Budapest - Celebrating the New Year Somewhere New!

Budapest, that's exactly where I was two years ago, anticipating the start of 2010. The next day I would be packing my bags to leave. I was going to miss our giant room with the picturesque window looking out...well actually, it looked out to the wall of the building next to us, but still, beautiful. Different. I was going to miss the cute little hostel itself, it's owners, and the variety of people we had met there. But I was incredibly excited for Prague, our next stop on a journey throughout Europe. The most memorable part of Budapest for me however, was New Year's Eve. In some ways, New Year's Day is even more ingrained in the corners of my mind, yet for different reasons (I'm sure you can put the pieces together and understand what I'm talking about here.)

The night began with intentions of having champagne with a delicious dinner in our hostel, and quickly took a turn to the consumption of two entire bottles of champagne between a few of us, paired with endless glasses of wine from our generous Italian house mates...which led to shots of a home made alcohol that a local graciously brought by. Needless to say the night took to the street (which is where everyone seems to celebrate the new year in Budapest.) We were invited to a random, and how could it not be random considering we had no connections in this town, apartment party. We were put on a guest list and whisked away up several flights of stairs in what seemed to be an abandoned building, until we reached the top floor. Flashing lights. Music. Drinks drinks and more drinks. And all sorts of people. "House" party in a foreign city? Sure, why not? It was chaotic. But chaotic in the kind of way that leaves you reminiscing later, as I am right now. Quite frankly, I'm surprised I remember as much of the night as I do.

We returned to the streets later on. Spinning, dancing, singing in a country I new hardly anything about, but I think in the moment we fit in perfectly. Happy, far beyond tipsy, and bringing in the new year lost in the giant crowd, listening as a band rocked in the year in the middle of the town.

Want to start 2013 in Budapest? Or to celebrate any day at all? Here's a couple links that will help you do just that:

http://www.bigfishbudapest.hu/ (One of the best hostels I've ever experienced! From the outside it looks like a hole in the wall. We had a difficult time finding it when we first arrived in the city, but on the inside, it's quite perfect).

http://www.mng.hu/en (Visit the Hungarian National Gallery. It was a wonderful museum, and if you're not into museums, please just go for the gorgeous view of the city from where the museum rest on a hilltop.)

Coffee? Check out Café Miro. Just the right amount of quirky and colorful to make even the coldest day in Budapest feel warm and fuzzy.

http://www.filolog.com/budapest_what_to_see.html (This site will help you pinpoint just about anything that interest you, have fun!)

I could recommend so much more, but it's time for me to go bring in 2012 with a few loved ones. Happy new year hubbers!!!!