World Domination Anyone?

I am staying in a really cool hostel in Budapest called the Aborgional Hostel. The hostel is basically an old flat that has been converted, so it feels pretty much like we're all staying in an apartment. There are quite a few of us here, most from Australia, Canada, the US and the UK (English speaking countries), and we have taken up late nights playing the Game of the Risk. As a child, and throughout most of my life, I didn't really have any interest in the game. It always looked like a game for boys, with soliders, war ships, etc... blasting all over the game box. But I have been proven wrong.

If you aren't familiar with the game, if basically goes like this: Everyone is dealt a set of countries and one at a time you place you men (soliders) in your assigned countries. Once all men have been placed you start battling and trying to conquer each other's territories. First person to conquer the world wins. I find this the most appropriate game to play given the situation - 20 people staying in a hostel, each from different countries, battling it out for world domiation. You find that everyone always seems to be somewhat partial to their home country. At one point tonight I had completely conquered Europe. I found it very symbolic. But then I slowly started being taken over, and eventually lost the entire continent.... I choose not to see the symbolism in that.

But it's not all "risk" here in Budapest. I have spent some time strolling through the city centre and fashion district, walking along the Daunbe River, hanging out on Margrit Island, and taking the worse the bus tour ever possible. At one point the (audio recorded) guide said, "And today Budpaest has abolished the death penalty. Why do you think that is? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think its safe to say that its probably because you can't take it back once it's already been done... but, anyways..."

1) yes, the audio recorded guide actually said "so anyways" and 2) really? do you really think that's why they abolished the death penalty? I have a feeling there was probably a little more thought that was put into than that. But that's just my guess...

but anyways....

Eva gets here tomorrow and the real sight seeing begins at that point. Till then it's more Risk, and less tour buses.

night.