Impressionist

Nothing like browsing through a few pictures from such trip to take you back to those wondeful days. In an age where we so easily digest information and images, it is good to reflect on these moments and think about what was going on in this city. When I arrived in Budapest, it was the time that the refugee crisis was at its peak in europe. Thousands had arrived at the central train station and were not even offered water. When I was sightseeing, I walked around a corner and straight into a protest. I had never seen so many armed policemen with dogs. The right wing extremists were on the other street side, gathered at a bar and the tension and aggression was palpable. It was hard to believe that a few streets away, life was normal and here, people were so angry about the refugees seeking an escape out of their turmoil. Of course, this followed me the entire day and made me feel many things. I was sad that in such a day and age, people had forgotten about kindness and offering help to those in need. I was also speechless at the open hostility that was shown in the city, considering that we are all, in some way or form, refugees. We all want our lives to be better and even though we may not have been forced to flee, we are all wanting a safe, happy existence. 
When I stumbled upon a wedding (which is captured below as the couple exited the cathedral), I had to smile at the open hope that was represented in this moment. I had to think to myself that even though the city was in divided, there were still two people willing to take a risk and pledge their commitment so publicly. As the crowd cheered, I had to think about one of my favourite quotes from Oscar Wilde...'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars'.