Bienvenida Aunt Shelley!

It is with the greatest pleasure that I can say that Aunt Shelley has arrived in Budapest! I was so glad that I was able to pick her up at the airport, and her flight -though long- went smoothly. I decided to bring her back to the flat since hotel check-in was not until later that afternoon, so while she rested I walked a block around the corner and picked up some lunch- my favorite too. An XXL Don Pepe's Garlic-Sour cream- Chicken pizza. Mmm mmm.

Funny thing though; I've realized that there are two things the always seem to make Hungarians smile. One is the sight of a baby or a young child. Their faces seem to light up at the garble of words and sounds, and the precious little features that we all know and love. The other is the sight of me walking down the street carrying an XXL pizza (just shy of two feet in diameter). I think it's hysterical how I march along and everyone seems to smile and laugh, sometimes even asking me if they can have a slice too. Aunt Shelley's eyes looked like saucers when she first saw how big the pizza is, but no worries, I assured her, whatever we don't finish I'll just have for breakfast. And so we munched on fantastic pizza and talked a bit about some of the things there are to do and see in Budapest.

That evening, after checking Shelley into the Marriott (the rooms are fantastic, by the way, and the view of the Danube...wow) and then set off for the Christmas market about a block away. I was really surprised at how many nice things there were at the market because the usual stuff that I've seen just isn't of the same quality. It was a rainy evening, so the market was quiet, and after strolling the booths we hopped on the old metro and set off for Hero's Square and City Park. Beautifully lit, I think the sights are just as nice at night as they are during the day. We ended the evening early- partly due to the weather and partly because I have to study too- but it was a nice way to introduce Shelley to Budapest.

This morning, however, I am filled with dread because I have to see a dentist. Much to my dismay, a gum infection has persisted for more than a week, and I am rather concerned because I'm going to be traveling for another week and a half before coming home. So, Dr. Mandy gave me the information for her own dentist (she's amazing) and they've managed to squeeze me in today for a cleaning. I have to be frank, going to a dentist in a country like Hungary is the absolute last thing I would ever want to do, but the circumstances make it unavoidable. The office speaks English, as does the dentist (who is from the U.S.) and the practice has a U.S. license, so as horrible as the notion is to me, I'm pretty darn lucky regardless. Wish me luck! I really hope it's nothing serious, or at least can wait till I get home.