Goodbye Copenhagen!

The time has come. In a few short hours, I will be on my way to the airport and heading home to San Francisco. I can't believe it has already been five months since I first arrived in Europe...time has flown by. Yesterday, as I was looking through my photos of this experience and reminiscing about all the fond memories, I came to realize just how much I am going to miss this city and everyone I met.

I've compiled two lists of things I will and will not miss about Copenhagen. I will start with the latter.

Things I will not miss about Copenhagen:
-The cold and rainy weather
-The dark winter (now, we get roughly 6 hours of daylight per day)
-My tiny kitchenette (which doesn't have an oven)
-Dusting my floors every other day
-The terrible showers (there's no tub or step in, so water gets all over the floor)
-Hang drying my clothes
-The dorm sized fridge
-Lack of toilet seat covers in all public restrooms



Things I will miss about Copenhagen:
-Hygge (you should look it up, it would take forever for me to explain)
-Quiet chatter (people are respectful and don't talk loudly on their cell phones or to others in public)
-Biking around the city, (It quickly became my main form of transportation. The bike culture here is amazing; nearly everyone bikes all year round, bikers are respected and have their own lanes, and cars always yield to bikers)
- Fitness dk and their workout classes, I'll definitely miss those.
-Exploring the city and traveling around Europe (it is so convenient and fun. I have learned so much by visiting other European cities, it makes me want to see more places in the US)

...But more than anything, I am going to miss all of the great people I met and spent my time with over the course of the semester. I had to say goodbye to all of my closest friends tonight (we had a late afternoon tea and cookies get-together at Keops today. Yesterday, Anna, Sarah, and I had afternoon tea at a cute cafe in Norrebro called Retro and that night the Keops group had a potluck dinner). I hate saying goodbye and to know that we will never all be in the same place at the same time ever again is tough for me to come to terms with. Even though I won't be with them, I will still hold on to all of the fond memories we had, and those last a lifetime. It sounds cheesy, but it's true. The photos I took during my time in Copenhagen will always remind me of some of the best times I have had so far in my life. I can't thank them enough for making my time here unforgettable. Having great friends to share your adventures with is what makes everyday on exchange (and in life) something to always remember.

And one day, I will visit Australia, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany to see my friends again...one day. Until that time, Skype will suffice.

Oh and one more thing before I head off, I'd like to acknowledge my parents for allowing me this once in a lifetime opportunity. Without their constant support and steadfast love, I wouldn't be on exchange experiencing new cultures, making friends from all over the world, and living in a foreign country. They are my motivation and inspiration, my role models and best friends. Thank you, Papa and Mama for everything you have done for me over the course of my entire life. I will never forget the wonderful months that I have spent here and I have you both to thank for that. I love you.


Well...until we meet again, vi ses, Copenhagen!

Vitamin D, Thanksgiving, and Toy Poodles in Italy

I had the most amazing week in Cortona. It was a much needed break from the rain, cold, and darkness and a great excuse to spend time with family, eat, and relax.


SUNDAY
When Matt and I arrived back in Florence, Auntie Jeanette and Enzo picked me up around 1:15pm from the Florence train station. We stopped for a quick lunch of sandwiches and then headed to Pisa to drop Auntie Jeanette off (she stayed there until Wednesday morning). It was really nice of them to pick me up and bring me back to Cortona. During the drive back, I took a snooze in the front seat...for Enzo's sake, I hope I didn't snore.

We arrived at Casa Chilenne B&B around 5:30pm. Uncle Luciano, Carlotta, and Daisy greeted me at the door. At 8pm, after taking what was the best shower I've had since arriving in Europe and relaxing for a bit, we all went out to dinner (dogs included). We went to the Trattoria that Auntie Jeanette and Uncle Luciano took my family a few times when we visited during the summer of 2008...it brought back fond memories of our Italian vacation together. I ordered a Margherita pizza, it was sooooo good. I had been craving a good pizza (I bought one at Pizza 2000, a a place cross the street from my dorm, a few weeks prior...terrible, terrible mistake). Uncle Luciano ordered the fried plate, it came with calamari, french fries, and onion rings. Luca served us, my family's favorite waiter, but I don't think he remembered me. After eating the entire pizza, Luca basically force fed me a piece of cake (I was so full, but he said I had to have dessert. I couldn't refuse). While I was indulging in this slice of cream cake, all I could think was "I'm going to eat so well and so much this week, yes!"

After dinner, we headed back to their B&B and I immediately went to sleep. It was much needed, considering that I didn't get more than 3 consecutive hours of sleep in the past 24 hours.


MONDAY
The next morning, I woke up around 10:30am and went for a nice run around the mountain. The view was just as I had remembered it, spectacular and beautiful. I was caught off-guard by the sun, it was as though I had forgot what warmth and light were. Being in the dark, rain, and cold can do that to you.

After the run, I had lunch. Auntie Jeanette gave me a whole rundown of all the food in the kitchen while we were driving to Pisa the day before and when we spoke on the phone that day...reminding me of all the food that she had stocked up. Everything from tofu and green beans in the fridge, to cereal and almonds were up for grabs. Uncle Luciano and Auntie Jeanette really spoiled me during that week, I'm still so grateful!

For the rest of the day, until dinnertime, I worked on my term paper on the balcony of the B&B. I wanted to take advantage of the sun again, because I knew I wouldn't have that chance when I got back to Copenhagen.

Let there be light!

Uncle Luciano took me out to dinner again that night, we went to a different restaurant. We shared a bruschetta plate and I had spinach ravioli and mushrooms for dinner. I spent some time with Uncle Luciano after we ate and then went up to my room, watched Tangled, and then went to bed.


TUESDAY
Tuesday was pretty much a repeat of Monday's events except instead of going out to dinner, we stayed at the B&B and cooked dinner. I made a green bean and tofu stir-fry, Uncle Luciano had some...I don't think he was too keen of the vegetarian aspect of it. During my stay, he always teased me about not eating meat.

It was that night when we watched the tv show Terra Nova together in the breakfast room of the B&B. I had never seen it before, so as you may expect, I had absolutely no idea what was going on during the seventh and eighth episodes of the season. To make matters even more confusing, the first episode we watched was dubbed in Italian. For the second episode, Uncle Luciano switched the language to English (which was very considerate of him) so I could understand what was going on. We saw two episodes together...you know you're living in the 21st century when you have family bonding over a Jurassic Park-esque show. The dogs, Carlotta and her baby, Daisy, sat on our laps and thoroughly enjoyed being rubbed and scratched (playing with the dogs was one of the many highlights of this trip) At one point, when I left the room during a commercial break, he called me from the room to let me know it was back on. Too sweet of him.

After getting my fix of dinosaurs, the Shannon family, 2149, and the Sixers (if you don't know what I'm taking about, watch the show), I said good night to the dogs and Uncle Luciano and then went to bed.

WEDNESDAY
Auntie Jeanette returned from Pisa. All of us drove to the Camucia-Cortona train station that morning to pick her up. It was great to have her back, plus she was a translator for me since it was difficult to communicate with Uncle Luciano. There was a lot of hand gestures, "si", "grazie", and fragmented English during those first few days.

We returned to the B&B and ate lunch together, a nice thick soup with bread and bruschetta. Auntie Jeanette whipped it up from scratch...honestly, Auntie Jeanette makes cooking look so easy. She finds whatever she has in her kitchen and makes something that tastes like it was from a gourmet restaurant. I don't know how she does it.

After lunch, Uncle Luciano and I went back to the train station to pick up my friend Lauren (I've known her since the 2nd grade and she's also studying in Copenhagen this semester). It was nice to have her visit Cortona and spend Thanksgiving with us. Immediately after dropping off her things in our room (we shared the lovely "Le Gazze" room), we took a walk with the dogs so she could see Cortona. We got back as the sun was going down and hung out in our room for awhile.  We had the chance to catch up since we hadn't seen each other for a few months (even though we were both living in Denmark).

Lauren with Carlotta and Daisy

 My cousin, Jamie, arrived that evening from Switzerland (Uncle Luciano had to do a lot of driving up and down from Cortona to the train station that day, poor guy). We all had dinner together that evening. Auntie Jeanette made a delicious minestrone soup with an omelette. It was a nice meal, of course. Lauren and I played with the dogs for awhile and hung out with Uncle Luciano and Auntie Jeanette, then went to bed.


THURSDAY
The next day was, of course...THANKSGIVING (at least in the US)!! I always look forward to the third Thursday of November because of all the delicious food and spending time with family. This year, I was excited to spend the holiday in Italy and experience the day there. That morning, Lauren, Jamie, and I woke up early and took the bus to the Camucia market. When my family visited a few years ago, we went to this open-air market where you can pretty much buy anything. I made Lauren buy a porchetta sandwich, when I used to eat meat, those were delicious (Papa, you know what I'm talking about). Lauren also bought a pair of gloves, Jamie bought a book, and I got some candy for my friends back in Copenhagen.

That dog is just waiting for a piece of porchetta to fall.

After an hour or so, we took the bus back up to Cortona. We arrived after 11am, in time to help Auntie Jeanette prepare all of the food for that evening's dinner. I definitely didn't want her to do all the prep work and cooking by herself. There was soooooo much to make, and I was glad to pitch in wherever needed. I helped prepare the green beans, peel the sweet potatoes, and decorate the cookies.

Later that afternoon, after helping out in the kitchen, Lauren and I took Carlotta and Daisy for a walk. We came back and Lauren helped Jamie de-feather the giant turkey that butcher brought over to the B&B that morning. While they were doing their thang with the bird, I met my friend, Matt at the bus stop (I've known him since the sixth grade and he's studying in Florence for the year). He would be joining us for Thanksgiving. He dropped his things off at the B&B and then I showed him around the town. After taking in the beautiful views and the quaint streets, Matt came to the conclusion that he loved Cortona!

After getting back from our walk, I decorated the chocolate-hazelnut cake that Auntie Jeanette whipped up with such ease. I put on the leaves (which I decorated earlier), "acorns" (cocoa dusted chocolate covered cherries), and the See's Candies fall colored leaves that my mom sent over from the States. In the end, it looked like a tree! It looked pretty impressive, I must say.

Fall themed cake

Then, I helped set Uncle Luciano set the table for dinner. Let me tell you, this was the first time I have "properly" set a table: perfectly lined up silverware in their correct spots, nicely placed water and wine glasses, folded napkins on the plates...I tell you, the whole works. Uncle Luciano showed me exactly how and where to put the utensils and dishware on the table. With his contagious smile, he even nicely corrected my uneven spoons and forks. I have to admit, I had a lot of fun joking around and laughing with Uncle Luciano...we definitely bonded over setting two tables with fifteen settings. If I learned anything from that extensive crash course in fine-dining table setting, it's always make sure everything looks even, in line, and presentable. Thanks for teaching me, Uncle Luciano, you have forever made me OCD about setting tables. Haha.

A work of art, if you ask me.

A little while after, the guests showed up. Besides everyone I already mentioned, there were several friends who joined the American meal. Auntie Jeanette gave a brief introduction, in Italian, about the essence of Thanksgiving.

"And this is Thanksgiving..." (spoken in Italian, of course)

Then, the starter was served. A delicious and creamy potato and leek soup was ladled into our bowls and topped with a little cream. When we were coming up with the menu, Auntie Jeanette said we needed to have an appetizer for the Italians who were used to having a starter before the main course. It was a good call, because the soup was really yummy...good preparation for the huge feast that lay ahead.

After everyone finished the soup, Auntie Jeanette brought out the giant turkey...on a cart. She carved it in front of everyone and served both the light and dark meat.

Auntie Jeanette and the giant turkey

Then, as you may expect, we brought out the side dishes and passed around the goods. It wasn't too long afterwards that we all dug in. I loved everything that Auntie Jeanette made (I didn't eat the turkey though, as you probably assumed). My absolute favorites were the cranberry-orange relish, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and the pies.

The complete menu included:

Appetizer:
potato leek soup

Main Course:
Turkey
Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes
Green bean salad
Cranberry-orange relish
Sticky Rice
Cornbread

Dessert:
Homemade apple pie (2 of them)
Homemade pumpkin pie (2 of them)
Chocolate-hazelnut cake
Apple tart

Potato-leek soup

Main course

Dessert

Everything was so great, and I have to say that Auntie Jeanette did an absolute amazing job preparing and cooking everything. I can't believe she pretty much made all of the food that day! So impressive! Thank you for doing that, Auntie Jeanette, the entire meal was delicious and the best I've had during my stay in Europe.

We chatted and lingered over the delicious food. When the guests left, I helped clear the tables and clean up. Then, we all headed to bed to embrace our respective food comas.


FRIDAY
In the morning, at 9am, Matt, Jamie, Lauren, and I went to an beginner's Italian course that one of Auntie Jeanette's friends was teaching. She was in the initial process of trying to get it off the ground, so we were her guinea pigs. Jamie stayed for the intermediate course and Matt, Lauren, and I went for a nice, long walk around Cortona. I took them on the path that my family and I walked when we visited. Around the mountain, past Frances Mayes' house, and to Santa Margherita. We also explored some of Cortona's streets, I hadn't seen them before so that was fun. One of the churches we went into had a segment of the cross that Jesus was crucified on and garb from St. Francis of Assisi, all of us were in awe.

Such a beautiful view!

Santa Margherita

Inside the gold box is part of the cross.

St. Francis of Assisi's robe

We headed back to the B&B and at 1pm all of us ate lunch together. One of my favorite parts about Thanksgiving at home is the leftovers, and being in Italy was no different when it came to that aspect. There was still a good amount of food left to fill our bellies (except the sweet potatoes quickly vanished the night before) and all of it was just as delicious as I had remembered. We even had pumpkin and apple pies for dessert!

When we finished eating and cleaning up, Auntie Jeanette took us to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona (MAEC). I went with my family, but it was nice to go again and refresh my memory...get some culture. We spent a little over an hour there and then headed back to the B&B. We stopped at a jewelry shop nearby and met an American friend of Auntie Jeanette's. Then we went back to our respective rooms and relaxed for a bit.

Matt left at 6pm. I walked him to the bus stop and we said our goodbyes. This time, it was a real goodbye since we won't see each other until at least June. So, it was tough to see him go...good thing we have Skype.

Lauren and I hung out for awhile and then headed back into the kitchen (that was the theme of this trip) to see if Auntie Jeanette needed help with dinner. She was making homemade pizza! One had lots of vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions) and the other had vegetables with pepperoni. We also had cheese and bread during the meal. We watched some show, I think it was called "The Game of Thrones". It was dubbed in Italian, so I didn't have a clue what was going on. Let's just say, it was very gory and sexual...definitely an HBO show.

I spent my last night talking with Auntie Jeanette and cuddling with Daisy. After getting my dog fix, Lauren and I headed upstairs to bed.

Daisy is so cuddly

SATURDAY

The next morning, Jamie, Lauren, and I took a day trip to Florence. I had to go to Florence anyway to catch my flight, but Jamie and Lauren both had one more day in Italy. Neither had been to Florence so we took the train together. I said my goodbyes to Auntie Jeanette, Uncle Luciano, Carlotta, and Daisy at the platform.

When we arrived, I dropped my bag off at the luggage check so I wouldn't have to lug it around. We then went to the Duomo, Dante's house, and walked around the city. We sat in the piazza next to the Uffizi and ate a delicious bagged lunch that Auntie Jeanette packed us. I ate the carrots and apple then, but saved my sandwich (of cheese and leftover cranberry relish on foccacia) for the airport when I got hungry. I had to catch the 1pm shuttle bus to the airport, so the girls kindly walked with me back to the train station. We each bought a gelato on the way since Lauren and I said that we would have to have one before we left italy...we both had pistachio. Then, outside the gelato shop, I said goodbye to Lauren and Jamie, ran to pick up my bag (with gelato in hand) and get on the bus before it left. I made it just in time.

The Duomo

Yummy homemade sandwich! Reminds me of being in high school, when Mom always packed me a lunch.

After two flights (I had a layover in Paris), I made it back to Copenhagen after 10pm.


This trip to Cortona was a much-needed change of pace. It was great to finally see the sun. After experiencing non-stop rain, cold, and darkness, having light and warmth is a welcome change. I really miss my family back home, so spending time with Auntie Jeanette and Uncle Luciano was perfect. They are such perfect hosts, always very accommodating. Always making sure I was well-fed and warm (I learned my lesson after walking around the B&B barefoot...Uncle Luciano made sure I always wore socks from that point on. Haha). I loved sitting at the table and eating proper meals together.  I loved that Cortona is small and quiet, and that I could relax in a cozy bed, on the balcony, or in the dining room of the B&B...unlike my tiny one-bedroom apartment or the common room of Keops. I felt like I was at home during my week in Cortona, thank you so much for welcoming me and my friends, Auntie Jeanette and Uncle Luciano. I truly appreciate all you did for me while I was visiting. Can't wait to visit again soon!

Snow!

At this very moment, it's snowing in Copenhagen! You should have seen my face this morning when I woke up and looked out the window to see snow falling out of the sky. It's much quieter and gentler than rain, and it definitely doesn't hurt the face like a its evil brother.

Looking at the snow from the 3rd floor stairs at my dorm.

I have to admit, I didn't think I would get to experience the exact thing that makes a winter wonderland. I have been patiently waiting all winter for just a flake (and no, hail does not count), but to no avail. And now, just two days before I leave, it happened! I mean, considering that it is 2 degrees Celsius outside, it was bound to happen at some point today. Now, I can go home saying that I've lived in a place that actually snows...and has distinct seasons, for that matter.

When I walked to the gym this morning, I felt like a little kid experiencing something new and exciting for the first time.  Hey, I do live in San Francisco where this sort of thing never happens. I'm glad I got to enjoy it and hopefully it will last for the next day and half.

Outside the dorm

My time here is now complete. What a way to end my study abroad experience!

Julefrokost

This past Sunday, all of our friends gathered together one last time for a traditional Danish Christmas lunch called 'Julefrokost' in Danish. Originally, it was going to be a dinner, but the Keops common room was fully booked both nights that weekend. It felt like a dinner though, since it gets dark by 4pm now.

Louise arranged the date and time (1pm), she made a list of traditional Danish dishes and other foods that people might want to make and bring to the potluck, and arranged a Secret Santa for the group (she set a 50DKK limit and picked who would give to whom). Unfortunately, nearly everything that was Danish had meat in it, so I took the safe route and made a huge Greek salad. Oh and believe me, I knocked that out of the park, it was tasteeeyyyyy.

There were 26 of us at this lunch. There were two long tables nicely set up with tablecloths (with Danish flags all over them, of course, there's so much National pride here), candles, decor, and bread in baskets. We started around 2pm and when it came time to eat, everyone made a beeline to the food. There was soooo much to choose from.

For lunch there were:
-a traditional roast beef with potatoes and gravy
-red cabbage
-leverpostej (liver)
-boiled eggs
-meatballs
-beetroot
-brussel sprouts with bacon
-salads
-the stuffing of spinach strudel (Matthias didn't wake up in time to make the strudel part, haha)

...I know I'm missing some other dishes.

For dessert there were:
-aebleskiver (which are basically pancake balls)
-stewed fruit
-almond rice pudding with cherry sauce
-crepes with jam and nutella
-banana chocolate chip bread (Sam's specialty)

æbleskiver with powdered sugar (the name has the word 'apple' in it, but I honestly don't taste any apple in them)

After we all had eaten and were just sitting around talking, I found myself going for the rice pudding again and again...I liked it that much. It's texture and taste reminded me of tapioca pudding.

Everything was so delicious. All of my friends put effort into this potluck and it was nice to share a traditional Danish meal together (unfortunately, I missed the Keops Thanksgiving dinner because I was in Italy). 

After dinner and before dessert, Andrea (a friend who goes to school with Sam) handed out the Secret Santa gifts. The person who I got a gift for, Magnus, didn't show up. Anna, who's Secret Santa didn't come either, received my gift. My Secret Santa got me a mug filled with nougat and peppermint hard candies. It was very thoughtful and a great gift.

After a few hours, people started to trickle out and went back to their respective rooms to study. I ended up staying until the very end, around 6pm. We cleaned up and said our goodbyes to one of our friends who left this week. This was the moment when I realized that the end of our journey together is fast approaching and soon I would be saying real goodbyes to all my friends. Luckily, I will see them this weekend and on Monday.

But anyway, our Julefrokost was filled with great food, friends, and memories. I couldn't have asked for more from our last meal together. We really went out with a bang!

Sorry for the loonnnng delay

Hey everyone!
I apologize for not blogging for a week and a half (wow, has it really been that long?). Seeing that I've been busy writing a huge term paper, visiting with friends, and enjoying my last few weeks in Copenhagen, you can cut me some slack, right? ;)

Well, no fear, my blog posts will continue now!

Cheers,
Nat

Buda, Pest, and the Danube

The next morning, Matt and I woke up bright and early to do and see as much as possible since this would be our last full day in Budapest. We left the hostel at 9am and walked to the Parliament building to purchase tickets for a guided tour. Matt purchased our student discounted tickets since only one of us could go in "Gate X", tight security if you know what I mean. Our tour would be at 11:45, so we had lots of time to spare. Matt wanted to see the Dohany Street Synagogue, since it is the third largest in Europe. To be honest, it was a cold day and the walk took longer than expected. Let's just say we were less than impressed when we got there. The building itself didn't seem as special as we thought. We ended up deciding not to go inside.

We still had over an hour to kill, since it was 10am. We walked past the Christmas Market that was just across the street. The Christmas Market just started for the season the day before, so we agreed to come back that night to take a look around and see what a European Christmas Market is like.

The first few minutes of the Budapest Christmas Market...pretty desolate

Since it was very cold outside and we hadn't sat down in awhile, Matt and I went to the a coffee shop across from St. Stephen's Basilica to warm up. Ironically, the place we popped into was called 'California Coffee Company'.

There's no warm California sun to be found here

After warming up for a little while, Matt and I headed back to the Parliament building.

Who knew Playboy made energy drinks? That Hef is cashing in on any opportunities that come his way. I guess those Hungarians need the energy to stay awake at 4am.

We had to wait outside in the cold for about 30 minutes before we were escorted into the building. After going through security, we waited in a fancy hall. The floors were covered with red carpets and everything was gold and shiny.

I made Matt take a picture with me

Our tour guide and a replica of the Parliament building

The Grand Stairwell

The Royal Crown of Hungary

Dome Hall

Assembly Hall of the House of Representatives

To be honest, the tour was a bit of a letdown. It only lasted about 30 minutes and all of the information that the guide spewed at us could be read off of Wikipedia. Before we knew it, she said to us "thank you, and now my colleague will take you outside". Matt and I looked at each other, confused, and said "wait, that's it?". I'm still glad that we got to see the inside, but for what we paid it was a bit of a rip-off. Oh well.

After our brief tour, Matt and I decided to cross the Chain Bridge into Buda since we spent all of the previous day and that morning in Pest (in case you don't already know, the city of Budapest is split into two, separated by the Danube River. Buda is on the west-bank and pest is on the east).

Matthias Church

Chain Bridge and Buda Castle

Once crossing the bridge (I felt like I was on a more tame Golden Gate Bridge) we climbed the hill to the Buda Castle. There was a cable car tram that people could take to go up, but being able bodies youngsters, we figured why not walk!? Haha.

Walking was a great choice. If we had taken the tram, I wouldn't have gotten this view...

We started at Buda Castle.

Buda Castle

The Matthias Fountain, sometimes referred to as the "Trevi Fountain of Budapest"

Then, we made our way to Matthias Church...

The streets of Buda

What you might think is a normal car, however...

HAHA, only in Hungary would there still be money in this makeshift money holder (on our way back from the church, we actually saw someone donating to the "cause")

Matthias Church

 We ended up not going inside, instead we explored the outer walls around Matthias Church...

Afterwards, we were pretty hungry and across from the church there was a small shop that released a sweet smell of cinnamon into the air. Matt and I were curious to see what was being made, so we went inside and watch a woman prepare what looked like swirled chimney. Of course, we were tempted and decided we had to try one.

Rolling out the dough

Brushing out the butter

And finally, into the oven

We sunk our teeth into the Hungarian pastry called a kürtőskalác. Matt wanted to try the cinnamon covered one (there were several different choices) and it was tasty!

Yum!

We stopped for a late lunch at Tarnok Cafe, which is right down the street from where we bought our kürtőskalác. Matt ordered the goulash and I had a chef salad.

Afterwards, we made the trek back down the hill and over the Chain Bridge to Pest. It was finally time for the Christmas Market and I was very excited to finally experience a European holiday tradition. Upon arriving, it was still light out, but it quickly became dark. That is when everything lit up, people came out, and the Market looked alive.

There were so many vendors selling leather handbags and wallets, Christmas ornaments and decorations, sweets, meat, food, mulled wine...and the list goes on. Many of the stands we passed as we snaked our way through the market were repeats of the ones we had already walked by. But it was still fun to look around and see what a Hungarian street market during the Christmas season looked like.

Before it got dark

A man playing the glasses...I think he may have picked this up from watching Miss Congeniality. No?

Budapest's Christmas Market

And then it got dark...and crowded

Christmas lights!

After walking through the entire market, Matt and I headed back to the hostel. It was cold and we still had a few things to do before our flight in the morning. So, we found an internet cafe to print out our boarding passes, bought our train tickets for that morning, ate dinner at the kebap place a few doors down from Tiger Tim's, and paid Tiger Tim for our two nights stay (he was so nice and didn't make us pay for the last night since we would be leaving at 3:45am). Then, we crawled in bed for a "nap".

When we left the hostel that early morning, we were surprised to see how many people were out on the streets and in the clubs still partying. Some adults were just walking into the club next door to the train station. We did catch one man taking a little snooze in a chair inside the train station platform, it seemed necessary. We only had to walk across the street to catch the train leaving at 4am. Both of us were happy that it would take us straight to the airport...no transferring or walking.

The train itself had cabins and Matt and I got one to ourselves..Matt, of course, referenced Harry Potter when we got in and sat down. We were on our way to Hogwarts. Well, not really. The train was packed with exhausted adults who, we guessed, were taking the train home from a long night of dancing and drinking.

After a few, "where are we"s and "did we miss the stop?", Matt and I made it to the airport (thanks especially to the kind lady who told us where to get off). And then we were off the ground and in the air.

We landed in Bergamo and took a train to Florence. This is where we ended our weekend adventure. But, for me, my Italian vacation was about to begin...