On Being a Tourist

I often think of my life in terms of pre-Hungary, Hungary and post-Hungary, and always feel a little strange when the three collide. The last week in July was definitely one of those collisions. For all that my family and some really good friends are still here, Maryland is very much a pre-Hungary place for me, and having an exchange student friend come visit now, when my life is decidedly post-Hungary was wonderful, but brought up all sorts of mixed emotions. I was thrilled to see her, and to be able to reminisce, speak Hungarian (which is komolyan one of my favorite things ever) and catch up on everything we've been up to since my departure two years ago. It also reminded me of how much I miss the place and the people that were such a huge part of my life. I am grateful every single day for the opportunity I had to go spend that time over there, for the things I learned, for the people that helped me get there, and for who I became and how I changed while I was there.

...I meant for this to stay pretty light, whoops. Anyways. She was here with a couple of friends for the first part of the week, and that Tuesday we all went down to DC together. They'd been the day before and seen all of the monuments, so we went to Arlington National Cemetery. I've visited before, but not for a while, and was reminded of why that place is so great.

For all that I love Hungary, I'm so very glad to have been born an American, and can't ever express enough how much I appreciate all those who have worked hard to make this country what it is. Even with all it's flaws (and I'll admit, there are plenty of those), it's a great place. Growing up near the capital has it's pros and cons- I remember being dragged down to visit this museum or that memorial when I was a kid, and didn't have a say in the matter, but once I got to the age where I could go down there on my own, I didn't because I always thought I'd have time to do it later. I didn't, and am a little disappointed in myself that it takes someone else coming here to do touristy things for me to go down there and be reminded of how awesome it is.