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Denae McGaha
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Category: Do

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Budapest Basics Do

10 Best Things to Do in Budapest for First-Time Visitors

by dmcgaha on March 26, 2025
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Is it your first time in Budapest? Welcome! As someone who moved here in 2017, I’ve…

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Do Health and Wellness

Major Races in Budapest for Runners of All Levels

by dmcgaha on March 17, 2025
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Budapest is one of the most gorgeous cities in the world to run in. I’m actually…

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Do Europe

Hungary Is For Lovers–5 Romantic Spots in Budapest and Beyond

by dmcgaha on February 8, 2025
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For all of the cynicism and baggage of Valentine’s Day, the quiet romance of Hungary is…

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Do Explore Hungary

Marching With Monsters: Celebrating Busójárás in Hungary

by dmcgaha on January 7, 2025
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When you think of “Carnival”, what comes to mind? Otherworldly parades in Rio? Intricate masks in…

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Do

A Night at the Budapest Opera: Seeing the Nutcracker Ballet

by dmcgaha on December 14, 2024
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Christmas time in Budapest is a glittering affair, and seeing the Nutcracker at the Hungarian State…

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Do Lifestyle

Budapest Break Up Guide

by dmcgaha on December 5, 2024
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Heartbreak sucks. It’s a universal fact no matter where you are. But if you find yourself…

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Budapest Basics Do

The Budapest Thermal Baths Ultimate Guide | How to Visit and Where to Go

by dmcgaha on November 24, 2024
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Even after all these years in Budapest, one of my greatest pleasures is spending an afternoon…

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Do Europe

The Ultimate Guide to Budapest Christmas Markets 2024

by dmcgaha on November 10, 2024
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Use this guide to explore all of the major Budapest Christmas markets in 2024.

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ice skating outdoors
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Do Lifestyle

Where to Go Ice Skating in Budapest

by dmcgaha on November 2, 2024
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Hands down, one of my favorite winter activities is ice skating. After growing up in a…

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halloween in budapest
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City Guides Do Europe Lifestyle

Things to Do for Halloween in Budapest (2024 Update)

by dmcgaha on October 20, 2024
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Although a foreign holiday, Halloween is becoming more and more popular in Budapest. If you’re looking…

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Diary of an ex-expat rebuilding life at home after 7+ years in Budapest. Giving you my best travel tips to help you find adventure, whether at home or abroad. The PNW will always be home, but a passport is a terrible thing to waste! Xx Denae

Recent Posts

  • Coworking in Budapest: Kubik Coworking Space
  • Cycling Through the City: Joining the I Bike Budapest Bike Parade
  • Where to Rent a Bike in Budapest: Cycle Around the City!
  • The Top 5 Mistakes I See Tourists Make in Budapest (And How to Avoid Them)
  • Coping with Change: Mental Health Strategies from Psychologist Christina Babich
Denae | Adventure is Everywhere

denaerae_

Ex-expat (🇭🇺) writing about travel, home, and starting again
🌻Tend to your garden
As seen on @fodorstravel @cnbcmakeit ✈️🌎

💥Press Trip Content Loading!💥 Somebody pinc 💥Press Trip Content Loading!💥

Somebody pinch me?? Over the moon to have been selected for my first ever press trip and to take you along for the ride.

@visitbellevue has created a prime itinerary for us--can't wait to show you my home state!
"But this is what I always wanted..." I think thi "But this is what I always wanted..."

I think this is one of the BIGGEST mental blocks when it comes to starting again.

Take it from the girl who dreamt about travel/living abroad since she was 13: Just because something *was* your dream doesn’t mean it always has to fit.

When my visa was denied and I had to leave Budapest, I scrambled to find a way to return abroad. But after 3 months in Washington...I'm finding so much happiness from being home.

You don't have to lock yourself into an identity (or a place or a relationship or a job).

I'm not saying ditch your commitments the second things get hard, I just mean...

If it feels like your world is crashing down because one identity is coming to an end, just remember that life was never "one size fits all". There are so many versions of you yet to come, if you let them🤍
Merriment was had by all! Thank you, @whidbeyrenfa Merriment was had by all! Thank you, @whidbeyrenfaire ✨⚔️
Let's lean in! #lessonsinstartingagain #exexpat # Let's lean in!

#lessonsinstartingagain #exexpat #lifelessons #lifechange
Upsides of being an ex-expat... Anything else you Upsides of being an ex-expat...

Anything else you've noticed since returning home?
Re-upload of Ren Faire prep✨ Re-upload of Ren Faire prep✨
Whew the tricks our minds can playyyy! I think on Whew the tricks our minds can playyyy!

I think one of the biggest things I'm unlearning is the idea that change is linear, or that things will be black and white.

Love how life can let us be totally grateful/melancholy/bewildered all at the same time. If you're also starting again in life, I'm rooting for you!

Xx Denae
Whew, because honey, if you're completely starting Whew, because honey, if you're completely starting over in life...😤 been there. You've got this! Here are some prompts you can ask our friend Charlotte! 👇

1. "Based on what you know about me, list 5 strengths I have that will help me in starting over."

2. "What are 5 micro-goals I can set this month to feel progress?"

3. "What small daily wins can I track to rebuild confidence?"

4. "Give me a checklist of things to organize when starting fresh in a new city."

5. "Create a simple financial reset plan for someone starting from scratch."

⭐Bonus ⭐ "List 5 places/groups in (your new town/city) that can help me rebuild my social circle."

#lessonsinstartingagain #promptengineering #promptlist
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The Journey So Far

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Recent Posts

  • Coworking in Budapest: Kubik Coworking Space
  • Cycling Through the City: Joining the I Bike Budapest Bike Parade
  • Where to Rent a Bike in Budapest: Cycle Around the City!
  • The Top 5 Mistakes I See Tourists Make in Budapest (And How to Avoid Them)
  • Coping with Change: Mental Health Strategies from Psychologist Christina Babich

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