Budapest with the Family
Back to Budapest
When I arrived at the Budapest airport, it was my third time in the city within 6 weeks. I spent the first two days there and managed to stop there on my way from Russia to Greece. This time I would spend a week there with my father, sister, and brother-in-law.
I was far to tired to ride trains for 24 hours from Athens to Budapest, so I arranged to fly. I made sure to arrive on the same day as my family did, but through some stroke of luck, our planes arrived at nearly the same time. I met them at the baggage carousels - they hadn't even left customs yet. It was a nice reunioun - I hadn't seen them in more than a month.
Missing Family
After leaving customs I met my only known living relatives in Hungary. My grandmother's cousin Paul and his son Adam (I know) met us in the terminal. Unfortunately they don't speak much english - my father translated as much as is practical. We all couldn't fit in their Daewoo; so my father rode with Paul while Jennifer, Sean, and I took a shuttle to our hotel.
More than Sightseeing
Not everone knows that I am half hungarian, my father contributing the half. I told him last year, before my last european trip, that I would not visit Hungary unless he made it. I wanted to see where he grew up as more than a tourist. He couldn't make it that winter, but this time he could. Our first day it was raining, and Paul picked us up with his car. He drove us first to my father's neighborhood. We stood there in the rain looking at the building where my grandfather, grandmother, father, aunt, and great-grandmother lived. Within a few minutes my dad started telling a story about the hungarian revolt of 1956.
Russian Tank on your Doorstep
My grandparents lived in what is now one of the best neighborhoods in Budapest. The buildings are over 200 years old and 5 or 6 stories high. Their corner apartment was on the second floor; their windows faced the intersection. For a short period of time the Russian military retreated and stayed outside Budapest. The Russians came in to crush the revolt with tanks, and the freedom fighters were held up in an apartment across the intersection from my father's house.
So my father tells the story, and the walls of the buildings provide the visuals. A tanks sits in the intersection firing into the buildings. My family is in the basement; the freedom fighers are shooting at this tank, and the tank is responding. Before its done, the tank blows a hole in my father's apartment. Today the buildings still show scars from that firefight nearly 50 years ago.
Old Flames
We stood in front of the building's entrance for a time, hoping someone might leave so we could go in. After about 15 minutes our wishes were answered. The tall, austere, ornate doors revealed a very european hall and lift. Once inside we walked in to the courtyard, where my father detailed some of the things he did there in the 50s. He goes on to telling us about his first girlfriend, whom we find out later still lives in the building.
The neighbors of course take an interest in these four foreigners standing in thier building. My father explains in hungarian how he used to live there. After a few minutes he finds out that his first flame still lives in the apartment above his. We all go upstairs, and the neighbor knocks. And of course she recognizes him immediately (he was 11 when he saw her last). We went in and sat down, and they reminisced.
No Trouble
I spent the week with my family as a tourist in Budapest. My father continued to supply the narrative, while the city gave us the beautiful visuals. This city is truly gorgeous. I managed to stay out of trouble for an entire week. Nothing stolen or broken, and I was on time for everything. I spent the days with the fam, and at night I went to local clubs and danced.
Trip Home
On June 10 at 7:00am we left Budapest. The trip home was miserably long. I flew on my father's frequent flier miles, wonderful of course, but I had to take the long way home. We stopped in Paris and New York, making the trip take about 24 hours.
Layover in New York
When I realized I would have a five hour layover in New York, my wheels started spinning. My very close friend Joanna lives there, and I haven't seen her in a year. I didn't want to wake her up too early, so I called just as the jet was leaving the terminal in Paris. Of course I woke her up around 5am, but she was glad to hear I was coming. 
Speed Sushi
My dad and I got to JFK around 4pm. The airlines misplaced his luggage, but he accepted it well. He didn't feel like heading in to Manhattan; so I caught a bus right after getting through customs and transferring my bags. With the traffic, it took a bit, but I got to the island by 6. Joann met me at Grand Central - we caught the subway to her favorite sushi restaurant, but not before she quickly showed me her new apartment and roomate.
Cool new digs!
We caught up over a quick but good sushi meal. Joann just might be moving to Dallas; she got offered a new job she couldn't refuse. I wish her all the best luck. We said our goodbyes - promised to do it again in less than a year - and I jumped on a bus back to JFK.
Home at Last - Not for Long
I got to spend a couple days at home before shipping off to Guam for a couple weeks, which is where I am now. I had enough time to wash my clothes, pack, and say hi to a couple friends. My travel to Guam from LA was quite easy. I made all my flights; I was even early for them. That's a surprise
The End of My Adventure
This will be my last newsletter. I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventure - I did get into a lot of trouble, didn't I. It's hard to believe it's over already. I thoroughly enjoyed telling you my stories. I should be home by July 1 - I'm glad. I dislike being overseas for Independence Day. I miss you all and can't wait to see you again. Paka (Bye).
