Instead of eating alone I [you fill in the rest]

[tiger02]

OK, I hate to have meals alone. That goes triple for meals out--at home it's not a huge deal. Well, for various reasons I am stationary for about a week in a city that I don't know very well (yet) and where I don't know more than one or two people, and for now an inoperable kitchen. I've started looking for local expats, but Americans tend to hang out in expensive places and I'm trying to be a little bit frugal for once. Oh yeah, I don't speak a word of the language.

Any ideas on quick ways to link up with interesting people? Since I'm only here for a week, things like sports and clubs are out. Tonight I'm going to stick my head in on an expat political dinner party, if I'm reading the website correctly (Woo hoo! CE forum in real life!)

Of course, if anyone's going to be in Budapest in the next week, drop me a line!

Tom

 

[Joffrey]

I suppse you could go to a restaurant and eat at the bar. Chat up the bartender if its emty (good way to find out whats goin on in the area) or chat up other patrons if its a bit fuller.

Generally I dont like eating alone at restaurants but if I have to I bring a magazine or newspaper.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

. . . forgo eating altogether and spend the money saved on Vass bespoke.

If you really have to eat, how about putting an ad on craigslist looking for expats:

http://budapest.craigslist.org/

 

[Joffrey]

I doubt there'd be anyway he could word it and not sound like a hooker

 

[globetrotter]

Tom,

pming you the name and contact details of commercial attache. contact her, tell her you work with me and you are considering relocating to hungary, see if she can connect you with some other young expats in Budapest.

 

[LARon]

Originally Posted by tiger02

OK, I hate to have meals alone. That goes triple for meals out--at home it's not a huge deal. Well, for various reasons I am stationary for about a week in a city that I don't know very well (yet) and where I don't know more than one or two people, and for now an inoperable kitchen. I've started looking for local expats, but Americans tend to hang out in expensive places and I'm trying to be a little bit frugal for once. Oh yeah, I don't speak a word of the language.

Any ideas on quick ways to link up with interesting people? Since I'm only here for a week, things like sports and clubs are out. Tonight I'm going to stick my head in on an expat political dinner party, if I'm reading the website correctly (Woo hoo! CE forum in real life!)

Of course, if anyone's going to be in Budapest in the next week, drop me a line!

Tom

Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to help, but would benefit greatly from your experience as I'll be visiting Budapest (and Prague) next month.

I'd listen to GT, as he is VERY familiar with the city and gave me recommendations for great hotels, spas, key sites and things to do.

I'd also keep my eye on the Vass as well; I'm hoping to come back with two pair myself.

 

[tiger02]

Zach, thanks, now the PM makes more sense. I'll give her a call tomorrow.

 

[briancl]

I travel alone for work on occasion, and I often eat alone in restaurants. Bring a book/magazine/newspaper, talk to the wait staff, sit at the bar and talk to other patrons/bartenders, or just enjoy eating alone.

 

[vanity]

I like to eat at the bar when I eat alone. When I relocated to Chicago I didn't know anyone here. So the first few months I didn't have a choice, it became a necessity if I wanted to get out of my apartment.

Most times bartenders will talk to you and keep good company. Many were really nice and gave me some free drinks in addition to introducing me to others. It's amazing how hospitable people become when they know you're new and don't know anyone. They seem to really go out of their way to help you out and make sure you enjoy yourself.

 

[Englandmj7]

Originally Posted by Jodum5

I suppse you could go to a restaurant and eat at the bar. Chat up the bartender if its emty (good way to find out whats goin on in the area) or chat up other patrons if its a bit fuller.

Generally I dont like eating alone at restaurants but if I have to I bring a magazine or newspaper.

This was my favorite thing to do when I was in the sticks in Japan....although half the time the bartenders didn't speak any English. Didn't bother me after a few drinks though.........

 

[VKK3450]

If you want a somewhat social atmosphere, then Irish and English pubs are always a good bet. Farmiliar language, people are generally pretty friendly, and its not expensive. I did that sometimes when I was travelling for business and just wanted a no nonsense meal where I could have a it of a chat and sometimes end up drinking the evening away.

K

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Englandmj7

This was my favorite thing to do when I was in the sticks in Japan....although half the time the bartenders didn't speak any English. Didn't bother me after a few drinks though.........

After a few drinks, the only word you need to know is kanpai!

Jon.

 

[Matt]

The Hash dudes tend to be a pretty welcoming bunch wherever you may roam. http://www.geocities.com/budapesthhh/

 

[Kasper]

I have never had a problem eating alone and actually sometimes enjoy it. I think it has a lot to do with self confidence. I recommend putting on your best suit and a nice pair of shoes and forget about being alone.

 

[Saucemaster]

Originally Posted by tiger02

Zach, thanks, now the PM makes more sense.

I'm imagining a name and phone number, no details. I think that if globe sent me a PM like that, I'd assume it was a hit.