Explore!

Location | Ferihegy Airport – Budapest

Ngoc and I are in the airport lounge waiting for our flight to Rome. Today was a fabulous day! It started out relatively early – 9am. We set off to Central Kavehaz again for breakfast. I also bought a box of macarons!

12 Macarons!

Then we took the tram across the Danube River to Gellert Hotel to go to the Gellert Baths.

The inside of the Gellert Hotel is breathtaking (very elegant). Ngoc describes the inside of the hotel as similar to what she’d imagine a palace bathroom (with a pool). We went inside and got our own changing cabin – complete with “bed” and a locker. Then we went to the thermal baths. The water was either 36*C or 38*C. We went into the 38*C bath. Note to those who wish to visit thermal baths — it’s clothing optional. Although, most people who opt for nudity tend to be those over the age of 50… just in case you were wondering.

After the thermal bath, we wanted to go to the pools. They have 2, an indoor and an outdoor. The outdoor pool is on the upper level and is also a wave pool. The deepest it goes is about 250cm. Let’s just say that in my attempt to touch the ground, I also freaked myself out.

The indoor pool is in a beautiful atrium. There’s stone lion statues with water coming out of their mouths and the ceiling opens up to the beautiful sunny skies. There’s also old ladies doing aerobics, families with their children and other random guests.

Indoor Poor at Gellert Baths

After taking dips in the pool (and seeing that we both had gotten horribly tan which we did not expect since it was actually a cloudy day) we went back to the thermal bath just to relax. Then Ngoc and I tried the sauna and since I was dying, I went to lay out in our little cabana. Then I decided I totally needed a massage, so for about $14-15 I got a 15 minute massage.

We left Gellert around 1:30pm and we were starving, so we went to the Central Market to eat some food on the 2nd floor. The service at the place we went to was HORRIBLE. I would never eat at that stand again… I ordered stuffed cabbage (which was good) but the lady just slopped it on and even tho she almost dropped the plate (she did lose some of the sauerkraut) she didn’t even try to give me a new plate.

Afterwards we went through the market to look for more souvenirs. Unfortunately I didn’t find anything that I quite liked.

Then we got our bags and headed to a pick-up point to go to the airport. The transport was 30 minutes late, but we got to the airport, through the ticket counter + security with relatively little hassle.

Sun Setting over the Adriatic Sea

It was waiting for our luggage when we arrived in Rome that was the biggest problem. We had requested and paid for 2 seats on a bus to take us to the main centre of Rome, but unfortunately, despite our flight arriving on time at 9:40pm, our luggage didn’t come out to baggage claim until 10:45pm. Then we had to run to catch the last train to Termini Station… and we literally ran through the airport. Well not before we ran around frantically trying to get money out of the ATMs (they weren’t working for our cards).

We arrived at our bed & breakfast and so far it’s awesome! A really nice private room w/ private bath and the owner and managers of the b&b are totally sweet and awesome. More updates to come and pictures too!

Location | Suite Hostel – Budapest

I have learned a lot of things about myself since coming here.

1) I enjoy fruit drinks (ok I already knew this, but gosh! So many different options here…)

2) I am definitely afraid of the dark – but more on that later

I think our suite-mates (we live in a 3 room apartment, but we have our own room) are making something delicious, because some amazing smells are coming from the kitchen right now.

Anyway, today was really packed. We headed out around 10am and went to Central Kavehaz near our hostel. I was so excited to finally got a good coffeehouse. I ordered a Viennese Coffee, Chocolate Croissant and a Pear Juice.

Breakfast at Central Kafehaz

If there’s one thing I’ll miss about Europe — it’ll be all the fruit juices. The pear juice was AMAZING. We must bring it to America!

After breakfast, we went to Central Market Hall (Nagy Vasarcsarnok) which was filled stall after stall with fruits, vegetables, meat, and upstairs – souvenirs and traditional Hungarian food! We tried to look at all the stalls and we bought some paprika and other souvenirs.

Central Market Hall in Budapest

After the market, we walked down Vaci Utca and did a little shopping, but in the end we got on the metro and headed to the Buda Royal Palace. There are some amazing views of Pest from up there and we took a lot of photos.

After walking all around the palace, we ate lunch in a small cafe near the back exit. Then it was off to the underground labyrinth.

The labyrinth was the scariest part of the trip. A) the air was very stale and B) I was scared out of my wits of the dark. Besides being dark, wet, and smelly, it was also scary and there was some sort of mysterious cult music playing.

Ngoc is a little scared...

I slipped a few times on the wet floor and it was quite cold. The problem with the maze was how DARK it was. It seriously was so dark at times I couldn’t see Ngoc. I was using my camera flash for light. There was one area called the “Labyrinth of Courage” which was, seriously, just no lights. Darkness… and nothing else. Needless to say, Ngoc was trying to get out of there was quickly as possible, and I was trying to be cautious and when Ngoc disappeared from in front of me there’s me yelling “NGOC? NGOC? NGOC?”

Once we go out, I felt a lot better. Light makes me feel safe heh. Anyway, we left and went to Margaret Island — which is BEAUTIFUL. We went to the Japanese Garden and then walked the whole length of the island.

Japanese Garden

After the island, it was time to go eat, so we went back to Vaci Utca and had some Hungarian food (which wasn’t very Hungarian if you ask me… just “touristy”) and now we’re back at the hostel.

Check Flickr for “Budapest Day 2 – A Selection.”

Location | Suite Hostel – Budapest

Arrival in Budapest was at 8:30am this morning. The big open air train station is pretty amazing and packed with travelers. Budapest is really run down in that area in town, but I think I was expecting something grand after coming from Prague.

Budapest Keleti Train Station

We took the local bus to our hostel which is on the 4th floor (no elevator) of an old fashioned building near the famous Vaci Utca (a shopping street). We climbed up and were introduced to a 4-person mixed dorm room… where two half naked guys were sleeping. I was a little horrified and had us upgraded (ugh for US$30/person/night more) to a 2 person private room. I think that was the best decision I’ve made so far on this trip.

Do you see the legs of the half naked guy?

Well, since the room wasn’t ready, we went to the flea market in this big park in the northeast part of Pest. There were a ton of booths and a lot of old soviet memorabilia. It was getting really hot (today was about 91* or more) but we walked around the park and looked at the castle which had a small church and an agricultural museum and we also walked to Heroes Square which is a big memorial.

Who are these Hungarian Heroes?

After that, we took the metro and stopped at nearly every stop to look at the buildings and all the sights.

We ate in Oktogon. There’s a street filled with cafes. We finally got to try some Hungarian goulash – with lamb, potatoes and some tiny noodles. It was faintly spicy and very flavourful. Very much like beef stew (except with lamb) and very very red.

Ngoc enjoying Hungarian Goulash

After eating we went to St. Stephen’s Basilica. It was HUGE inside and very nice and cool. We left and went across the plaza to “California Coffee Company” and had some iced tea and watermelon. After enjoying the view from the 2nd floor window (and the AC) we decided that we wanted to walk the Chain Bridge to Buda. It was a short walk and the Buda side has the best views.

It’s very eerie in Buda because there were basically NO people. Every once in awhile we’d run into another set of tourists or a local here or there, but really it was just us on empty streets.

We climbed up a “mountain” (aka a hill) to Matthia’s Church. There were great sweeping views of Pest and an awesome view of the Hungarian Parliament Building.

We sat on the steps eating some gelato when this tourist (I believe he was Eastern European, but he didn’t talk much so I couldn’t tell where he was from) sat down next to me.. and had his wife take a picture of us… Has he never met a real live Asian before? Was I just so awesome looking sitting on the steps that he just had to get a picture?? I have no idea.

After finishing up, we went down the meeting, back to the empty streets of Buda and got to the metro station. We got back to where our hostel is, and did some grocery shopping. We’re eating on the cheap to save money for Rome. (Plus food in Budapest is not that great).

Anyway, tomorrow we have a big day ahead of us – the Castle w/ underground labyrinth and maybe Margaret Island – where they have some thermal hot springs (about 100* water…). We’ll see. More updates to come – check Flickr!

Location | Train from Prague to Budapest

You would not believe how tiny this compartment is… There’s 3 people in about 30 square feet of space. There’s 3 bunks and it’s nothing like Harry Potter. Yes, I did imagine the train to be like the big train cars in Harry Potter. Boy, did I think wrong.

We arrived early to the train station and got onto the train a little before the 9:40pm departure. Our car also has another girl, she is from London. There is no place to sit, so all we can do was lay down. How awkward. There’s no air conditioning on the trains too, so it is unbearably hot, but since the train is moving, the cold air comes into the compartment making it a lot better.

3 Bunks in Tiny Train Compartment

I ate dinner sitting up with my head in the window sill (since it was so hot). Anyway, tomorrow we arrive in Budapest at 8:30am!

Location | Little Town Budget Hotel – Prague

Just got back from a day of walking and walking and more walking. Let me tell you: don’t bring new shoes on a trip. No matter how much I try to get them fixed, they are not comfortable. I already bought a new pair of shoes, but they are proving to not be that great either. So let me laugh and say that I will be purchasing a pair of sneakers here.

Well, we crossed the Charles Bridge and went to Au Gourmande for breakfast. Ngoc ordered a salmon croissant sandwich, while I ordered a chocolate croissant and a banana chocolate crepe. I was obviously in a sweet mood.

Desserts at Au Gourmande

Afterwards we walked down to Wenceslas Square where we shopped. They have this huge store called “New Yorker” here which is kind of like a Forever 21/H&M hybrid.

We ate lunch a Au Gourmande (another location) and let me tell you, I love LOVE French bakeries.

Afterwards we walked around the Jewish Quarter. It was incredibly eerie due to the fact that there were only about a handful of people outside. Very quiet.

View of Prague Castle from the Jewish Quarter

The day was a little hot, but not bad in the shade. I’m praying Budapest and Rome have plenty of shade.

We’re off to the train to overnight it to Budapest in about 20 minutes.

Location | Little Town Budget Hotel – Prague

So concludes day 2 of my Prague adventure. It’s been really great here. There’s so much to see that I’m kind of regretting only spending 2.5 days here! After finishing up the rest of Little Quarter, Ngoc and I decided to cross the Charles Bridge into Old Town.

View of Little Quarter from Charles Bridge

So in the less than 24 hours I’ve been here, I’ve already taken over 1600 pictures… Uh oh. Luckily I have 18gb of memory with me… unfortunately… I won’t have enough space on my computer, so I’ll have to work on figuring out a way to get all the pictures (ok, not all 1600, a selection) onto Flickr and so on.

Anyway, Old Town was amazing. We walked around for awhile before we arrived at Old Town Square. There were amazing views of Kinsky Palace, the Tyn Church and we also saw the astronomical clock.

Tyn Church

We walked until my feet were completely dead. Old town is very beautiful. There are a lot of little alleyways to see and some of them are even deserted so you can sneak in a great picture.

Deserted Street in Old Town

Then we made our way back across the Charles Bridge into Little Quarter. The sun was setting, so we had some great shots of the pink sky behind Prague Castle.

Sunset over Prague

Afterwards we had dinner (which was very expensive btw). One thing I dislike about Prague is touristy-ness of the prices for food. The food isn’t anything special and should not be priced as it is… I expect NYC style meals for what I’ve been paying for grilled fish or roasted duck (which was very gamey).

I am saving my money for Rome and eating my weight in gelato. So… it’s unfortunate that I’m spending a fortune on Prague

My pictures will be up on Flickr soon – so check them out – Prague Day 1 – A Selection!

Location | Little Town Budget Hotel – Prague

Ngoc and I have just gotten our room at the hostel and… it’s HUGE! There’s 3 beds a dining table and a kitchen complete with fridge, stove and sink. I can’t believe we have this room with an awesome view of St. Nicholas’ Cathedral for only US $30/night!

The day started out slow. Ngoc arrived at the hostel a little past 9:30am and from there we set out to Prague Castle. First was breakfast. We stopped at a small café where we had toast with delicious rich and creamy butter, juice and espresso. After eating, we walked up this hill that overlooks the city then into the castle gates where throngs of tourists were trying to get pictures with the guards.

St. Vitus’s Cathedral has been the most impressive part of the castle grounds. We didn’t go inside due to the long lines, but we did a 360-degree walk-around of the cathedral. The gargoyles and flying buttresses were the most impressive part, as well as the huge stain glass window in the front. The gothic style architecture is similar to many other cathedrals in Europe. Construction began in 2344 and fully completed by the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

St. Vitus's Cathedral

Walking toward the back of the castle grounds, we ended up in a vineyard that overlooked more of the east bank of Prague. We circled back to go to Golden Lane, which turned out to be, sadly, unimpressive. I had thought there’d be much more to see, but there was only one little souvenir shop. Golden Lane is lined with colourful artisan shops that are built long the inside of the castle wall.

View of Prague from above

After Golden Lane, we ended up walking outside the castle walls in a hiking/outdoor area. We were down in a field of wildflowers taking pictures of us cartwheeling and jumping around. It was so strange to be surrounded by so much silence. I haven’t been in that kind of silence for so long so it seemed like I had entered a different world.

We then ended up back up through the castle front gates and down a street filled with shops and restaurants. We were starving so we stopped at a traditional Czech restaurant. I ordered the quarter duck w/ cabbage dumplings. The duck was a little gamey, but overall delicious! Very heavy for a “lunch” meal.

Now that I’m all cleaned up (I had to shower) we can go out and check out Little Quarter and the Charles Bridge (and river area!)

Time to head out. Pictures will be loaded tonight!

Location | Little Town Budget Hotel – Prague

I’m currently sitting in the internet lounge at the Little Town Budget Hotel. It’s crazy that I’m here already! The flight was ok, didn’t get any sleep, but it was a relatively pleasant experience. The flight took off on time and arrived in Prague earlier than expected. From the airport I was able to navigate my way through customs easily (they basically scanned and stamped) and then I just went straight through, got a bus ticket, hopped on the bus, went to the metro, got off and walked to the hostel. The hostel is really nice actually! Very clean and in an awesome location. I’m excited about seeing our room. I hope it’s as nice as the outside of the hostel.

Pictures and uploads to come soon.

I think my biggest problem in traveling to “foreign lands” is the fact that I don’t know what language to speak to anyone… do I start with English or is that presumptuous? Do I just look at the other person and see what they want to say? A guy just came in and I think he was Italian? Assuming that his “Ciao” was Italian and not any other form of “Ciao?”

Ahh, Ngoc needs to get here sooner. I’d like to play now! (Oh and eat breakfast — I want Turkish coffee!)

Current Location | New York City

The first entry should always lead off as an introduction. Well, this is my little introduction into why I am creating this blog. Although I’ve had my fair share of travel in the past 24 years, I hope to diversify and see all that I could possibly see while I am still young, able and have a disposable income. I decided to create this blog as the beginnings of my travels – aptly naming it “Explore!” although I am sure I could come up with a more creative name with some time and a little thought.

The first trip on my itinerary will be my late July 2009-early August 2009 Europe trip. Although I won’t be bringing my computer with me, my friend (and travel buddy) will be bringing hers along. The itinerary is as follows:

July 31st – Arrive in Prague from NYC

August 2 – Arrive in Budapest via overnight train

August 4 – Arrive in Rome via air

August 8 – Return to Prague via air

August 9 – Return to NY

It’s not the longest trip, but we should be able to thoroughly enjoy what Prague, Budapest and Rome have to offer! I will update with more info and also links to my new Flickr account once I get it set up!

More to come!

Location | Tokyo

Today was my final day in Tokyo. I was so sad that I wanted to run away from the group and not fly back.

Well in the morning, after breakfast, I headed out to the Tokyo Dome for the opening of Mother Garden at 11am. I had to get back to the hotel at 11:45pm, so I had to move as quickly as possible. I got there at 10:30 and had to wait 30 minutes for the mall to open. As soon as it opened I ran in and got into the store and explained to the sales people that I was American, so my Japanese sucks and that I need them to help me find these things for my friend. They came running to help me and I got a whole bunch of stuff.

When they rang up my bill… it was 9400 yen!!!!! That’s about US$85!!!!! Oops!!! Thank goodness it wasn’t all for me. Nikki wanted some of the stuff too… whew!!

Then I rushed back to the hotel, but managed to get lost in the subway station which I took the time to memorize!! I don’t even KNOW how I managed to get lost… it made no sense!! Anyway, after finding my way out, I ran back to the hotel and just in time made it downstairs. Suma and Shivali hadn’t even made it back to the hotel yet. Then we had to drag all our luggage on a trek to the subway station… that was such a struggle to get our luggage down stairs then up stairs. SO HEAVY!!!

Then we rode the train to Ueno and had 10 minutes to run to the skyliner train to go back to the airport. We got there just in time.

At the airport, poor Dragana had to be interviewed because she wasn’t a US or Japanese citizen. It was such as hassle. Then we got to the gate, and went to get food to eat. Unfortunately, all we could find was McDonalds, so we had that.

Then it was back into the airplane and now I’m back in the US!!!

TAKE ME BACK TO JAPAN!

[This entry was taken from my old blog, Building Tokyo. Formatting may have changed when moved to Explore!]