So, in theory I lived in Budapest for 7 months – but I spent many of those weeks on mission with work so in the end it was mostly about packing and re-packing.

While I was in the city though, I was often excited about the fact that friends now could visit me (and bring Swedish snacks), about the access to great food experiences – and I happened to be around for both Balaton Sound music festival and Budapest pride. I found a community of “secret dining” at Zoltan18 where I went a couple of times to have a first class dinner around a table with 20 strangers, hung out with a group of med students and other new friends, went for art exhibitions and concerts, and had the best colleagues one could ask for.

Being back in Europe was very special. I could move around more freely, I had access to things and people, I felt like I was transitioning into finally settling down. And I finally bought that vinyl player. So symbolic!

I chose not to extend my contract in Budapest as a new opportunity came up that was a better option for me – I was a bit sad about not getting more time in the city, but I felt I definitely made the best out of my time in one of Europe’s most gorgeous and wallet-friendly cities.