hi

hi

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Hello Budapest…or solo traveling



Do you remember your first solo traveling and your feelings about it? How was it this first unusual experience? 

 Mine happened not so long ago, so it is sooo easy to memorize. That happened when i got multi-visa this summer and decided to flatter the Hungarian embassy for giving me that great opportunity by visiting Budapest first. In fact, that trip wasn't planned to be solo and honestly at that time i even didn't know that lonely traveling had had its own name. Realizing that no one can join me didn't stop me, but it was decided to have a small weekend journey in order not to get bored alone. 

 There was no need in expensive flights and luxury hotels, as Hungary is a neighbour and is so accessible. I was wondering how i would manage to make this trip cheap. Hostels didn't work from the very beginning, as all nice ones had been already booked and others didn't seem like a good option, in fact, they didn't seem to be the option at all ;) 

And then i first met this wonderful source, where all your wishes of accomodation can become real. I've heard of AirBnB several times before, but never had a chance to use it. I've spent almost a day sufring from one flat to another; from antique appartments to modern studios and found a cozy small place so close to the downtown in a totally Hungarian building, where the stairs and the entrance to the flat are outside under the sky. Connected the owner. Booked. Paid. Done. 


 Even when sitting in the airport and looking at pink-purple low-cost WizzAir airplane i couldn't gather all my thoughts and feelings. How did it happen that i am traveling alone (and with no luggage, i would mention)? What if i got lost? What if my appartment is occupied? What if? What if? It seemed like a risky adventure for me. (It is only now when i've read some of your blogs, guys, and understood that my trip didn't have anything in common with risk). But i was full of happiness. Finally, i could escape from home, from everyone, from troubles and to be on my own. I wouldn't need to talk to anyone, to express my thoughts, argue, think of work, i would just be all alone with myself, my feelings and city around me. 

 I've been to Budapest before, so didn't plan to see anything specific, but just wanted to feel myself like a local. In fact, that is my biggest love about traveling – not to be a tourist, not to feel as a tourist, but just enjoy a simple day in a simple way. 



 The whole three days were dedicated to walking from one street to another; sitting on the grass in different parks; smiling to sitizens and discovering unusual spots. First of all i needed to say «Hello» to Danube and to the Parliament. It was a sun set and I was just walking and smiling like stupid (well, we blondes can do that) full of joy, excitement and feeling that I so belonged to that place. To celebrate this I went to the center straight from the Margaret bridge (which is so beautiful by the way) and found a sweet cozy bar with small lights all over all trees and ordered my “traveling” drink – Aperol Spritz. It is a small tradition wherever I go, after a day of walking around the city, I pick a bar and try their Aperol. That was so perfect, I didn’t care whether people think I am a drunker or why I am alone, I wasn’t worried of what the time it was and where I needed to go next, to tell you the truth I wasn’t thinking much at all. Small dream in reality. 

























Budapest is incredibly beautiful place. Its architecture is so different but in the same time lives in the total harmony. The grass is indeed greener; the people are indeed happier – the atmosphere is inspiring. I’ve spent whole next day walking around and just admiring everything around me and by the evening I’ve realized that somehow I managed to explore all central part of Buda. And here it was… Ferris wheel…What could be better in the whole world? Actually, it was a little bit hard to explain to a ticket man why I am alone and that no one will join me in the cabin. But who cares, right? ☺ I was happy as I child, making photos and admiring the roofs of the city. The time flew so fast that I wasn’t even ready to get out of this magical trip. But I had another plan saved already. From the wheel I’ve seen an enormous fountain around which all locals were sitting with their feet in the water. Why shouldn’t I try? Only after a half an hour I felt that time for goulash has come. The best way to finish that day perfectly was to find a huge bench and enjoy the Parliament in its night-lights. I was so happy for locals that they have such a wonderful city, safe, beautiful, full of history and freedom; the place which is so comfortable and can be called a home. 



























The last day I’ve spent at the Margaret island having a picnic, wondering in the woods, watching kids playing everywhere and enjoying Buda from the middle of Danube. It was a calm lazy day and I can’t stop but think how smart of me was to arrange this small trip. 


Solo traveling is all about your feelings and comfort. You are dedicated totally to yourself, to your thoughts and emotions. You go wherever you want, you visit whatever you feel like, you stop for a snack whenever you’re actually hungry. I kept feeling as I was local there and couple of tourists asking the way proved that. It was a little bit exhausting walking for three days, so the last evening I’ve dedicated to Starbucks coffee on the terrace with incredible cookies. What can be better? While sitting there I’ve planned my next partially solo trip for the end of the summer. Why is that partial? And where did I go? Stay tuned! <3



P.S. As you might noticed i wasn't taking much staff with me and the camera was left at home as well :( but i couldn't but show you some pics, even in not the best iPhone quality...

20 comments:

  1. Awesome post! I would love to go to Budapest one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!) you should go there 100% - budapest is also famouse for its ruined bares, so if you will be with company, you will have even more fun;))))

      Delete
  2. A lovely refreshing take on a wonderful cory. I agree that walking and wandering is the next way to find the soul of a city.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed, one of the best ways i would say - the city is like totally dedicated to you!) have you tried solo traveling?

      Delete
  3. ohh I love a day of just walking and exploring, the place looks absolutely amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. especially in the summer at sunset, right?))))

      Delete
  4. I think my first true solo trip was to Paris. My friend was living there, but half the time I spent days just exploring by myself. I really liked the time I had for myself and how much thinking I got done! Also felt pretty independent and proud of myself, haha. Budapest looks gorgeous and it looks like you had a great time there. I can't wait to go for myself!!!

    Characters & Carry-ons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wow, solo in Paris should be magical - the city is just perfect for being alone with yourself!
      when are you planning to visit Budapest? alone? or with company?

      Delete
  5. Wow, those buildings are just stunning! I've only taken local solo trips, but I'd love to go on a major one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. local solo trips can be fun as well, especially if you find some awesome places :)

      Delete
  6. Budapest looks gorgeous!
    I completely see what you are saying about solo travel and how you felt. It's a bit of a mixed bundle of feelings to be honest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. exactly!!! that i was trying to express! where did you go solo traveling?

      Delete
  7. Great post! I would love to go to budapest again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i wonder how it looks like in winter :) i think it is gorgeous, don't you think so?

      Delete
  8. solo travel is the best... a tad uncomfortable sometimes (how else do you grow?) but mostly so liberating & empowering!

    where are you going next??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 100% - can't agree more with you!!

      I will tell soon about my next trip, that will happen in December :) can't wait already!

      Delete
  9. Great article! I have been to Budapest 2 years ago and loved it!
    I am constantly encouraging myself to solo travel, but still haven't done it yet..

    http://coloursbynicole.blogspot.cz/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!!!
      Why not????is something stoping you??

      Delete