Hey folks!

I’m back in Budapest after a year of living back in the States. In this entry, I’m going to give my first day impression of what it’s like to be back. What things are new. And what’s exactly the same.

What’s new?

Starbucks! I went there this afternoon. For years there were rumors of it coming. Today I saw proof! Exact same menu, but higher prices…naturally!

The 6 tram has English announcements. “The next stop is ____. You can transfer to ____.”

The Airport Minibusz is now the Airport Shuttle. The signs are all different. I had a hard time finding it at the airport.

There is a little new construction, but not much.

Money! 200 forint coins; 200 forint was paper…now they just look like bigger 100 forint!

What’s the same?(some I had forgotten about)

People making out in public. Yep…some things never change in Hungary.

You have to ask for ice in your drink at McDonalds!

Smoking is allowed everywhere (well almost.)

You have to go to a pharmacy to buy band-aids!

It’s been a while since I was here in July (2004) so I don’t remember this heat! Staying cool without AC in most homes is going to be a challenge!

Today, I’m trying to overcome the jetlag before flying to Kiev tomorrow. My friend Caroline is going to meet me at the airport.

I’ll try to keep posts about my trip coming!

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