It’s time to say goodbye to 2013, you’ve been very good to me! I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store. Tonight I will be ringing in 2014 in Paris. If you had told me a year ago that this is where I would be I would have never believed you. Goes to show all you can achieve in a years time. ❤ I wish you all a safe and hopefully memorable night, and I’ll be seeing you soon 2014…
As I have said before one of the greatest parts about traveling is getting to meet new people. You may remember from my last trip (back in November) to Italy that I had made friends in Rome with two girls; Giada and Alice, who are originally from Florence. We have since continued to stay in touch and made plans for when they come to the states. With the holiday break both girls had come back home to Florence and I got to meet up with them again. Giada was gracious enough to invite me over to her home to celebrate the holidays with her and her friends the real Italian way. Which consists of; great company, a first course, wine, second course, wine, cigarette break, espresso, main course, wine, cigarette break, desert, desert-wine, another espresso and of course tons of conversation. Giada was such a great host, and her friends were very welcoming. Giada’s group of friends they have an annual holiday dinner together (Something I am planning on incorporating in my life when I get back home). This is an all day event, so apologies if I am not making much sense, I am tired and still in a bit of a food coma. So the day pretty much went like this; Giada woke around 7 to get a friend at the train station, came home cooked two turkeys, along with all the other dishes, we watched Miracle On 34th Street, listened to 80s music (which is quite popular here), ate, drank wine, talked… all over about 9 hours. This was the first time Giada had cooked turkey, apparently that is only an American thing. Luckily I’ve had plenty was able to help them carve it, cause they were a bit unsure how to serve it. It was funny once they set them down on the table they stared at the turkey, said something in Italian, looked at me, looked back at the turkey and looked back at me for a cue. It was great though getting to experience a holiday in a new way. The food was amazing! Unfortunately I am not able to share it with you but here are some pictures, sorry. I can’t wait until they come to visit in the states so I can return the favor.
While I was in Budapest I also visited the Dohany Street Synagogue. It is also known as the Great Synagogue because it is the largest synagogue in Europe and the third largest in the world. We lucked out because out hostel was in a pretty great location; everything was a matter of walking distance. If you’re going to Budapest and need a place to stay the Treestyle the staff was very helpful in giving us directions and suggesting places to eat. After the synagogue we had lunch at this amazing cafe that had outdoor seating that opened up to the main square. It was such a treat to get a good salad. Most of the salads that I have come across are mostly cheese based with the lettuce being a garnish. I would not recommend going for Italian food while in Budapest, I unfortunately got food poisoning from it. I was lucky though it only lasted that night but just a little heads up.
Since we were only there for the weekend we tried to fit in as much as possible. We made a very last minute decision and ended up going to the famous Budapest spa party. Which was quite interesting to say the least. Personally I would have loved to have gone in the day time and soaked up some sun rays but we ended up at the night one. The pool water was very warm, which was nice. Over all I’m glad I got to experience the famous thermal bath party. But the next spa party I attend will be for a party of one and it will include a deep tissue. 😉
The time has come for Oktoberfest! The girls and I are off wish us luck! ❤
ohhashley 