Cheers to the city with the green bridge and yellow trams

Sometimes when you feel that all the doors are shut. But if you are still very hopeful and optimistic, help shall come on your way. That is my story of Budapest. The one night that strengthened my faith in humanity. 

I am Gayathri, an Indian female. I did my Erasmus program in the academic year September 2015- June 2016 at the University of Pardubice, Czech Republic. It was a great cultural difference for an Indian coming to Europe but what is life without any adventure right? I managed to reach Pardubice, a small town where not many people spoke English. 

It was in November I decided to take my first solo trip within Europe. I wanted to push myself to enjoy the solitude and also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. So I began planning and then finally took my bus. I did not realise my lack of knowledge on planning trips until I spoke with a friend while I was on the bus. He told enlightened me that the subways and other train services within the city stop at 11 p.m. But I am always who had the attitude that whatever is being thrown at me, I will take care of it. Thankfully, this friend was a very kind person who asked someone he knows living there at that time to help me out. I am deeply grateful for that. I don't think I would have reached my hostel if it was not for those people. 

I had a wonderful time in Budapest- exploring the duality of the city, taking long walks, eating all the delicacies, enjoying the sun over the autumn morning (cold for an Indian!!). The city felt like it was taken out of a fairytale. There was something special and magical about this city- Buda and Pest. 

The last day, I packed my bags and I still had some time left. So I decided to text a few people and I lost track of time. By the time I realised I had exactly enough time to catch my bus back. I asked at the reception desk for the direction- the man told me to take a right and showed the hand signal of the left. I was really confused and this confusion led to taking the wrong tram. I had to get down and take a different tram in the opposite direction. By now, there was a sweet couple in the tram who asked me about the flustered look on my face. They were not quite sure whether I would manage to get the bus. And I did not. The buses and trains are so damn punctual in Europe (which is unlike India ;)

I was almost out of liquid cash and out of panic I did not know what to do next. I had zero credits on my phone as well. Finally, I managed to withdraw some money but I did not have any coins on me to use the public phone. I bought something to eat and got some change. I called my student buddy and he gave me some good instructions. He asked me to go to the train station and get a train to Pardubice. So I went there and it was getting quite late by now. The officers there told me that the last train had already left and the next one is in the morning. So I thought maybe I could spend my night at the station. 

But then they told me that they are closing the station. I was in tears by now as it was cold outside, I did not know where to go, I did not have a place to stay. It was a rough night. So I started walking towards the nearest McDonalds where I could at least be warm and look for the nearest hostel. I finally managed to locate one nearby and started walking towards it. It was midnight by then. 

It was cold. I was scared. I was alone. I reached the location my phone showed but could not find the hostel. I kept looking around but no luck. An hour went by, I kept walking back and forth. Finally, a boy named Christian and a girl named Veera walked towards me. They understood that I was lost. They asked me for help. Three of us started looking for the hostel and after fifteen minutes we all gave up. It may sound like coincidence or maybe the magic of the city but Veera had been to India before and she knew what my name meant. It was such a pleasant surprise. So she felt bad about me and invited me to her friend's place nearby. She had come to attend her birthday party. I cannot tell how relieved I was. I could see in their eyes that they were kind and trustworthy people. I took my leap of faith and went with them. 

They offered me water and also make me feel so comfortable and warm. They were laughing at my story and trying to solve my problem. Finally, Veera asked me to book the ticket for the bus in the morning. She told me that I can stay at Christian's house as his place was closer to the bus station. I cannot tell you how these people welcomed me, helped me when I needed, offered water and shelter. I don't I can ever repay for this. I will always be grateful. 

I went with Christian who did not speak even one word of English. But we could communicate. We had a fun bus ride back to his place. He made me tea, fixed my bed, we also watched one episode of Modern Family. He was so sweet that he also kept an alarm to wake me up and drop me at the station. I insisted that I would go by myself but this sweet little boy was such a great host that he wanted to make sure that I got the right bus. 

That night I was scared and cold. I was looking for one ray of hope. It was offered to me by the warmest people from Budapest. The city will remain very special in my heart. I will keep telling more people about the kindest deed offered to me in need by the people of Budapest.