Budapest is beautiful - it may even be the Budabest. However, lucky for you, I have managed to find a way to make it the Budaworst. Upon return, I can only hope I have learned from my mistakes, only so I can make new ones for fresh material. Here's some things to do if you don't want to have the Budabest time.
Be a vegetarian.
In my defense, I've been living this way for over a decade now. However, Hungary is actually hungry, following just after the United States and Mexico as the world's third fattiest country. I'm usually thirsty, as opposed to hungry, but Hungary demands you to be hungry. You know that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where the guy who plays Aiden in Sex & The City is a vegetarian and the Greek family says it's ok - they have *insert type of fish/meat here*? That's what it was like. Except Hungarian is a difficult language, and only 20 percent of Hungarians speak English.
Stay in a hostel with bed bugs.
When you see a little critter on your pillow, gently attempt to fling it out the window after accepting its fate and flushing it down the toilet. Only realize four hours later that where there is one critter, there are 50, and they are bed bugs. These little dudes are not to blame on Budapest, but on the raunchy travelers that migrant through, giving them a free ride to a dope city. After my attempt to avoid freezing my stuff (I like to be one with the animals) I came to my realization that all bed bugs must die, because they bite.
Attend a Sparty.
This magical event takes place in Budapest's Szechenyi Baths. Entitled a Spa Party, it is a pool full of too much PDA, sweat, urine and lemon slices from various alcoholic beverages. On second thought, do this. It actually was the Budabest.
Don't do your research.
Did you know that Buda and Pest are on separate sides of the Danube river and used to be divided? That Katy Perry filmed her "Firework" music video opening scene there? That a popular snack is bread sprinkled with water to hold raw sugar on top? Me neither. Do take a walking tour.
Ask about sport.
Especially if you don't like sport. According to a local, the most popular sports in Hungary are football, drinking, joking, and yoga. I know how to participate in 2/4 of these sports, which makes me an athlete in the Hungarian sense.
Go with a lot of people.
As a psychology major (i.e. overanalyzing human being), I am well aware of the difficulties of managing large groups of early twenty-somethings. Since vacation isn't about managing, I sat back and watched the management unfold. Ever try to keep seven people on the same page/itinerary/alcohol content level? Don't.
