OUR SELFISH YEARS AND THE OBSESSION WITH WANTING EVERYTHING NOW

Ah, our twenties. The best years of our life they say, your 'selfish years'. Although as time flies by, I'm finding myself questioning my level of selfishness. Am I taking full advantage of it? Can I be more selfish? Can I be working harder than I already am? Should I be making the effort to go out more, having weekly brunches and after work cocktails with friends? Should I be spending more time with family?
All these questions play on mind on a daily basis and are the premise of the inner battle I face. The battle being, doing all that I can and more to achieve my goals (no matter the sacrifices) versus living my youth to its full extent.

This fear of mine isn't baseless, I always set myself high goals and often push myself physically and mentally to achieve them. However, this hasn't gone unnoticed and I am constantly told to slow down and to well, actually live life. Whilst I understand the concern, I worry about reaching my mid-thirties and looking back on my twenties with deep regret that I didn't work hard enough, so I keep going. But as life progresses, I'm also starting to worry that I'll reach a point in life where I'll look back on my twenties with great sadness that I didn't experience all that I should have.

I'm 24 and very rigid by nature, so naturally I have very rigid plans, I have planned to accomplish key milestones by specific ages - so whilst my peers are maxing out the carefree existence of their twenties, I'm sat here juggling far too many projects and only exhausting myself more and more each day. I think that is the problem with rigid plans and not loosening up with life, you become unrealistic and want everything to happen now... right now.  

Therein lies the problem and I know that I'm not alone on this one. We are part of a generation that has become accustomed to things being instant. Need a taxi? Get one instantly using an app. In a rush at the supermarket? Use the self-checkout. All these little aspects of life give the false identity of easiness. I see my peers saving and becoming homeowners, others travelling the world and then there are those that are quickly climbing the corporate ladder - that's enough in itself to make me want to push myself to my absolute limit in order to attain the same achievements now. It doesn't exactly make me happy (comparison is the thief of joy after all) and I tend to forget all the positive things that I've personally done or down-play them when they are relayed to me. This is why it's difficult to fulfil the selfish years because I am too busy trying to force the future into now, so I'm not living in the moment.

Lately, I have come to the realisation that I am in a place in life where I am old enough to want it all, but too young to have it all, and it's ok. Accepting this is making me slowly embrace the rest of my selfish years and the reckless abandon that comes with it. I am recognising that it doesn't it have to be one or the other - I can have my fun, enjoy life yet still work hard and keep my ambitions.

There we have it - it's great to be young and ambitious, but to want it all now can be damaging. It can cost you relationships, friendships and your health. It's ok to take advantage of our twenties, to make mistakes and revel. This is the one time in life where being selfish is encouraged, nobody wants to look back and have no fond memories to reminisce on. I certainly don't, so here's hoping that I get the balance right.

LF

x

Photography by Yossy.

A GUIDE TO BUDAPEST

I'll admit that Budapest wasn't at the top of my travel list, mainly because I didn't know much about the city. However, after visiting a few months back, I realise that it is an amazing destination and one that should feature on everyone's list! From its stunning architecture, deep history, good food and a myriad of activities on offer - Budapest really is a traveller's dream. Oh, and did I mention how affordable it is?! 

It is often regarded as the cheapest European city destination and believe you me, your money definitely goes a long way here. 

WHERE TO GO

Great Market Hall (Central Market Hall)

Great Market Hall (Central Market Hall), Vámház krt. 1-3

Great Market Hall, or Central Market Hall as it is sometimes known, is based on the Pest side of the city. As with most of the buildings in Budapest, its architecture is absolutely gorgeous (so even if you don't plan on buying anything, I'd suggest going just to see the overall beauty of the building). However, if you are feeling a bit spendy then you'll find yourself completely spoilt for choice as the indoor market boasts an array of fruit, vegetables, baked goods, deli food and multiple souvenir stalls. 

THE LANDMARKS

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion, Szentháromság tér

Fisherman's Bastion offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its Disney-esque terraces. You can buy a ticket on the day which not only enables you to gain access to the terrace, but also gives you entry to Matthias Church (another must-see landmark). 

Both locations happen to be in the same area as Buda Castle which again provides great views and can be reached by the infamous Buda Castle Funicular.

No trip to Budpest is complete without a tour of the Danube. It is Europe's second longest river and runs right through the city, dividing the Buda and Pest sides. There are numerous companies offering day and night tours, as well as lunch and dinner cruises, so whichever company you decide upon depends solely on what sort of experience you are after. 

WHERE TO EAT

Kiosk Budapest

Kiosk Budapest, Március 15. tér 4

For the tastiest club sandwiches and the best mojitos that you will ever have, Kiosk Budapest is the place to be! Located close to the banks of the river Danube, it is a stylish restaurant by day and a popular bar during the evenings. The menu is small but very reasonably priced and the accommodating staff are always on hand should you need any help.

Madal Cafe

Madal Cafe, Alkotmány u. 4

Madal Cafe has three branches around the city and its zen atmosphere is based on the peace philosophies of Sri Chinmoy. I won't lie, I don't know much about Sri, but I do know that Madal makes the best coffees and cheesecakes around. If you're a healthy juice lover, then you'll have no trouble in that department as they have a great selection of pressed juices and vegan snacks.

Head to Seasons Bistro if you're after a beautiful dinner setting, complete with a live pianist. Seasons is slightly more expensive than some of the other restaurants on the Buda side of the city, but it is completely worth it - the food is well done, flavoursome and well presented. Do note that it's a popular location so I suggest booking a table in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

When it comes to bars and club, Budapest is renowned for its ruin pubs such as Szimpla Kert . I personally did not enjoy Szimpla as much as I thought would - many people recommended it to me, but I found it far too busy and definitely a tourist trap. However, just a few doors down you'll find the Illegal Pub & Club, don't be put off by the name, it's a lovely little local pub with the friendliest staff. I'm not sure if my boyfriend and I went on a particularly quiet night, but it was definitely a much more chilled atmosphere when compared to Szimpla and the prices were a lot cheaper too.

 GETTING AROUND

Tram

Budapest has a fantastic public transport system including a very popular tram system, making it incredibly easy to get around the city. You could also walk around the city if you're staying there longer than a few days. However, if you find that you are unable to shake off that Uber addiction, download Taxify - it is the equivalent used in Budapest due to Uber being banned over there (oops)! The great thing about Taxify is that you can pay with cash, so there's no need to start adding your card to the app if you don't want to.

Budapest is a surprisngly great city and I now see why it is referred to as the 'Paris of the East.' If it's not on your list of European destinations, it definitely should be now.

LF

x