Julia's Journeys

This week... Four friends and I spent the slightly snowy four-day weekend in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is a bucket-list city of mine, and it was everything I had hoped it would be. We stayed in an flat in the center of the lively and bustling District VII on the Pest side. Budapest is split into two parts: Buda on the west side of the Danube River, and Pest on the east side. Budapest has only been a single city since 1873, when the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda unified. Pest is modern and active while Buda is hilly and historical. Behind me is the Danube River from the Buda side, looking over to the Pest side A weekend filled with beautiful architecture, nice people, and an amazing atmosphere made for the best trip yet. I Learned... On the Pest side, we visited the St. Stephen's Basilica, the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and the Hungarian Parliament building.  St. Stephen's Basilica For a small fee, you can climb to the top of the St. Stephen's Basilica to see the 360°

The past two weeks... As my second month in Bulgaria concludes, I have run into some of the more logistical tasks of being abroad. From processing an American package through Bulgarian customs to navigating travel during a global pandemic, there are many factors to consider while abroad. Besides these tasks, I've learned about a defining Bulgarian holiday, and, as always, I've eaten some delectable meals. I Learned... "Baba Marta" Holiday Today marks the first of March. Честита Баба Марта! This translates to "Happy Baba Marta!" Every year on March 1st, Bulgarians celebrate the day of Baba (Grandmother) Marta (March). This day signifies the welcoming of the anticipated spring.  For the past several days, my walk to class through the city has been decorated with street stands of locals selling martenitsi, handmade decorations of red and white thread. These decorations come in the form of bracelets, necklaces, tassels, and more, but the traditional form depicts