Sightseeing

I have been sightseeing with the Roswell team already this summer, and I went again with the youth teams. Both times before I left, I kind of asked myself, "Why am I doing this? I've been to all these places twice/three times before, and I already have pictures of it all." But then as I stood in Heroes Square and later climbed to castle district, looking out over the city, I just realized again how truly beautiful Budapest is. I love this city a lot. It is stunning.

Hungarian Youth Group at Heroes Square

American Team at Heroes Square

Beautiful Budapest

After doing the usual tour on Saturday (market, Heroes Square, castle district), we returned to the same restuarant we ate at last year. It was just as delicious this year and it was really fun to be there with the Americans, the Paulus staff, and some members of the Hungarian youth group.

With Beni and Lilla after dinner

On Sunday, we went to church (yay! I missed it last week when I was at Balaton), and that afternoon Ildi and Janos took us to the minaret. Oh boy. I didn't go up this time, but the rest of the team did and I think they enjoyed it. Honestly, I think they were actually a little let down. When we drove up, they all said, "Wait, this is it? Seriously?" It was very funny.

The Minaret

After the minaret, the Kiss family graciously invited us to their home for gulyas and palocsinta. It was DELICIOUS. It was so great to be back "home". We had such a good time, and Ildi and Janos were as kind and welcoming and generous as they always are. They made us feel right at home.
Soon it was time to head downtown to the river cruise! I think this was the most relaxing thing I've done since I've been in Hungary! It was so peaceful to just ride along, look at the lights, and talk with Esther. I loved it. I'm already looking forward to going with the team next week! :)

Parliament