Rome Week 15

Melissa Tait checks in weekly from her study abroad semester in Rome; catch up with her every Wednesday on Trazee Travel.

With only two weekends left abroad, I was able to squeeze in one more trip. Saddened by the thought my European travels were over, I impulsively bought a flight to Budapest, Hungary. I heard so much about the city and wanted to go, so I jumped at the cheap flights.

Once December approached, Rome decorated streets and stores for the holidays. Budapest, though, was even more festive. There were numerous Christmas markets filling the city squares, offering hot wine and an array of food and sweet treats. Holiday lights were also more prevalent from decorated trees lining streets to tram cars covered in glittering bulbs. I loved walking through the streets during the happiest time of the year.

© Melissa Tait

Budapest is also known for their thermal bathhouses. I was able to visit Szechenyi Bath, which has three large outdoor baths, each with different water temperatures. Although it was about 40 degrees outside, the warm water was refreshing and I never wanted to leave.

Back out in the cold, I did a lot of walking around Budapest. We visited castles, parliament and the Jewish Quarter, went ice-skating and fell in love with the ‘hipster’ atmosphere. Three days did not feel long enough to truly immerse myself in Hungary, but I look forward to hopefully returning one day.

Europe has inspired me to constantly step out of my comfort zone. Whether in the United States or abroad, I want to continue to explore new places.