Hi Everyone!

Budapest went off with a BANG!!! When I got here, everyone in the hostel was gearing up to go on a party boat up and down the Danube. Naturally I decided to go along and I'm glad I did. All of Budapest's major buildings and architecture are along the waterfront and they all light up at night - what a view! The party itself was also loads of fun - it was an excellent way to get to know my fellow hostel mates super quickly.

I had me some authentic Hungarian meals including some schnitzel. I found an awesome place where you by for the food you want by the weight. My first visit I paid about 44,000HUF (Hungarian Forints) which was a mountain of food and about $33CAD. After that I took it a bit easier spending only about half that.

My walking and hiking weight loss journey continued here big time. 38,000 steps alone just yesterday. Like Prague, many of the cold old statues and buildings are right on the top of the big hills so I had to climb up to get a solid look around the place. Truthfully, I now really enjoy walking, even the up hills. It pays off also, no just in weight loss but in being able to enjoy such memorable and special views of the city.

Laslo, Budapest is so so so BEAUTIFUL. I don't think you talked this place up enough. I would recommend everyone comes here to check it out. So lovely.

While I did not go into the famous thermal bath house, I did get a nice drone shot of it, it is certainly a very popular spot even now and it is not yet summer. There was a long waiting line out the door and around the corner.

People here are pretty friendly and I saw them often helping tourists with directions.

Highlights maybe not fully captured in the video:

• Yes, that is glitter in my eyebrows

• The hostel I stayed at is part of the OneFam group and I have to say they truly made me feel safe and welcome. I would recommend this place as a solid and central place to stay and enjoy this wonderful city.

• The little and intricate tiles on the roof of the Matthias Church were probably my very favorite thing - or perhaps the one that comes quickest to my mind

• I never realized how much fun it would be meeting random people from all over the world. I mean anyone can understand how that might be a good time, but now actually experiencing it... they have already become memories I will cherish forever and I still have 2.5 months to go on this crazy adventure of mine!

I'm now off to my friend Cristian's homeland of Transylvania - specifically the town of Brasov within Romania. My lifelong dream to one day become a vampire will soon be fulfilled.

Having a great time!

Eric