Exploring Budapest Day 2

11/5/11
So today the Sisters had meetings until late in the evening. I didn't want to sit around the dorm all day and for the past three days the Sisters have been showing me how to get around Budapest. So I decided to do a little exploring on my own (parents, please don't freak out, I must be alive because I am writing this blog, right?) As long as I didn't open my mouth no one knew I wasn't Hungarian. Most Hungarians have pale skin, dark hair and brown eyes so I fit right in :)
I slept in, still trying to get over this jet lag and then I visited the market, which reminded me a lot of the ones I saw in China. The bottom floor was all food and the top floor was touristy stands with gifts, so I did a little Christmas shopping. Then I went to the Cave church, which was very interesting. There are audio guided tours so I was able to get one in English. The Communists boarded up the church and it didn't reopen until 1989, which I found interesting. After visiting the Cave Church I went to the National Museum. The artifacts in the museum reminded me of Medieval times, with all the swords, goblets and old coins. Most of the signs were in Hungarian so I didn't understand most of it, but there were a few signs in English. Then I went back to the house and had lunch with all of the Sisters. Sister Monika introduced me and she seemed very excited to have me here in Hungary. All of the Sisters have been wonderful, they are very kind and welcoming, always asking if there is anything they can do to help me.
After lunch I took the tram to the Royal Palace. I had been navigating the tram for the past few days with the sisters and I was very proud of myself for being able to do it on my own. On my way to the Royal Palace an American couple stopped me and pointed to a name on their brochure, they wanted me to tell them how to get there. I smiled at them and said I'm sorry but I don't know, this is my first time here also. The older lady looked surprised and said, oh you aren't Hungarian and I said no I'm from Maryland. Even though I wasn't able to help them, it was nice to know that I don't stick out as a tourist :)
The royal palace was beautiful and I will post pictures on Facebook soon, after getting back we had a small dinner and then traveled 2 1/2 hours to Mako.