Yes, this was the first Thanksgiving I have ever had without my family. And only the second one where I haven’t been back in California. It was quite a different Thanksgiving holiday than I am used to, but definitely one that I will not soon forget.
To be short and sweet, we had a pretty expensive (and pretty friggin’ sweet) Thanksgiving buffet at the Budapest Marriott hotel. I went with a bunch of people from my program and our program directors and a few professors as well.
To be frank, we ate a bit too much, but at $50 a pop, it was entirely worth stuffing ourselves to the brim. But let’s back track a bit, as what I ate and how much seems less and less important at this point.
Last weekend, I was, yes, in another country. This time, I made a visit to one of my favorite places, the lovely Germany. I went to see my friends the Borchers family, who I have known since I was a young ‘en. Constanze and her younger sister Caro were both my au pairs many years ago and our families have been great friends ever since. Here’s a picture of me and Caro, one of my favorites of the trip.
Caro lives in Hamburg and the rest of the Borchers family (including Constanze, her two kids and husband and their mom and dad) live in Bremen, a city about an hour west of Hamburg. At 2 million and nearly 800,000 people each, these are no small cities. I have visited them many times, including a visit all on my own when I was 13. But this time was different.
This visit, I was all grown up. I was seeing them as an adult and we all had a blast. You know how when you are such old, good friends that when you see one another, it feels like no time has passed at all? That’s what it was like. It truly was brilliant.
Matt, my friend from Rome, also joined us for the trip and between all of us, we just laughed and had a great time. We ate good food (I literally ate every meal without feeling like I had fully digested the last one) and drank wonderful wine (and a few cocktails too!)
I felt at home again, for the first time since I left my parents in August. Not that friends don’t suffice. But I have known these people longer than I have known even some members of my extended family (and I see them more often too.) They are such amazing, kind, generous people.
Plus, Germany is one of favorite countries ever. I am seriously considering starting German classes (my first German lessons since the sixth grade) and just moving there! It’s a place that’s meant for me. Or I am meant for it. Europe in general, I suppose. Seriously, just look at Hamburg.
I know how lucky I am to be doing everything I am doing, I surely do. So I do my best not to take stuff like this for granted. I didn’t want to leave and would give anything to go back. Well, almost. Except, this week, as I spend the weekend at home in Budapest, I realize how amazing THIS place is too.
Back in Budapest. I am sitting in Vorosmarty ter near the very famous Gerbaud coffee house. They are setting up the Christmas fair booths for the big festival that starts next week. Last Tuesday, I was walking up Andrassy ut, the grand boulevard, and they were testing the millions of lights that line the wide avenue. Kids are currently playing on the statue in the center of the square here, bundled in snow caps and puffy jackets. Happy couples pass by and stare off in amazement at the beauty of the buildings here. I smile just a little bit, though my butt is pretty cold sitting on the stone. And my hands are like icicles.
Last night, I walked the nearly three miles back to my apartment. I talked to mom and dad, who were headed up to see Aunt Jan and Uncle Ron for Thanksgiving. And the layer of fog that coated the city and Heroes’ Square was magical. And despite how full I was, it was great. It was a great walk home. And I will miss it here so much as well.
So here is a final picture, a picture of Matt, Caro, Constanze and her two kids Christopher and Emily. I miss them but I have some wonderful memories.
So thank you. And Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
