homemade dinner of gnocci and apples, we headed off to listen to some acoustic music in an underground cellar.  The hot cocoa was nothing short of fabulous, but it was really the conversation that made the day.  Our time spent in Budapest with our new friend Steve, Rachel’s contacts there, and the new people that we met while caving were really what made the trip enjoyable.  It has come to my attention that a smile not returned can dent my day, but every good conversation and moment in good company can bring a trip to life.  Train rides that would otherwise be dull, moods dampened by rain, and meals focused only on food are enhanced and sweetened by the people that you share them with.