Faint Glimmers: Bedbugs and Besties
My dispatch from Budapest
The thing about your best friend flying halfway around the world to visit you is you REALLY want her to have fun, to love this place as much as you do, to feel its magic, exalt its pastries, devour its bread; you want her to share your inexplicable spiritual connection to Budapest.
I took a taxi to the airport to meet her, waited impatiently for her to emerge from baggage claim; when she did, we hugged like it had been years not months since we’d seen each other, pulled back and smiled. We’re really here, 6,000 miles from home. Tears of joy fell from our eyes.
Like many people, the past few years depleted our coping; this adventure was our bonus for remaining intact(ish). She’s one of those friends I love so much — would do anything for — I wanted this trip to be respite and reward for the hard years she’s survived.
We differ in so many ways, my friend and I. I’m loud mouth take a Xanax New York Jew; she’s quiet consult your Tarots call your psychic LA Catholic. But we share what matters most: love, loyalty and laughter.
My apartment (my husband’s job pays for) in Budapest is stunning: a refurbished classic pre-war with high ceilings, elegant molding, polished hardwood floors, marble countertops, a priceless view of the Danube. But like…
