Budapest
© Julie Bradshaw
Budapest: the Castle at Night
Life can't get much better than this, I muse, as the Hungarian Masseuse's large hands knead my tired back and shoulders. I am experiencing The Gellert, Budapest's famous art-nouveau thermal spa.
And what an experience it has been -- Budapest is a city of adventure!
Someone once said, "Why does Prague get all of the attention when Budapest is right down the road!"
True, Budapest and Prague share a similar city plan — a river (in this case the Danube) dividing the city in two (Pest, the modern city, and Buda the old city, loosely speaking) and a castle that dominates the right bank. But the similarities end here. Slightly less western than Prague, but not lacking its share of KFCs and Mcdonalds, Budapest makes us feel as though we have moved a little further to the East.
Once again Nancy and I spent happy hours exploring and absorbing (literally) what Budapest has to offer. This provides for some interesting encounters — like finding ourselves on a decrepit, condemned looking castle balcony, centuries old, miles off the ground... (don't ask!).
We stayed a bus ride out of town, so we purchased a three day transit pass (metro and bus) which gave us the flexibility to venture a bit further afield than the city centre. We even took a boat trip (not included on the transit pass) up the Danube bend to the beautiful little town of Visegrad. A definite must! It was one of the highlights of our stay and well worth the daytrip. Visagrad is also host to the Gulas Csarda Restaurant , a clean well-run restaurant serving up local specialties. We tried the Hungarian Pancakes (stuffed with meat) and cold Raspberry Soup. Different but tasty!
Another favorite was the Castle District — the Royal Palace and the Fisherman's Bastion perched in the Buda slopes overlooking the Danube and the city of Pest. We got there early, before the crowds, and had the place to ourselves (10:00 the crowds arrive). So peaceful and quiet. And the view — stupendous! Pest spread out at your feet!
Tonight it's "The Night Train to Bucharest."
See you there :-)
Julie
See Links for more Web related links Budapest: page 2 for my accommodation, restaurant, and other practical information.
Have a look at The Loneley Planet to view some snaps of Budapest.
The week before we were in Prague. Have a look!
Go To Page: 1 2
