There is nothing in life I love more than an adventure. Whether it’s too a part of the city I’ve never visited, or a new state, or halfway across the world, I love new experiences. This world is full of so much beauty and history, it’s only right that we get to enjoy it. I have been lucky enough to have seen both coasts of the US (the center of the country is next on my list), parts of Canada, and a few European countries as well. I just returned from Budapest, Hungary and Vienna and Salzburg, Austria. It was this trip that really made me appreciate the opportunity that I was given to see the world. And here’s why.

Natural Beauty

I believe that every city is beautiful in its own way. Everything from grass and trees to huge skyscrapers can make a city beautiful. The first site on my recent trip that took my breath away was the city of Budapest from the top of a hill. So, brief lesson: Budapest has two parts - the Buda side, which is full of hills, and the Pest (pronounced Pesht) side, which is flat. My first full day there, a fellow traveler and I wandered up the hill on the Buda side. The view of the Pest side was nothing but stunning, even on the cloudy day that greeted us. A few days later, my dad and I took a bike tour around Budapest and, again, I was totally blown away. I could look at the architecture and the lights of the city at night for the rest of my life. By the way, nothing in Budapest is allowed to be taller than the church and Parliament (69 feet because 1869 was when the first Hungarian tribes landed in Budapest...but more history later), therefore, your view is never obstructed by an obnoxious highrise, so it’s stunning.

And don’t even get me started on the views in Austria. The mountains. Oh my gosh. It’s nothing but constant beauty.

(The Hungarian Parliament! Isn't that amazing?!)

Necessary History

This is important. It’s my belief that you should never go somewhere new without taking a little bit of its history back with you. I also think that some of this history is necessary so that other countries do not make the same mistakes again. That said, my best history lesson came from the House of Terror in Budapest. This house, now a museum, was the operating center of the Nazis and the Communists in Hungary. In short: Hungary had one awful leader after another. As soon as they had they gotten rid of the Nazis they were taken over AGAIN by the Russians. Anyone who resisted was killed and placed in an unmarked grave, because even in death, they were a threat. And the last POW from the Russian reign returned to Hungary in 2001 (nearly 50 years later) and the last Russian tank finally left the city in 2011. Those facts hit me hard, but it’s necessary information to have in the world. (You know the old adage about history repeating itself?) Maybe Americans who’re supporting the guy who’s talking about building a wall could learn a thing or two from this museum. Incidentally, I brought home a book from this museum to read in my spare time because I was so interested in learning more, especially since I’ve always been a little bit of a history nerd.

(The only photo you're allowed to take in the House of Terror is the wall with the photos of all the Hungarian lives lost.)

Embracing the Culture

I was traveling with a lovely women’s choir that my mom directs, so the tour company made sure we did things to embrace the culture of the area. One thing we did was a cooking class in Vienna, Austria. Not only was it a great bonding experience, but we got to make all the food that’s a huge part of Austria. They gave us mimosas and aprons with our names on them, split us up, and assigned each of us to create a part of the meal. Because I’m a vegetarian, I got to help with dessert (yum!). I helped make the Sacher Torte (chocolate cake with apricot filling) and Apple Strudel. I have never had so much fun cooking, as I tend to burn most things! The meal was everyone’s favorite of the whole trip! They even gave us diplomas and a packet of recipes so we can try them at home!

I also conquered the Hungarian metro system! That was really cool. I know absolutely no Hungarian but I rode the train as if I did it every day (which I do, just in NYC instead). It was so cool to feel like a local. I learned Budapest as a city very quickly and it didn’t take long for me to feel like I could find my way around with no problem.

So, I’m a little bit (a lot) of a musical theater nerd. I have always loved musicals, so you can imagine my delight when our tour guide told me about his favorite Austrian musical, Elisabeth. Obviously I downloaded it immediately. It’s had two revivals in Austria and it’s been running in Japan for about 15 years, but unfortunately has never been done in English. Luckily I know enough German to get the gist. Let’s just say, I’m hooked. Not only is the music incredible but I’m learning a lot about Austria’s history and their most famous Duchess, Elisabeth (also known as Sisi). If you love shows like The Phantom of The Opera or Evita, give it a listen. There are some half-decent translations on the internet also.

(Some beautiful salads getting ready to be served)

Allowing Myself To Be A Tourist

Being a New Yorker, there is nothing that drives me crazy more than tourists (though if you stop me to ask for help, I’ll help). And then I go somewhere where I’m the tourist and I remember that it’s okay. It’s okay to ask for directions. It’s okay to attempt the local language. Most of the time, people are very friendly and willing to help you find your way.

Being a tourist also gives you a reason to gush when things make you excited. We did the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, Austria and the child in me has never been so excited. I danced in front of the gazebo from 16 Going On 17, walked down the aisle where Maria got married, and jumped around on the stairs from Do Re Mi. It’s so fun to watch your favorite musical come to life before your eyes. It fills you with the childish joy everyone should experience.

(Me reenacting the Do Re Mi scene from The Sound of Music)

So, go! See the world. And cherish every moment. This world is so rich with life, and culture, and beauty! And life’s too short to not see as much as you can. To quote my favorite Pixar movie Up, “Adventure is out there!”