Traveling With Lola

I’ve put off writing this blog because I was low-key traumatized after my abrupt return from Eastern Europe. My last joyful moments of my most recent solo European backpacking trip were spent in Budapest, Hungary (Pro tip: Sound like a local pronouncing the city correctly by saying “Buda-PESHT” not “buda-PEST”. In Hungarian, “s” sounds like”sh” 😀). 

I first arrived to BudaPESHT for a long weekend in the beginning of July. It was one of the hottest weeks in Europe and I was thanking my lucky stars that I sprung for a hostel with air conditioning. (Note: many accommodations across Europe don’t have any AC units because Europe is typically moderate throughout the year. Unless you’re a cold blooded reptile, I think springing for air con is worth it for any summer holidays in Europe). 

I arrived at the Maverick Urban Lodge Hostel, a hip and lively (and CHEAP!) accommodation located on the Pest side of the city. I felt intimidated staring around at the cool people lounging at the common areas and bar. 

As a solo backpacker, I’ve never really gotten over the fear-of-missing-out feeling at hostels. I always convince myself that everyone else already has friends, and isn’t interested in making any more travel companions. (This is almost never true in my experience but the “outsider” feeling always gets me). The feeling sort of reminds me of the first day of high school or college, where you’re disoriented, nervous, and extremely self conscious. Or is that just me? Ok 😅. 

Despite my initial fears, I had no idea the connections that this magical city had in store for me. After check in, I walked into my empty hostel dorm room and spread ALL of my belongings on the ground to sort out. Just as I made a huge wreck of half of the 8 bed dorm room, two feisty Swedish men walked in, just arriving as well. When one offered me a sip of the “vodka flavored alcohol” they had bought, I agreed and I knew we would be friends. 

In my experience, making friends I connect with while traveling feels like a physical release, like I was holding my breath too long and finally got to exhale. I made plans with Alex and Mattias to hang out later, as they had just arrived and would be there through the weekend just like me. It was around that time that I also figured out that my dear friend Maria (!!!!) was also in Budapest for one more night. (For those that don’t remember the wonderful Maria, check out my London blog for a recap!)

That night, Maria invited me for a night cruise on the Danube River, with her and two of her friends. The Danube River cuts through the heart of Budapest and its serene waters play a significant role in dividing Budapest into its two distinct sides: Buda and Pest. The historic Buda Castle perches majestically atop the hilly Buda side, exuding an air of regal history. On the opposite bank, the vibrant Pest side bustles with life, featuring an array of lively neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and bustling markets. After the hour-long cruise and a free welcome drink, we headed to the heart of Pest for dinner at a local spot and drinks at a Ruin Pub. 

The next morning, my Swedish friends invited me on what I would soon realize was a TREK up to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. Our amateur group of navigators had not figured out the finer details of the Budapest public transportation system and we ended up walking the same path that the bus route without getting on (adding an hour and lots of sweat to the journey). Despite this, it all ended up being worth it when the Fisherman’s Bastion revealed stunning panoramic views of the city and the Danube River.

On the castle grounds I enjoyed a Budapest Mule. I have no idea what was in it but it was scrumptious.

After a 9pm Zoom call with my U.S. based employer, I traded professional mode for party mode as we prepared to brave one of Budapest’s biggest clubs: Instant-Fogas, a huge venue with theatrical decor, 18 bars, 6 dance floors & 2 gardens. During this night, I discovered several things:

• I love Tiki Bars and their fun, tropical drinks
• Palinka (the Hungarian version of American moonshine) tastes like gasoline
• Budapest electric scooters work at all hours of the day including 5 a.m.. 🙂 

Budapest’s nightlife is a force to be reckoned with. 

The next morning after returning from the clubs at an ungodly hour, we drug ourselves to brunch on Ráday Street near our hostel, where any remaining alcohol was soaked up by Ukrainian latkes. Check out Ráday Street for an assortment of bars, restaurants and galleries near the Danube.

Budapest’s Free Walking Tours are affordable ways to learn about the history of the city. Hosts of these tours are often locals with recommendations of where to eat, stay, and play nearby. My favorite site to find free walking tours is freetoursbyfoot.com where the tour costs whatever you decide to tip the guide.

I spent the afternoon on the hunt for local thrift stores, but the only thing I came home with was a fine for not paying my trolley fare. IN MY DEFENSE, I had no clue what I was actually supposed to do to board the trolley, and my 24 hour transportation pass expired just minutes before I was caught trying to “steal a free ride.” 🥲Lesson learned. (Note: When you visit, download the Budapest Go app to download your passes and read the instructions carefully LOL).

I soon forgot about my $34 Fine after grabbing an iced latte in the Budapest Cat Cafe, a fun-cat centric joint with no AC. Alex and Mattias were leaving the next day, but somehow talked me into buying tickets for SPArty, a legendary party at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. One of the largest and most historic bath houses in Budapest, this complex encompasses a variety of indoor and outdoor pools with different temperatures, as well as saunas, steam rooms, and other wellness facilities. 

Once a week, they allow party-goers to purchase tickets to an epic and I mean EPIC pool party. I had no idea what was in store for me. When I walked out to the pools filled with dark silhouettes, made mystical by the fog machines and LED lights that lit up the pools and stages, I felt like I was in a dream. Metallic foxes, fire throwers, and an angel perched on the rooftop above us dancing, and my jaw dropped open. 

As I soaked up the heat of the water and the steamy energy of the people around me, a sense of disbelief overwhelmed me. Moments like this make me feel shocked that this is the life I’m living: one of freedom, exploration and adventure, all while traveling the world. Thank you Budapest for embracing me with the warmth of your sites, people and of course… your thermal pools 😉.