Starting out
Pack weight: 35lbs
Kit weight: 145lbs
Location Location Location?
Budapest Italy France
Since fine european wine is sadly off this trip's agenda, it is my intention to eat my way through this tri-country trip. Despite my ambitious caloric agenda, I offer up my starting poundage with every hope that I'll still weight over 100 lbs when I get home. My pedometer has accepted the challenge.
Night flight and sleeping pill, what a cocktail for Kit. I sat window side with a free middle seat (hello Kit's leg room) and a lovely American lady to my right that promised to kick me if I slept through the landing. Such the friendly neighbor. In short, the usual turbulence, the unusual included staircase, and the much needed drool stains. Keeping it classy America.
Osprey 46 Kestrel fit overhead like a champ, however, many a comment on how I managed to bring it on. I don't think people are acquainted with the size of their own rolling luggage, or perhaps spacial awareness en general. No Matter! I made it barely to my second flight and two hours later, happily in Budapest, sipping coffee and googling the Metro system.
Time for another photo to keep you engaged
Spring is even hereTip toe through the Violas?
Bus, Metro, and a lot of walking later, I had checked in successfully to Hotel Carlton. My lobby attendant speaks English and seemed genuinely surprised that I am genuinely excited to be here. First impressions are always a fun merry go round. The fun stops when Kit forgets how to read signage and can't find the room. But then again, we all know my awkward red face, Europe deserves the change to meet it too, no?
First major impression for the day
Danube
Water under the bridgeThe Danube is a quick flowing river, but the views are worth stopping for.
The bridge that connects Buda and Pest actually made me choke back some feelings. It was that first real, woah, Kit is not in Disney anymore moment that I've needed for a long time. Later crossing back, I stopped to watch very stubborn seagulls fly up and float down in great quantities and alarming nautical knots for hollow boned creatures. Many a stranger now also knows my awkward laugh. 2 for 2!
Paneer CheeseburgerYum! Who doesn't love cheese. I got this at an outdoor market called Kravan.
I wandered! Half lost and hungry, half excited and google map seared into my working memory, all the way out to a street market that was called the Karavan. A little space between building with a gravel lot and food trucks. This Paneer cheeseburger. This Paneer cheeseburger.....
Happy.
When in doubt, follow the sun set home. Traced my sets back but not without picking up an extra treat.
Gourmet Ramen
So naturally, I also found some Ramen to compare. One glass mug, water heater, 30 seconds, and pink spoon (thanks mom) later, I've got to say their ramen manages to be a tad saltier but just as satisfying to this soup-blooded creature.
Close out the day.
It's been a crazy 24 hours. I make no promises on what the rest will bring. If it's anything like today, I'll be lucky if I weigh as much as my bag coming home. But I will be one happy Kit, that I believe.
