This morning after breakfast, I wrote a book review. Then I took a three mile walk, thinking maybe I was going to end up in a different part of the city. I wound up by the river, and my ankle was hurting from all the walking I’ve done since Sunday. I decided to head back to the hotel. I sat in the lobby for about 45 minutes, figuring the housekeepers hadn’t had a chance to get to our room.

I was going to get a beer from the vending machine, but the machine only takes tokens and I mistyped my selection. I wound up with still water and M&Ms. When those were done, I went up to the room. It wasn’t done yet, so I dropped off my big camera and took a whiz. Then I went back down to the lobby and played with my iPad for another 45 minutes or so. I noticed that the cleaning cart was at the room across from ours, and its door was open, so I figured our turn might be soon.

I went back to the room at about 12:15 PM. It still wasn’t done, nor had they moved from the room across from us. I wondered if maybe someone threw up in there or something. I decided to look for lunch, but I really hate eating alone. I walked around the area near the hotel, logging another mile or so, bringing me up to four miles. Nothing seemed appealing, and no one was particularly welcoming. It was about 1:00 PM. I thought surely the room would be done.

Went back to the hotel… ordered a large lager, just in case they needed more time. Went to pay for it. Was told one of my 1000 Forints notes is no longer valid. It’s old currency. I made what I’m sure was a hideous face when the lady told me that. Fortunately, I had another 1000 note that is good in 2025. Gave her that to cover the 2173 Forint bill for my beer, and told her to keep the change. Drank the beer, feeling really pissy and wanting to go home.

Went back to the room, opened the door. It’s now 1:30 PM and it still wasn’t done. The housekeeper asked if I wanted her to do it. I asked how long would it take to get to it. She said in about ten minutes. I told her to just give me new towels and a roll of toilet paper. I don’t want to hang out in the fucking lobby for another 20-30 minutes.

I gotta say… I know it’s not their fault, and they work hard… and for the most part, this hotel has been okay. But I’m so glad I got to pick the next place we’re staying, when we go to Kusnacht, Switzerland next month. We’re going to stay in a hotel where people at the Jung Institute often go, and where Jung himself liked to drink beer. The funny thing is, when Bill and I were there in July, we stayed in Seefeld and he took the train to Kusnacht. This time, he has appointments in Seefeld, and we’re staying Kusnacht.

I do like Budapest, but I hate wandering around alone, like a refugee. And I hate eating in restaurants by myself.

Featured photo was one of a group of four little dogs near the Soviet War Memorial. I did get to see that today, before my ankle started to hurt. I really just wanted a shower and peace and quiet. Maybe I’ll get that now. Wonder why that room across from us took so fucking long…