Hot Springs and Metro!

I made two huge accomplishments today! First I went to tbe hot springs with my friend Mark, and second I found my way around the city (using the Metro, even!) all by myself! We had class today even thought it was Saturday. Since we had a short week this week, they wanted to make up for some of the lost time, but we got our earlier than we would normally. My friend Mark and I went in search of the spas after class. The one we went to is in the huge city park. THe park is fantastic! There are little street vendors and a zoo (with carved elephants guarding the door), plus tons of other things that my senses couldn't deal with. The hot springs are AMAZING. The buidling they're in isn't really clearly marked, but it was pretty easy to find. There is English on most of the signs since we went to the most touristy one, so it wasn't confusing at all. It was like stepping into the guidebook. We frequented the outdoor pools since the air was absolutely perfect for being half in the water, half out. We watched old men play chess and betted on the winner. My dude lost, so now I owe Mark 50 forints (that's about a quarter). There's this ring in the farthest pool that is rather like a hot tub. It's in the exact middle of the pool, and every so often bubbles start coming out the bench you're sitting on so it's like sitting on a vent. It was a bit surprising at first, but once we figured out that it was supposed to be like that we had fun with it. The whole experience initially cost 2200 forints, but since we were there for less than three hours we got 500 forints back.

On the way back we passed an ice rink. It's HUGE and they play loud music and show music videos. It looks phenomenal. We found a little restaurant and both got pasta. Mine was covered in cheese and it was in a besil and garlic sauce. The whole thing was 900 forints and I couldn't even finish it all. When things start slowing down it'll be nice to prepare my own meals. Maybe then I could eat something that's halfway healthy.

The public transporation is great! I just did it by myself today. The inside of the metro and the trams is gross, but they're really efficient, and I didn't get lost!!!

Tomorrow we have a three hour tour of the city. It should be interesting. I can't wait to see the Danube again. It's really hypnotic.

We're going to one of the oldest clubs in Budapest tonight. It's supposed to be just super.

That's about all. Happy January!