St. Stephens Day, August 20, is a huge celebration for Hungarians. It's the equivalent of a U.S. 4th of July. Lots and lots of people and many pastry stands. I would have like to don the national colors but alas I didn't bring red or kelley green clothing. 

These streets are everywhere; secretive passageways of color and lines. 

Markets!

I've been in Budapest for over 24 hours now! Only today did I feel like I was in Europe. The dorm we are staying in is a 20 min. tram ride so it wasn't until we were in the city center that I had that fuzzy feeling of foreign inhabitance. 

Today I heard my first Hungarian live music; it gave me the goosebumps! It was brash and loud, and full of beats that I felt was reflexive of their history. 

Viszontlatasra U.S., jo napot Hungary!

I am preparing to travel to Hungary for the fall semester. 

As I tell several people the spiel about the program, I find the monotony taxing on my excitement. 

"I leave on August 17 and get back right before Christmas: August 19. Yes! I'm very excited. I'll be staying in Budapest. I'll be studying there at the local university." ...Etc. 

Even as I'm reading through guidebooks and Europe Through the Back Door, I think mostly of the things I am weary of; thieves, money, packing. 

My explanation is a rerun of memorized words and I forget the truth of adventure until it whispers to me again in the quiet before sleep. 

Even though I moved to Seattle for five months and feel like i'm already savvy with packing and preparations, it's different. 

The nerves I felt once will come back again; a mixed palate of fear, happiness, hope, and destiny. 

Here I go again!