I am sitting in a cafe in Budapest, and finally taking a moment to reflect on the journey that's led me here. Not just the road to this city but the friends that have made me who I am and capable of being on an adventure like this. I feel so lucky to be having these experiences! So far I've gone from Vienna, Austria to Hodos and Murska Sobota, Slovenia; then a long car trip to 5 beautiful cities in the Czech Republic (Mikulov, Jicin, Zatec, Postolporty, Most). I finally got to venture out as a lone traveler from Prague to Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary, which has led me here to Budapest. I've been living out of a backpack and staying with some of the most interesting people I've ever met. Everything from a backyard BBQ serenaded by a Slovenian family gypsy band to long conversations on a balcony in a lightning storm; I am definately soaking up the experiences and enjoying every minute of it. I am off now to play frisbee on Margaret Island with my french host and some of his friends. Szia!

What: Traveling alone through a couple of Eastern European countries I've never been to before When: Aug 15-Sept 1 2008 Why: Had a couple weeks before responsibilities (i.e. school) started again and decided to go somewhere I'd never been before. Hence, Poland and Ukraine. Who: Me and my backpack and couchsurfers (and whoever else I meet along the way).