Livin' the Dream!: Battling the Storms of Budapest

I was planning on writing last night, and got involved in Facetiming people back home, so that didn’t happen. But, that’s ok-I now have a new adventure to share! Last week, we had orientation, and today was the first day back to work with all new staff. I scheduled a manicure today to treat myself to something relaxing after a full day of meetings, and my mind overflowing with new and exciting information! The nail salon is on the top floor of the mall, about a seven minute walk from my apartment. I enjoyed sitting at the nail “booth,” and helping the technician practice her English. After a satisfying result, I headed down toward the exit.

It had rained earlier today, as we had all been hoping for, as it has been SO hot and humid. As I approached the door, I recognized what was happening. People were gathering at the door waiting for the rain to stop. With no umbrella, I had to pause and problem solve. After a longer glance, I realized it wasn’t just RAINING, it was POURING, and FLOODING. Cars were starting to flood, so I knew taxis were becoming out of the question. I raced back upstairs to the sporting goods store and bought one of two ponchos left. I placed the red, waterproof, poncho over my bags and took off-“now or never,” I thought! I wouldn’t have been worried, but my phone, and some school books were in my bag—things that couldn’t get wet. For the next five minutes, I held my dress up with my left hand, curled my toes around my sandals, and waded through, at some points, thigh deep water. The further I went, the “better” it got as I was walking uphill. But, there were cars that were flooded, traffic backed up with no where to go, and some people (like me), wading through water and looking at the others thinking “WOW.” One man even told me he had NEVER seen anything like that and asked me to take a picture. I made it home safely and soaked and laughing tucked that experience in my memory. It reminded me of a time I got caught in Spain in a rain and wind storm when bricks were flying off a building!!! I guess we learn here to not complain about the heat :).

This past week, I have crossed some things off my “to-do” list. I hit up Ikea once again, and am finally satisfied with my apartment. My credit card is also happy I’m done. I am enamored with the character of the apartment, with high ceilings, and an amazing balcony that looks at the Parliament building. For me, it is simply a place that feels like “home.” I also finished a week of new staff orientation at AISB. I have met many wonderful people, who are both professional, and welcoming. It could be a bit overwhelming, but I think all of us newbies tried to soak in what we were hearing. The school perfoms very highly on the international stage, and sends some kids to the best universities in the U.S. and Europe. The focus is definitely on student learning, and I have observed a big emphasis on collaboration and documentation. I am overjoyed to become part of a dynamic staff!

In addition to orientation, we were also treated like royalty by being taken to dinner by the director and administration, and then on another night, having appetizers and drinks at our director’s home in the Buda Hills. At first glance, from a semi-outsider perspective, the staff emphasizes team building in activities outside of the school. I find this an important and appealing aspect, seeing as though most of us are away from our families. I have been impressed by the warm welcome of the staff. I have also felt blessed to have been able to spend time with the other new teachers who are in the same situation as myself. There are only three of us this year, and so we have spent nearly every night this past week having dinner, and discovering the city together. From taking the rickshaw that we picked up in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, and getting “advice” on where to go from the cute little bike rider, to wandering the streets of Pest (mostly because were were lost, with no Internet), it has been a great adventure, and many laughs thus far with Ashlee and Dennis.

Individually, I’ve also found a little Catholic chapel in Buda that has mass Sunday mornings, so that has been some nice stability with a little piece of home. Yesterday, I went to breakfast at Ashlee’s and then to mass with her, before heading home for some Sunday relaxation. I ended up (after a nap of course), taking off on a bike ride to Margarit Island, that was filled with people. It was a great ending to a week filled with laugher, growth, and adventure.