During the summer of 2003, I hitched a one-way ride to Europe on the now defunct Airhitch with a plan to explore Greece and Eastern Europe for the first time.
This was my first trip to Continental Europe since I was a teenager, almost ten years earlier. My plan was to stick to a tight budget which would dictate my loose itinerary.
I had time to briefly see a few highlights in Paris, France, before catching a loooooong bus ride East.
After visiting the ubiquitous Eifel Tower, I made my way to Notre-Dame.
Finally, I grabbed some cheese for the long bus ride.
I finally got off the bus in Hungary, where I was greeted by this young woman working the border convenience store.
I probably didn’t make a huge impression dressing like a dorky American!
The city of Budapest, capitol of Hungary, is wonderful!
Situated on the Danube river, the city was originally two separate cities, Buda and Pest that gradually grew together.
After visiting Budapest, I hopped on a Hungarian railcar heading south where I shared a compartment with this friendly family.
