Hungary for More (Blog #8)

 Traveling evokes all kinds of emotions good and bad. There will always be very high points and sometimes there will be low moments but for me, travel brings out only the best. Ever since I was a child I have always loved traveling and being away from the comfort of my home. I have always been intrigued to explore and see the world. I am not just a tourist but a member of the city. I am a full-time student at Corvinus University and am living on my own at a hotel. 

Before traveling to Hungary, I truthfully didn’t know a lot about the culture or what to expect when I arrived. Since this isn’t a vacation, I had to adapt to being a member of their society. When first arriving, adjusting to going to the grocery store and ordering a coffee at a cafe was slightly intimidating. The Hungarian language is not one that I had any familiarity with. Unlike Spanish and other languages, I couldn’t even attempt to try to understand what signs and other things had been said. 

I have lived in the same town my whole life, know everybody in my little town and my world is pretty comfortable. Things such as going to the grocery store and ordering a coffee are a no-brainer because I know every barista in town and know the grocery store like the back of my hand. Furthermore, when I arrived here I learned really quick that I had to be vulnerable. I would consider myself a pretty confident person but when arriving I was sure nervous. The first day of school or going to public places. I had never taken public transportation to get everywhere. I was very much in my head about getting on the wrong metro or saying the wrong thing at the store. 

I was eager to get into a routine of feeling comfortable. Throughout the first few weeks, I slowly learned that I had to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I had to be vulnerable and learn through making mistakes. When I first went to the grocery store I walked in, roamed throughout the store, and walked out. I was so nervous going in by myself not being able to read any of the signs, not knowing the cost of anything, and not sure if I would be able to ask for help if I needed it. After almost a month of being here, I can confidently say that I can go to any grocery store and feel confident. I had to be vulnerable and comfortable with being uncomfortable at first. 

On a separate note, more than just the city itself and getting out of my comfort zone, the school aspect I was very nervous about. Corvinus University is a business school. In addition, everybody in my 14-person group has some kind of business class experience. Neither of my parents nor my sister is into business. This being said, the world of business classes is very foreign to me. As an elementary/ special education major, I have always known what is going on in my classes because they are all Education majors. I am taking a business ethics class and there is about 30 people who are all business majors. After three weeks of the class, I have really enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone and learning about something I have no background in. 

Interest and eagerness have been very prominent emotions that I have felt throughout my time here. My eagerness to try new things gets stronger and stronger each day. One of my favorite activities at home is walking on the beach. Although there is no beach here, the first weekend I arrived, I walked down to the Danube River by myself and just walked for miles. This brought my mind to ease but also increased my interest in getting to know the city more. It can be super easy to get into a routine and get comfortable with just doing the same stuff every day. I have tried to see something new or experience something different each day. 

In addition, the use of public transportation has been very different, to say the least. I live in such a small town that I drive or walk anywhere I need. The first few days, I walked places because I was nervous to end up at the wrong metro station. Having to commute has made my experience even better as it has taught me more independence. I love taking the metro now and I feel so much more comfortable doing it and I have learned how easy it really is, I just had to take the first step and take it. 

There has been a lot of excitement and awe built up in me. Each day I appreciate new places that I have come across here. Not only am I eager to see more of Budapest, but also other cities in Hungary. I am eager to explore and find more places where I feel at ease. Even the main city park makes me think of Central Park in New York City and for this reason, it has become a comfortable place for me. As the weather is transitioning from winter to spring I am excited to see what the city has to offer when the temperature warms up and how beautiful all the nature will be. 

I have not felt homesick in the slightest bit because I have made Budapest feel like a second home to me. I am surrounded by amazing friends who help make the experience even better. The uncertainty of each day and the vulnerability I have had to experience has only made me stronger. Excitement and eagerness trump all feelings of nervousness or fear. As a month has passed and my time in Budapest has been nothing short of amazing, I am eager to see what the next few months hold.