I'm lovin' it - a bit too much

Well, I didn't really think through the events of my day really well today. I went for a run, and that was okay- except for I had a banana, diet coke and three chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. I did 6 miles (and by "did" I mean took ample breaks to walk and look at things - ok, just to walk). I got a bit lost on my run, though I'd like to refer to it as I went "exploring." At any rate, I finished my run. Along the way, I managed to get to the nice park/forest area. Actually, it's the "grand forest" I was told. Apparently everything in Debrecen is "grand."

While I was running in the forest, I happened upon a long street that led to a nice sized building. I didn't know what it was, and it'd knock some distance off my route- so I headed towards it. It turns out it was the main building for a cemetery. I didn't catch that until I was right up there - because I ran into no less than 15 flower vendors and a jam packed parking lot. I also had passed several walkers, and a man in a motorized cart on his way down this road; I finally understood once I got to the cemetery. They were all visiting loved ones. Apparently it's quite common to have people show up EVERY Sunday to refresh the flowers on their loved ones' graves.

I kept running and finally finished my 6 miles. I ended up "exploring" a little more than anticipated, and stopped at my 6 mile mark. Instead of continuing running, I hopped on the tram and rode it back to the city center and then walked home. On my way, sweaty and everything, I stopped at a respectable looking internet cafe that I'd passed several times on my trips around the city. I inquired about prices and services - and found out it would be fairly cheap, and possible to use my laptop at this place. My other plan (that I had done every day since arrival) was to use the free wireless internet at McDonalds. Which is where more "not thinking" came in. I got home, showered and grabbed the computer to take to the internet cafe. I was there for a half an hour, waiting to see if by any chance my parents or Justin would be online - neither were -so I headed to McDonalds to poke around on line for free.

And here I sit. Less than 30 feet away from the kiddie play area typing away at my computer that has drawn more looks than a scantily clad Hungarian girl on a hot summer day. Here is where my issue comes in. I've been to this McDonalds four times now - each day I have been here. The McDonalds network doesn't allow you to log into skype or any sort of video chat. So- while the internet is free, I can't call anyone on my computer. Additionally, Tomi has been working three of the four days I've been here. Do you think he recognizes me? I suppose he does. I have changed my seat each time, but again- the Mac draws attention. Mac users in this country are few and far between - and definitely don't frequent the local McDonalds. While I save money on the internet while sitting at McDonalds, I have a head ache that is growing as a result of my close proximity to the play area (I kind of hide around the corner so the workers don't see how long I stay- it's not as stealth as I'd like to believe it is). Also, when I stop and think about it - I paid 250 Forint (just over a dollar) for 30 minutes at the internet cafe to use their internet and my computer - with access to iChat and Skype. When I saw no one was on, I decided to transfer to McDonalds to use the free internet. BUT, since I ran into Tomi, Eva and Istvan (all three have been here at least three of the four times I have been here) I bought more than just the diet coke I usually get. I splurged for a diet coke AND a McFlurry (which was not worth the money might I add). SO - already I have spent four times what I spent at the internet cafe, and I have no connection to the people I'd like to video chat.

Ugh - my life rarely makes sense.

p.s. - they have a code you have to use to get into the bathroom... and they haven't changed it in 4 days. I'll let you know if they ever change it - otherwise, I'm going to be one of those people who visits the bathroom withOUT having purchased anything. I've memorized it, why not?