It is safe to say that my flight from France to Budapest was less than ideal. I used Easy Jet Airlines because of the convenience and price, but I think that is the last time I will be using their services (or lack there of). I arrived at Charles de Gaulle, checked in and was told that I had an overweight bag. Making a rushed decision, I just paid the fee. That was a mistake. It was only after my expensive bag was take to a far away place on the conveyor belt that I was told my flight was delayed XX hours. It was only after I was told this that I realized I had a bag in my suitcase that I could have rearranged to make the overweight suitcase weight less. Hindsight is always 20/20, right? At this point I was throwing a little pity party and even called home (to the US that is). I was overly exhausted after pulling an all-nighter to write my wine school application and now I was pissed to be in an airport dropping money on stupid expenses and waiting for an underterminely (that’s a word right?) delayed flight. To top it off, when we finally did board the plane, we sat and waited for 30 minutes on the tarmac. We then deboarded the plane because the initial problem was not yet resolved. It had begun to rain during that 30 minutes, and we were all forced to walk through the pouring rain onto a little bus and then back into the rain and onto a new plane. Needless to say, we were all a bit ticked off. Luck for us, (FYI, sarcasm is kicking in) we were given a complmentary 4 euro ticket to use on food/beverage in the airport. What a blessing! Thanks Easy Jet…not!
On arrival to Budapest I was greeted by my friends Orsi and Bogi. We had planned to sightsee the afternoon I arrived, but my delay meant we hit the bars instead. It was great to be with my friends and meet their friends. We went to some really unique spots that night. One bar was a completely outdoor area (I failed to mention that it was EXTREMELY hot in Budapest. The heatwave that hit the east coast at the beginning of July also happened across the Atlantic). The outdoor bar was filled with old boats and plastic lawn chairs. A simple wooden bar lined the back and lights were strung from poles throughout. Very simple and yet very effective. The place was packed with people.
The next day was my only free full day so Bogi and I went walking around the city in the hot hot sun. We saw the main sites and then checked into a hostel for the next day’s wedding festivities. That evening we had an apéro (drinks and snacks) at Tibo’s friends’ apartment. They stayed in Budapest for a week, making the wedding a vacation. The windows were open to a wonderful sunset and unique scene. We made sure not to stay out too late however because the following day’s wedding was sure to be a doozy.
The day of the wedding was hot but by this time we were used to the sweaty mess. Bogi and I got prepared in stages, taking a few moments between each garment to sit and cool off as best one can with no A/C. After this slow process, we found shelter in a cool taxi and made our way to the city center. Orsi was beautiful, the wedding was concise and the reception lasted until 7am. A little drunk and very sweaty and tired, I made my way to the hostel at 8am for an hour nap and then rushed to the airport for a flight to Ukraine and then NYC. A whirl wind finish but so many great memories were had.
Becoming French 