Our last day in Budapest!

            Our last day here in Budapest is a little bittersweet.  Obviously 4 days in a foreign city is definitely not enough time!  We were just getting the hang of the currency and the public transportation!  But I am looking forward to heading to Vienna and seeing what the city has to offer! I can’t believe we are basically one third of the way done with our trip.  L

This morning we visited SAP.  SAP stands for systems, applications, and products.  It is a 42 year old company that creates software to support different standard processes of business.  Their goal is to transform the IT industry.  This company is SUPER impressive.  Just this year alone, they (the Budapest location) have grown 50%.  They are hiring over 300 new employees.  With over 250,000 customers, SAP accounts for about 72% of the world’s GDP.  I mean come on, that is just insane.  Here are a few really impressive statistics:

-          82% of coffee produced worldwide uses SAP software

-          62% of movies produced worldwide use SAP software

-          97% of wireless providers worldwide use SAP software

-          90% of Fortune 500 companies use SAP

-          Other companies using SAP include multiple airlines worldwide, Amazon, Nissan, Audi, Nikon

Besides being blown away by this information, it was also cool because the managing director (basically the head honcho over there) gave us the presentation himself.  SAP has 37 locations in the U.S., and besides being very successful, it looks like a very fun company to work for!

After we left SAP, we had some free time for lunch before we met up for the next thing on the agenda.  A few of us girls walked around and found a cute little gyro stand and got lunch there.  We wanted to try something a little more authentic and off the grid on our last day.  At 2:30, we regrouped and took the underground transportation to the Castle Museum. It was a former royal palace and was full of monuments that helped explain the history of Budapest.  The architecture here is so amazing, I can’t get over it! 

            So far, this has been an amazing experience!  I did not know what to expect coming into it, but it definitely exceeded my expectations by far.  The restaurant/bar/entertainment environment here is just really laid back and fun, which is more my type of style. Since it was my last night, I decided to really indulge in the Hungarian food and culture.  I tried one of the Hungarian dishes on the menu that our server recommended.  It was pork cooked “gypsy style” with these mashed potatoes with onions.  It was actually delicious and I was really happy with my choice!

            Getting ready for bed and packing up my suitcase feels so weird.  We are already headed off to Vienna, which as I said before, is so bittersweet.  Although it’s going to be an early morning, it will be worth it!

 

Thanks for keeping up with the Travel Bugs!

          --  Maddie --

 

 

 

Time sure does fly when you're having fun! Us eurocats have 12 days left to continue soaking up as much European knowledge as possible. Today, we began our business visits and looked deeper into the economic situations (past, present, and future) of Hungary, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. Along with this, we were introduced to the new ideas and goals that the European Union is striving to reach here in Hungary.

Our first stop was Kopint-Tárki Institute for Economic Research Ltd., where we were introduced to a representative of the institute, Mr. Peter Vakhal. We learned that this was one of the oldest institutes in Hungary, founded in 1954. Mr. Vakhal filled us in on the economic history of Hungary during there periods of Communism and Socialism. Hungarians settled the region in 896 AD and have a 1000 year long history. The representative described Europe as a "bloody continent" saying that throughout the last 2000 years, the continent has only had 100 years of peace. After WW2, communism and socialism led the Hungarian economy for 50 years. During the socialism period, Hungarians would have to wait 11years before receiving an already purchased car. This was a period in which there was no formal unemployment because everyone had a job and all assets were owned by the state. Due to this, the economy experienced a shortage which led to change in 1990. Hungary became a member of NATO in 1998 and the European Union in 2004. The country belongs to both because of both political and economic reasons. Vakhal walked us through the 24 yr transition period that Hungary has faced including the ideas of Liberalization, Privatization and Stabilization.

Bosnia has a massive government for its size and is currently in the process of tallying an accurate census. The youth unemployment is 63.1%, which is a HUGE number. When I asked the presenter what her government was doing to help the unemployed youth, she said they have implemented subsidized employment for new graduates. This is similar to an internship paid with a stipend. She seemed uneasy with the question because as a member of the youth age group she too knows the government should be doing more for these graduates.

During lunch time today, we traveled to the Media Markt on the Buda side of Budapest. Here, we got to see what their mall looks like and really experience life similar to how it is in America. Gabby and I decided to do a little sightseeing before we grabbed lunch. We walked down to the river and took pictures of surrounding areas and neighborhoods. We even went into a beautiful church where we were able to take pictures.






For lunch, we grabbed food to-go at a local fast food restaurant inside the mall called Nordsee. Gabby ordered a shrimp wrap and I had a mixed plate of shrimp, fish and chips. We both enjoyed our meals and we made a friend while there. After lunch, we visited the European Commission Representation. Here, representative Liliana Zugo presented Hungarian statistics and discussed the 2020 goal of the EU which is to create a long sustainable growth of Hungary. One of the big issues in Hungary is the bank debt. In fact, some say that the slow flow of credit availability in the country is a result of the bank deficit. The Europe 2020 is planning to repair public finances, the financial sector, structural reforms and employment/social policies.

One thing I found interesting was that everyone in Europe receives the same health care and many doctors have second jobs because the don't make as much as US doctors due to the availability of health care. Patients do not have to pay co-pays either and emergencies are handled fast with little to no payment required.

Until next time,

Ashley Cadenhead

Today was our first full day in Budapest and it we definitely didn't waste any time exploring.  After a very large delicious breakfast buffet, compliments of our hotel, we were out the door and on the next bus.  Our first stop was a beautiful Jewish synagogue called the Dohány Street Synagogue.  It's the largest synagogue in all of Europe and the second largest in the whole world!  As we were walking to our next destination I noticed how cheap all of the food prices are.  We saw big slices of pizza for 200 forints which is equivalent to 88 cents! Also, an egg mcmuffin at Mcdonalds is 44 cents....how crazy!  Our next stop was Hero Square which was full of former Hungarian leaders and, at the time, people setting up for a festival. This festival is celebrated annually due to the freedom from the communist leaders.  After we left Hero Square we traveled to what's known as Budapest's largest "bath" which is kind of like our swimming pools but much more extravagant and includes a castle-like building with indoor baths as well.  In my opinion this was the most beautiful building we've seen so far!  After visiting the bath we went to an indoor market which I thought was really fascinating.  They had everything from their famous paprika (I bought some to take home!) to handmade lace table runners.  It was very cool seeing all of the handmade items that the Hungarians were selling and also seeing the different types of food they eat on a daily basis.  Last but not least, we hopped on a bus to the outskirts of Budapest to Memento Park.  There we got to tour through the park full of the old communist-era statues that used to be on Hero square.  I'm not usually one for history but I was actually very intrigued by the story, mostly the ending, of Joseph Stalin.  His boots, and his boots only, were the most monumental statue in Momento Park.  The reason being that the boots are all that remains is because over one hundred-thousand Hungarians tore the statue down from the knees up in celebration of their freedom from the communists!  Eventually everything was removed but the boots and they also put a Hungarian flag in them.  What a victory :)
We have the rest of the night to do as we please so we plan to eat dinner down by the Danube River.  Thanks for following along with us on this amazing journey!

xoxo,
Cassie

We Made It!

         "Make sure you have your passport!" "Keep up with your boarding passes!"  These are the familiar words us Eurocats heard all throughout our three flights to Budapest.  After one 45 minute flight to Minneapolis, a 7 and a half hour flight to Amsterdam, and finally an hour and 45 minute flight to Budapest; WE ARE FINALLY HERE!  Once we got our luggage and met our tour guide Szilvia we were off to our hotel. Our bus dropped us off in front of our hotel where we were assigned hotel rooms and got acquainted with our hotel surroundings/  After sitting through a quick orientation session, we learned how to use our transit passes and where exactly we would be traveling.
          Once we were all given maps it was time for my favorite part of the day; dinner!  We walked through the streets of Budapest admiring the architect of the old buildings and all of its shopping centers.  After a little walk and a short bus ride we arrived at our destination for dinner, the Karpatia Etterem Restaurant.  This restaurant was beautiful!  It was very fancy with decorative paintings and detailed arch ways everywhere you turned.  As we sat down, we were greeted by a live gypsy band playing wonderful  gypsy music.  We enjoyed a 3-course meal including a goulash soup, stuffed chicken with a side of grilled vegetables and a hungarian strudel like dessert.  All of the food was very tasty!  After dinner we walked and admired the Danube River on a beautiful white bridge and later broke off into groups to explore the wonders of Budapest at night.  Our first day was amazing and I can't wait to see what else Budapest has in store for us the rest of the week.  Keep up with the Travel Bugs because we are definitely going places!

Love,

Gabbi :)

10 Days Until Departure!

Well, the countdown is officially at 10 days.  Next Sunday we head out of KC and travel to Budapest.  We don't get into Budapest until Monday afternoon, so I am praying the flight goes by quickly.  I feel as though we will all be so anxious to get to Europe that time is just going to drag on.

I cannot express how excited I am to go on this trip.  I know the rest of my group is equally as excited.  My biggest issue right now is figuring out what to pack (yes, I am already thinking about it this early).  I feel like that is a girl's biggest concern on a major vacation like this!  I have set out outfits and certain things so I don't overpack, because that is definitely one of my biggest issues when it comes to packing.

There are so many things I am looking forward to on this trip that I could probably write for hours about it.  I have never been anywhere in Europe so I am mainly excited to experience something new.  I can't wait to be immersed into different cultures, see things from a new perspective, and try new things.  I already know I am going to spend all my money on food (and perhaps a few drinks) over there.  I am such a foodie and love trying new things, so I know the cuisine over there will be something I look forward to trying.  I am also really excited to just walk the streets of the city and see all the sights from the big cathedrals and attractions, to the small side street cafes and shops.

Our assignment last week was to post about different attractions in each city we are traveling to.  This was probably my favorite assignment because I could research and read about all the fun and interesting things to do in each city.  My portion of the assignment this week was to look into even more attractions in Vienna and it just made me that much more excited.  If I am this excited about one city, I can't imagine how I will feel going to all three cities!  I want to experience as many of these attractions and sights as I can.  I am not going to take a minute of our time in Europe for granted.  I want to be doing something at all times, even if it is just walking around and exploring the city. 

I am really hoping the next 10 days fly by because I am getting way to anxious for this trip.  It seems like just yesterday I was saying "5 months until Europe".  Crazy how time flies!

Can't wait to see everyone at the airport and spend what will probably be the best 16 days of our lives together!  See you all shortly!

- Maddie -

   Attractions, Meals and Prices

    In week three of our pre-work, we found ourselves looking deeper into what the city of Vienna has to offer. We researched different attractions to attend during group free times and an assortment of dining options for the group to enjoy while visiting the city. The goal of the assignment was for us to get a closer look at how much items cost compared to prices in the US. We began by looking at the price of basic items including a loaf of bread and bottle or can of coke. 

Maddie found that a loaf of bread cost about 1.5 euros or about 2.05 USD. Gabbi learned that a bottle of Coke in Vienna cost about 2.30 euros or 3.54 USD. Buying coke from the supermarket will run you .50 euros or about .77 cents. She suggest everyone budget out at least $6.00 for drinks everyday. For a fast food combo meal in Vienna, you're going to pay about 6 euros or 8.18 USD. Whereas, in Kansas City, MO the average price for a combo meal is $6.00!

For other purchases like fitness center memberships, movie tickets and iPhone we found prices to all be either higher or similar to US prices. Fitness memberships are about 46 Euros per month or 63 USD. For movie tickets in Vienna, we are looking to pay between 6.60-8.40 euros or between $10-$12. Ticket prices in the US are similar to those in Vienna, especially when purchasing tickets in bigger US cities.

IPhone in the European city are considerably more expensive than those in the US. For example, the prices for an iPhone 5c in Austria according to the apple store online range from 549.00 euros or $749.00(8 GB), 599.00 euros or $817.00 (16GB) and 699.00 euros or  $953.00(32 GB). The iPhone prices in the US are lower than those in Austria and the price to GB ratio is better in the US. Prices according to the apple store online range from $649.00 (16GB), $749.00 (32GB) and $849.00 (64GB).

   Overall, prices in Vienna, Austria are higher than any of the other cities we will visit on our trip of Eastern Europe. Consider these dining and attraction options that different members of the group found interesting.   

"One place that is on my list to stop by and check out is the Manner Shop. From the reviews it is some sort of candy shop and has some of the world’s best wafers! It is said to be reasonable in its pricing and the atmosphere is very vibrant and attractive. I thought this would be a great place to get souvenirs at for family and friends while also tasting what most are saying some of the finest chocolate and sweets in the world! It's about 4 miles away from the hotel and about 45 minutes if we walk, so that might be an issue, but from what I am seeing from the reviews it sounds pretty worth it to me!" -Gabbi R.

"Another activity that we could do would be the Music Film Festival in front of Vienna's City Hall (June - September).  It begins at dawn and entrance is free.  I tried typing in the City Hall’s address numerous times and Map Quest wasn’t able to find it so I’m not sure how far away from the hotel it is but I'm sure we could ask a local.  According to the Vienna Tourist Office “In July and August, Vienna’s City Hall Square is a pulsating meeting point for night owls who like to combine culture with dining out. Delicious dishes and music films from classical to pop guarantee perfect summer evenings - with free admission.”  -Cassie K.



Lastly, the free place I think we should visit could cost if you guys choose to buy something. We should definitely visit the  Vienna Naschmarkt or Vienna's main outdoor produce market. I've always wanted to visit the massive outdoor markets in other countries like I see in movies. They include a flea market on Saturday's and offer over 120 market stands. We can also choose from an array of restaurants. This may just be a place I team up with a few who want to go if the entire group chooses not to go. I just got my first set of Euros from the bank this week and I know this will definitely be a place I spend them (souvenirs!!). 
                                            

Several great dining options were offered to the discussion this week. The group seemed to like those suggestions made by Cassie and Maddie.

"Augustinerkeller is a wine bar with prices ranging from $14-$27.  It is a cozy atmosphere with live music in the evenings and they serve traditional Viennese food and Austrian wine.  The reviews said it is a little touristy, but has good food and fast service.  By car, it is only a 10 minute trip from the hotel. Esterhazykeller - is a historic, authentic Austrian restaurant named after a noble family.  The prices are around $8.  They even have their own vineyard and have a nice wine selection on the menu, all under the budget as well.  It is known to have a great wiener schnitzel (like I'm sure most places here do).  The drive would be about 10 minutes from the hotel."- Maddie T.

       


  "I've come to the conclusion that pizza is my favorite food so the Pizzeria Mafiosi caught my eye.  They have everything from sliced pizza to lasagna. "The topping selection is impressive and the prices are quite low; nothing on the menu costs more than 6 euros" Also, it's only 8 blocks from our hotel!" -Cassie K.

       

   As we inch closer to the day of our departure, I'm becoming more and more excited! Over the past three weeks, I have learned more about the countries we're visiting than I have in my entire life. I can't believe I'm really about to experience first hand a culture different from my own. We are 11 days away! Time to start packing!!!

Austria and the European Union

This week in our pre-work we learned about the cultural environment, economic environment, and political environment of Austria and it's capital city of Vienna.  We also learned a great deal about the European Union, why it was formed, what it does, and why it's important.
The EU is a partnership among 28 different countries which was established due to the aftermath of World War II.  The main goals of the EU were to promote peace and human rights, endorse equality, law, democracy, and the overall well being of the people.  Among many other things, the EU actually created the euro; the single form of currency in Europe.  18 of the 28 countries use euros!  Another noteworthy doing of the EU was removing the border controls between these countries in order to allow free movement of people and goods.  This made living, working, and trade incredibly easy in Europe.

Maddie did some research on the political environment and found that Austria is a federal republic with 9 federal provinces.  Each province actually has their own government and own governor.  The countries' have two different houses of parliament with the higher house being of importance because they vote on laws and keep the government running smoothly.  The two houses together are called "Bundesversammlung"--try saying that three times fast! The two houses come together to assume their duties of declaring war and confirming presidential elections.  The current president is Heinz Fischer and is a member for the Social Democrat party.

I did a lot of research on the cultural environment because the way that other people live, and how differently they live, from us intrigues me a lot.  I found that Austrians are very formal people and dress formally as well.  It is crucial to never be late, to always greet everyone in the room with a handshake or (if you are greeting a woman) a kiss, to never sit, eat, or call someone by their first name unless permitted to do so.  You are expected to bear gifts such as chocolate or flowers if you are visiting someone's home for a meeting; but never give flowers in even numbers unless it is an even dozen!  Never give red carnations, chrysanthemums, or lilies because these are only acceptable at funerals.  Austrians are very blunt and to the point; they don't mean to be rude, it's only their way of moving the discussion along and not getting stuck on topics and minor points that are irrelevant to the meeting.  
When it comes to dinner etiquette at a meeting, do not eat until permitted to do so.  Permission to eat normally comes with the words "Guten Appetit".  Always hold a fork in your left hand, knife in the right hand, and lay them on your plate facing left when you are finished.

These are among many things that we discovered about Austria and we cannot wait to visit and see them for ourselves!