by Barbara Gentile

Joining Servas for the first time in July 2024 was a truly life-changing experience. I had never heard about the organization until my boyfriend shared his experience with me. He said that his father had told him about it over 50 years ago. He clarified Servas’ mission to promote cultural exchange and understanding, and allied my fears of traveling alone and meeting “strangers.” He also recommended a host he’d met in Budapest who I eventually wound up meeting! I never anticipated the depth of connection I’d feel as I embarked on my journey.

On September 27, I boarded my flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow, filled with excitement. The American Airlines flight lifted off at 1:25 PM, and as the hours ticked by, I found myself reflecting on the adventure ahead. After landing in London on the morning of September 28, I quickly transferred but missed my next flight, on British Airways bound for Budapest.

I left from LAX on September 27. Unfortunately, I missed my connection to Budapest, but the anticipation of meeting my Servas hosts in Hungary kept my energy high and I suffered little travel fatigue. I landed in Budapest, on a beautiful fall day and the promise of new friendships. I made my way to my Servas hosts, Adrienn Nyul and Attila Gemesi. Both economists were a warm and welcoming couple who invited me to stay in their cozy two-bedroom apartment. I would stay in their separate living room. From the moment I arrived, I felt their passion for life. With shared interests in traveling, cycling, dancing, cooking, and sports, we immediately clicked.

Adrienn and Attila introduced me to their local world, not just as a visitor, but as part of their everyday life. They shared stories of their own travels with Servas to New Zealand, their love for Hungarian cuisine, and their adventures cycling across Europe. We spent quality time exchanging cultural insights, recommendations for local sightseeing, talking about the world economy, sharing delicious coffee and pastries. and discovering how similar our values were despite coming from opposite sides of the globe. The sense of community and understanding that Servas fosters was fully alive in those conversations.

The following day, on Sunday, September 29, I was able to arrange a dinner with another Servas member (who had hosted my boyfriend), Tamás Fazekas and his son. Fazekas, a lighting design CEO with a passion for sightseeing, art, and cooking. His knowledge of Budapest’s history and his stories of designing lighting for theaters and exhibitions were fascinating. As we explored the charming streets of Budapest, I was struck by the city’s rich history -- grand architecture and modern vibrancy. Over a delicious authentic local meal, we talked about everything from goulash and pie to art and culture to cycling to politics and excursions in the Hungarian countryside. He, too, shared his memories and experience traveling the world with Servas.

As the evening drew to a close, I realized how unique and enriching my experiences had been. I came to Budapest expecting to learn about a new culture, but what I gained was so much more—a sense of belonging, the joy of meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of the world through the eyes of others.

My first Servas trip was more than just travel; it was a journey of the heart. It reinforced the beauty of cultural exchange and left me eager to host and continue my Servas journey, knowing that the world is full of people like Adrienn, Attila, and Tamas, all ready to open their homes and hearts to curious travelers like me.