Hello, Goodbye

In Hungarian, hallo means "goodbye"; I can't help but think that there's something deeply symbolic about that. Like maybe everything might just start where it ends. (Or maybe symbolism only belongs in novels, poems, and movies.)

I brought one of those tourist guide books for Budapest. In the section about Hungarian cuisine, it reads "Vegetarianism is slowly, ever so slowly being recognized in Hungarian restaurants; many establishments now offer a vegetable plate entrée, usually consisting of seasonal steamed and grilled vegetables, or cheese plates. Hungarians look on vegetarians with suspicion, regardless of their nationality." (That last bit sounds like my dad.) Okay, makes dieting easier.

Pre-Departure II

I've been snowed in this entire weekend. We got a ridiculous amount of snow, almost two feet in some places. I took the free time to really start planning my trip. So far I haven't done much preparation other than booking my flight. I feel like I should start learning some elementary Hungarian or something.

I started looking at "flats" I might rent. There are some really beautiful ones near Buda Castle but apparently further away from the university. Location vs. convenience?

I'm only allowed two checked bags on my flight. This calls for a lot of planning ahead. I don't think I know how to pack economically. How many pairs of jeans would I need? Five? Ten? What about shoes? Two suitcases for five months?! This really doesn't bode well.

Pre-Departure I

Fall semester has officially ended. I handed in my last paper on Tuesday; packed and ran errands on Wednesday; drove home on Thursday, just in time to miss the huge snow storm that hit the Northeast.

Now I am in a process of sorting out all of my worldly possessions in what looks strangely like a hybrid between unpacking and repacking. In short, everything's a mess.

This whole trip really hasn't hit me yet. I just helped put up the Christmas tree this afternoon and helped my mom plan her holiday party. It's really strange to think that soon I'll be half way around the world in a country with a completely different culture and where they speak a language I can't understand. Budapest is still abstract to me.

January 4th - 16 days and counting.