Hungary Highlights at the Halfway

So, as of today, I am officially (exactly) halfway through my exchange so I am going to post some of the highlights of how amazing my journey has been so far.

As much as Dabas had its downsides I really did love getting to know and spending so much quality time with these forty people who have become, and will stay, a huge part of my life and some of my best friends.

This is my first picture with my sister Flora. I met her on my 14th day of exchange and I will never love someone more. She could not be more special to me if we were related by blood. This day changed my life.

Directly after Dabas my sisters and I went to church camp in Kismanyók where I met some really amazing people, found out just how welcoming people could be, and thoroughly enjoyed all the activities we did there. Looking back from the winter though maybe not thoroughly enough.

Welcome Home!!!

My first night in Szeged my family took me into the city and I saw it for the first time, this place will forever be my second home. It was also my first outing with the family that will be mine forever.

Every day with my sisters is special :) <3 This is also our only group picture.

The three exchange students that will share my year most closely. They take some getting used to but man I love them <3

The fish soup festival was the first gathering of exchangers since Dabas :) It cemented some of the friendships I know are going to last forever ... and it was a damn good time

The parliament building was truly awe inspiring inside and out

I love my family <3

My rotary organized trip to Romania was quite an experience. Transylvania is a beautiful place :)

My family trip to Hollókő was wonderful but the really amazing part was feeling like I was part of something that was important to my family :)

Mentorship workshops have been really great for me :) They remind me of Pal Camp which is a truly wonderful thing :)

I honestly enjoyed walking home on this path dozens of times more than many many things I have done this year. Enjoying the weather while it lasted. Also the woman who took my picture that day still makes me smile every time I think about her.

My first independent travel trip to Pécs was a great time :)

Meeting the young adventurer here was really an eye opening experience; I think I will remember that for about forever.

I really have come to love ice skating :)

I was really proud of myself for managing a Thanksgiving dinner mostly on my own :)

And though this is not happy it is important this was my last night with my family.

The two outings with these fabulous people were the times I have felt most myself since leaving California. The most I have laughed since getting here :D

A crazy fun night with Nicolas too :) Such bad timing on when we started hanging out

Happy Birthday to me!!! Such a wonderful way to celebrate. With my family <3

My Budapest ah hah moment, which I feel properly expresses the mix of feelings and awe at actually being halfway through this glorious experience.

I have also very much enjoyed the opportunity to have days like this :)

So here is my year so far in collage :)