8 Unique Reasons to Visit Budapest

During our first visit to Budapest, we arrived late at night. It was dark and moody, and we were tired. We hailed a taxi at the airport, the driver greeting us with breathless Hungarian and a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He unapologetically sped through the darkened streets, whizzing around corners and gambling with shortcuts …

Budapest’s Best Christmas Markets

Ahhhh, European Christmas markets. Come December, they’re what us expats live for. We are far from home, friends, family, and our own traditions, so what fills such a huge void during the holidays? Mugs of steaming mulled wine, of course. Plus all the others: heaping plates of traditional foods, artistic crafts, twinkling lights, wafting music, …

Finding Fall

It's October, a highly anticipated month as summer settles and autumn abounds. But here I sit, ever so patiently in Madrid... waiting, waiting, waiting... for those leaves to pop. Some have started their ritual, warm tones emerging amongst the jagged peaks of the Sierra Norte, creating that gorgeous scene I crave. But others remain stubborn, …

Dawn vs. Dusk in Budapest

I used to be a sunset person. As a night owl, it fit my inner clock better than the sunrise. I loved blue hour, when the evening glow hit the horizon, bursts of lights illuminating the clouds and that calming tone slowly enveloping my surroundings from behind. It was a subtle goodnight. And living in …

How To: Treasure Hunt at Budapest’s Largest Flea Market

Budapest is steeped in history - unique, turbulent, varied, discouraging, triumphant, hopeful history. Perusing the streets, ducking into courtyards, exploring alleyways, investigating the riverside... it has yet to get old, and I predict it never will. Of all the European cities I have visited, Budapest remains my favorite. Now, it's not for everyone. The culture is rich …

Coffee Break in Budapest

Growing up outside of Seattle, I developed a refined coffee palette. At least that’s how I prefer to describe my nearly out-of-control crazed caffeine addiction. Let me set the scene: The wafting scent of properly brewed java catches my attention, snatching me right out of reality. I begin to mindlessly wander until I’m standing in front …

A Cake is Worth a Thousand Bites

Strolling by a cukrászda (a bakery with CAKE and other sweet delights), my heart skips a beat. I get nervous; my palms sweat, my mouth is dry. I make brief eye contact with a layered chocolate sponge cake topped with decadent ganache and a sliver of candied caramel, and I quickly look away, bashful.  I …

Budapest: Seasons and Emotions

As I left my flat this morning, I was greeted by a frigid, subzero wind rushing steadily through our narrow street. The sky was gray, gradual flurries floating down from billowed snow clouds, and no matter how carefully I stepped, ice clung to every shadowed corner. Tightening my scarf, I quickened my pace, hoping my speed would stop the stinging …