My New Crib

I have finally moved into my new apartment, located in Buda, a few streets away from the old castle district. I can now walk to work (1/2 hour) or take the metro- 10 minutes! Those who commute know what a luxury this is!

My aunt came to help me move in and organize. According to her, it is the best apartment I have had, and that is saying a lot given her high German standards!

The building: from the outside it is run down and gray. Inside is an inner courtyard that has Mediterranean feeling with all the colorful gardens that individual apartments have put together. As you go up the stairs (no elevator!), you can see the bullet holes, most likely a remnant of World War II. The building has not been renovated for 60+ years. The street around the corner is named, in fact, for a battle that took place during WWII, so one is certainly reminded of recent history on a daily basis.

The apartment itself is gorgeous: hardwood floors and lots of light! It is furnished IKEA style and has amenities of an US apartment – microwave, big refrigerator and an electric oven! I can now bake American goodies for my office mates.

The bathroom has an interesting element: there is no “real” shower. One has to hold the showerhead over oneself in the bathtub. A lot of work (!) but obviously saves water.

All in all, I am beginning to feel settled here in BP. I now have a little home to rest in between my travels and a little oasis for my many visitors, the first of which will come in June!