Summer Travels in Budapest with Family
28 July 2023
It is a glorious early summer weekend in Budapest, and the sun casts a golden halo over the Buda Castle as I walk along the Danube. This is the first trip I have made this year with my mother, who is visiting me for the summer along with her sister from Hong Kong, whom I haven’t seen for three years. It is a privilege to be together. However, it feels like traveling with two mothers, leading to many instructions to dress more warmly and numerous concerned messages about how late I’m staying out in a new city. “I do this all the time – and for a living,” I reassure them several times, yet to no avail.
Evening Adventures
At sunset, we relax at a floating bar, sipping cocktails. I recognize this place as somewhat touristy, chosen by a contact of my mother’s, but we can’t find any fault with it. When the waves bob us around violently and our wine bottles slide across the table, the staff swiftly rescue them, bringing laughter to the moment. I capture a joyful photo of my mother mid-laughter and share it with our family chat. “FOMO,” my sister texts back. “Why haven’t you been to Szimpla Kert yet?” inquires my niece.
Exploring Budapest
While my profession involves guiding people on where to travel, in my family, I am far from the decision-maker. Other than securing our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, which is brilliantly located, intimate, and beautiful, I follow the plans laid out by my mother and aunt. As the lights on both sides of the Danube illuminate the night, cruise ships glide past with hip-hop music playing, creating a stunning midnight blue backdrop dotted with gold. Our guide, passionate about India, shares that she has visited 34 times.
Cultural Connections
“Our countries are similar,” she explains. “People are warm and welcoming, and the media portrays us terribly.” Hungarians and Indians share a deep appreciation for spice; in Budapest, we enjoy our bread dipped in a ubiquitous paprika-chilli paste. My aunt buys a dozen bottles after learning the brand name from the waiter, who also gifts her 13 homemade marzipan sticks. Over a delicious Pinot Noir from Lake Balaton, we agree that we need to return to Budapest as soon as possible.
Lessons in Letting Go
Our time together serves as a valuable lesson in letting go and embracing the flow of life. Sometimes travel is about the destination, while at other times, it’s about the enriching experiences shared with loved ones. Different journeys hold importance for various reasons, and this sentiment feels especially relevant during the summer season. As the chill that my mother and aunt warned me about descends, I button up my denim jacket. They don’t say “I told you so,” and I don’t express my gratitude. Stuffing my hands into my pockets, we walk back to the hotel under the moonlight and tumble into bed. I fall asleep to the soothing soundtrack of their gentle snores, feeling luckier than ever.
