Best. Week. Ever.

Back in Croatia now, heading down to Sarajevo tonight, but thought I'd take a few minutes to write before I completely forget the past few days...

Budapest was absolutely fantastic as well, and the past five days have definitely been some of the best of my life. Wandered the city Thursday night, saw the Parliament and lots of other sites, then hung out with some of the others at the hostel watching the semi-final game of the Euro cup. (Kind of like our Super Bowl.) Headed to bed fairly early (1) and caught up on some much needed sleep. Overnight trains = not the best idea. I say this, yet will be taking another one tonight... hmm...

Spent all day Friday on the Buda side exploring the castle and the old town. Absolutely amazing views, and lots to see and take in. Budapest has so much character - theres all this history and beautiful sites, but it still feels like a city, and not a tourist trap (Athens.) Relaxed on Margaret Island, which is in the middle of the Danube, in the afternoon, and just had an all in all fantastic day playing tourist.

Had a phenomenal bowl of Goulash at a sketchy little pub on the recommendation of the hostel staff - num. Hung out at the hostel with some fellow Americans and Canadians, and had an absolute blast. Went for kabobs around 1:30 and ended up at Budapest's only rooftop dance club. Definitely walked home as the sun was coming up. I paid for it in the morning, but it was such an amazing experience, and it felt good to be out and about where actual Hungarians were. Plus, got to drink and dance under the moonlight all night. Not bad.

Slept in Saturday and didn't make it to the baths as planned, but oh well. Went to a Mongolian BBQ serving questionable varieties of meat with a few others, and had a great meal, good conversation, and more than a few included drinks (had to get my moneys worth after all.) Headed down to Heroes Square (which is beautiful as well - picking up a theme here?) and got to see Santana play a free show. So much fun, and then relaxed at a few local cafes before heading back to the hostel. Walked along the river and saw the city all lit up at night, then headed to bed around 2 so that I could catch my 6 AM train. Good times.

Wandering around Zagreb again today, planning on seeing a movie later to test just how good my Croatian is, then catching my train to Sarajevo around 9. Immediately hopping on a bus to Vares, then teaching for the next four days! One more day in Sarajevo to see all my favorite sites (and by sites I mean restaurants and gelaterias) then heading home next Saturday. :(

While I'm looking forward to being home, and to starting the new job, I am definitely glad I got the opportunity to take this trip... Being around so many new people and immersed in other cultures really tests how comfortable you are with yourself, and I think I've done pretty well. I've had a lot of fun, met some great people and seen some amazing things. Oh, and got a nice tan and good pictures to prove it! Will definitely spend some time posting them all next weekend...

So I'll be off the grid for the next week or so, but will write again when I get home... pout...