I know I've gone this route once before, but 4 years is apparently enough time to forget how much it takes out of you. Sadly I was too pooped to take any pictures along the way through Amsterdam. It's a huge airport with a lot going on, I promise to get a couple shots on the way back through since I won't be coming off a 9 hour 45 minute flight.

On the bright side, it was only a 9 hour and 45 minute flight and not 12 hours.  We actually got in about 45 minutes early. Economy plus isn't much to talk about. The seat wasn't first class and I don't think it really is much different from Economy, except maybe an inch or 2 more for leg room. I was fortunate however that my seat was on the aisle and the 2 seats to my left were vacant. I was thrilled when we started to move and I realized I had all 3 to myself. That excitement was dampened once I found out the arm rests only go up to about 45 degrees, effective preventing you from utilizing all 3 seats. However, it was enough for me to turn sideways and stick one of my legs across and this made a huge difference for comfort.

I tried to sleep. I failed.

I landed in Amsterdam at about 8:50am local time and after a brief 55 minute layover, TSA and Customs check, hopped on the 1 hour 45 minute flight to Budapest.

After disembarking I made my way to baggage claim and while everyone gathered around the unmoving conveyor belt I made arrangements to get to Ilonka's place and back with the airport mini shuttle (4990 forint/$26.53) and changed out some of my cash for forint. By the time I had that all squared away my bag was moving down the belt and I was able to grab it and head out.

I got to Ilonka's around 1:30pm local time. Upstairs I said "hi" to my grandfather and aunt who started chittering away in Hungarian happily. She fed me a meal of csirka paprikas with gnoocdli (stewed chicken with creamy paprika sauce over little bits of gnocchi like pasta, I've linked to a recipe online that's close). Again, I apologize for a lack of pictures, but I was too tired.  After I ate I took a shower, confirmed my internet connection was working (allowing grampa to check his email and call my mother to let her know I was here) and knocked out for the night.

It's cold here right now. There's been a storm in the area for the week and it's brought the temperatures down to the 55-65 degree F range. For a guy born and raised in Hawaii, that's cold. Thankfully my jacket is more than equipped for the weather and it's actually kind of pleasant; when it isn't raining.