10) I arrived in Budapest sometime in the afternoon. It was soo hot! My hostel was located on an island in the middle of the Danube River a little ways from the magnificent Parliament buildings. Andrea Bocelli greeted me from the musical fountain entering the island! After walking around for six hours in my new leather sandals, I had blisters on the balls of my feet and could hardly take a step by the time I got back. I followed my own walking route. I walked past all of these iron shoes on the bank on my way to Parliament. They are a memorial for the Jews who were told to take off their shoes and line up on the bank. The fascist Arrow Cross militia then proceeded to shoot them; their bodies would fall into the river and it would carry them away. I just keep hearing about occurrences from the Holocaust. I knew it was huge, it was even more widespread than I ever imagined. From tales in Oslo to Amsterdam to Greece...Hungary...you wouldn't feel safe anywhere.

I know I was in Hungary, but I was so sore and stiff in the back and neck that when I walked past a Thai massage place, I had to go in. Have you ever had a Thai massage? They sit on your butt and massage very deep and grab your arms from behind and kick you in the back. I loved it! I was no longer sore after. I had to try some Hungarian goulash soup for supper - it was kind of weird with no real texture.

The thing to do in Budapest is to go to the baths (did that last time) and to the really cool ruin pubs. However, I opted for a night in. I met these Cuban guys and practiced my Spanish!

11) Since I am trying to be more fit whilst traveling, I went for a run around the entire island on a cool rubber track! I caught a bus to Vienna (same time frame as train and cheaper) for €11. You can't do things so cheaply at home (or in Norway!). Vienna has been home to many famous artists, musicians, and architects.

I stayed with my friend Stefan. He had a French girl, Celine, and two Swiss girls there also. He took us out for a Viennese night on the town! I was disgusted that people can smoke in the bars! You are dancing and someone beside you is holding a cigarette. So bizarre to me now!

12) Celine and I set out for the Baroque style Schonbrunn Palace, former home of the beloved Cici. This Palace is the Versailles of Vienna. To be honest, I liked it better than Versailles! Every room was unique.

I went to Vienna's history museum and saw an exhibition based soley on Gustav Klimt. I really love his art, even though some of it is pretty weird. He is famous for his painting "The Kiss".

13) I picked up the rail pass I ordered in Vienna and took a gander around the city centre. I went into the magnificent Stephansdom church, one of Vienna's most famous landmarks. This gothic church is magnificent! I went inside and admired the handiwork.

For lunch, Celine, Stefan and I met up for some Weinerschnitzel at a little restaurant Stefan loves. It is a slab of meat covered in batter...so healthy. And we had to try some Austrian beer, of course! We went to a different dessert place for famous Austrian cake too. Then...my first opera! We managed to find €2 tickets...for standing only! When we got there we were moved into seats...can't complain! It was great to go; of course I didn't know what was going on because it was all in German! I will admit I was a little tired and may have nodded off in a couple parts...

14) Before I had to catch my train to Krakow, I went to the Belvedere Palace, another baroque styled building full of art. I really wanted to see "The Kiss" in person. I have really come to appreciate art, so I was super excited! I love looking really close at paintings to see the brush strokes. I didn't have any Euros left but convinced the guy in the baggage room to take my undervalued Hungarian money!

Then, I hopped on my train to Poland in search of Gina!