Study Abroad: Budapest Shenanigans

Week 11: Robbie's Sweet 16

A short list of things I'm happy I did, but never want to do again: Have braces, take the ACTs, and stay at Retox Party Hostel in Budapest, Hungary.

The joyous celebration of Robbie's birthday started strong with about 30 of us taking over the RyanAir flight and arrivals gate in Budapest. I wasn't really sure what to expect out of Budapest. This was a trip I didn't really do much research for, I was just along for the ride. But the drive to the hostel gave me a taste of how it would go. Brooke, Eena and myself partied in the backseat for the 40 minute trip and couldn't help but laugh at the excitement everyone had to get Robbie amped for his 21st.

Upon our arrival to our hostel, we were given bracelets with its address and a taxi service phone number because some taxis are run by the mob. (???) Anyway, they really take care of you at Retox.

While our organized bar crawl was a no show, we ventured out on our own. Budapest is a fun place to go because you feel like a filthy rich heiress rolling in thousands of Hungarian Forint.

Later on when we all dispersed, my group eventually headed back to the hostel. Since I personally wasn't ready to turn in, I ended up hanging out with one of the staff members at Retox for a while. Together we welcomed back all the drunk travelers and had a lovely talk. Squeak, if you're reading this, I hope you're doing well!

The next morning all we wanted was a huge breakfast. We were a little disappointed by what we got, but it still gave us life, in my opinion.

We ventured out to explore Budapest in the light of day and we were pleasantly surprised. Trees were turning green which got us Denmark dwellers really excited. We checked out the Budapest Market Hall which I highly recommend--overwhelming but really neat.

While everyone else in our 'lil crew wanted to go back for happy hour at the hostel, Brooke and I went exploring. Culture !!! After some gelato we went to the parliament building, the Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. Part of us was all "Ah so much history, neat!" but the other part of us was all "Gotta get a bomb Insta pic, you feel?"

Then it was time for a fancy meal I was not prepared for. We went to Zona which was really cute, but I could tell the second we walked in there that they didn't like us. Whatevaaa! I got dope mashed potatoes and a gin & tonic so I was a happy camper.

After yelling at the boys they were being "mental" for not getting an Über and using the mob ruled taxicabs, we went to Szimpla Kert Ruin Pub where I could have hung out for hours. At midnight, we rung in Robbie's official birthday and it was a delightful moment for everyone.

We then headed to Instant, a funky nightclub whose basement is ~notorious~ for how fun it's supposed to be. When Brooke, our new friend Joe and I went down to it, it was the hardest I'd laughed in a while. Clearly all the people down there were on drugs and it was so hyfy I couldn't deal. We then found the inconspicuous dance floor on the 3rd floor where we went ham. The DJ played all the hits and it was awesome.

Ah, my last day in Budapest. I was sad to leave such a cool city, but very happy to leave that hostel. We went to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths which was fab.

After the longest, sketchiest über ride to the airport, we smashed on KFC and safely returned home. Budapest was a really chill city and I hope to return one day!

See ya next week, ya filthy animals.

-Mads