FINALLY! Hungarian microwave popcorn! Thank you, my love.
As I attempt to familiarise myself with the world outside my travel bubble, I feel no strong desire for a re-entry into it. At least not from America’s eyes. Three full months of having lived in three very different countries has approached rather quickly and I don’t know how I feel. I can’t wait for my hair appointment. I can’t wait for lunch with my dear client who always keeps it real. I can’t wait to see my goddess Kelly in San Fran even though it is limited to one short hour. Et bien sûr, I truly cannot wait to be with my aunties.
I fell in love with a Frenchman… big shock! All these years stalking sexy men in scarves has finally paid off! Alas, this is not a silly illusion like those of the recent past. But sincere, equal and genuine. In fact, I cannot wait to get my derrière back to Bordeaux. Or… Toulouse. I will be counting the days (treize) until we reunite for Saint Nicholas cheer with friends! I hope there will be no donkeys… unless they are carrying in the champagne.
It’s a little bit ominous how ‘done’ I am with the US. Sure I miss Hale & Hearty, “Veep”, and the TBS “Seinfeld” reruns, but I’ll sort all of that out. What is in front of me is so extraordinary… it’s difficult to express. It really is that incredible, satisfying and even mind-blowing. It may not be the easiest path, but it is most definitely an easy love. Nothing else matters… because it is so equal. I look forward to a French residency permit, bank account and, well… who knows!? Perhaps a special trip to Château de Chenonceau, with a big tchin-tchin to our French formation friends.
D’accord… I left Budapest which is now arguably my second, third or fourth favourite European city. Actually, it has most certainly surpassed Roma. I only love Roma now because it is where I met mon amour. The Budapesti people are simply incredible! So warm. This city will be truly missed, and definitely revisited! The culture, diversity and effortless beauty of the city… it just shines brighter. Budapest may sound far away and behind some gray Eastern European block, but it is inviting, enchanting and welcoming. My own little New York of Europe. Life, at least for me as a temporary expat, was made easy. And the glühwein (vin chaud, mulled wine) is plentiful. What a joy to share this beautiful city, its baths, microwave popcorn, wines, cuisine and especially kind people… with one very special Canadian-UAE royal spaz; and my love = my equal. As obnoxious, hilarious, romantic and non-Hungarian speaking we all were, just one exchange was without a beaming friendliness, at Gozsdu Udvar. Packing up my Opera flat was a bit nostalgic. The memories from Hungary are priceless. It is such a strange feeling. I am anxious to get back to France but have about seven lives to love before I get there! Ahead of me is two days in Milano, two days in New York, three hours in San Fran, and then finally… I’m with my aunties. ✈️ All I can say, is that Budapest is magic. And I can’t wait to see my Illustrious Frenchman the very second ILTM ends.
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return”… I always hoped one day I would understand the feeling for myself.
Welcome to my new world!!! Bus-free (with the exception of Toulouse public transport!), and full of life, energy and love. Not even Bob Dylan makes me think twice… because everything is alright. Sigh, back to Italy… I suspect Milano to be more dignified than “pizza, pasta, pizza”. The Dorchester bar will not disappoint, after my short sleep and departure from Hungary. (No Sir KWMc: not Turkey!) Turkey is next month and I’m Hungary now. I am an asshole for making that joke, I realise.
My perfect Friday night: French lessons, a luxurious bath and Dorchester room service. Love to all, the next two weeks are sure to be full of crazy, but I am thrilled to see so many of my lovelies so soon. As I was told recently: “I have just one life to live”. xx and ooo
I will miss the cheap Hungarian ‘extra-dry’ splits of champagne
