Budapest

This morning we sailed into the Hungarian capital around 9 am. It certainly was a great photo opportunity from the sun deck. Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the Danube with the amalgamation in 1873 of right-bank towns Buda and Obuda, with Pest on the left bank. Budapest has around 2 million people living there. Hungary has been a member of the EU since 2003, but does not yet officially have the Euro.

We had free time for the morning, with lunch back at the boat at 12 pm if we wanted it. So, we walked across the Elizabeth Bridge to a wonderful pedestrian shopping area on the Pest side. Everything was clean and tidy, there were lovely little Squares scattered about, and baskets of flowers hanging from the lamp posts. The prices looked quite good, too. We had a good walk around, and saw a few shops to go back to tomorrow when we have more time. We also walked to the Central Market, where there were lots of stalls selling fruit and vegetables, meat, fast food, and souvenirs. We were not tempted to buy anything. We walked back across the Liberty Bridge to our boat.

After lunch we had a 4 hour tour around the city, mostly by bus. We got to our first stop, where our cruise director and an ambulance had to be called to a lady who has that flu/virus that has been doing the rounds for the whole trip. She was taken to hospital but returned to the boat in the evening. Apparently someone on one of the other buses also needed to have a taxi called to take her back to the boat because she was ill. A doctor had apparently been at the boat last night. Sure hope we don't catch it!

First we visited the Castle district on the Buda side of the city and had absolutely wonderful views from the Fisherman's Bastion landmark. We also saw the Royal Palace and Mathias Church. The old Ministry of Defence building has been left in the state it was in after WWII, with bullet holes all over it.

An excellent stop on the Pest side was at Heroes Square, adjacent to a wonderful city park that we only drove past.


We drove past the zoo, the circus, and an amusement park, as well as some of the buildings housing thermal pools/spas. There were museums as well. We also passed the Parliament, and some interesting newer buildings including some university buildings (saw the Economics department). The streets were all clean and tidy and many were lined with trees. The older buildings looked tidy and I felt quite at home here. My favourite city so far, I think.

Another stop was the Opera House, where we were given a tour, sat in a box, heard stories about the Opera from a guide, and then were treated to a glass of champagne or orange juice while a couple of opera singers entertained us in the balcony/stairs area. The woman wasn't hitting her top notes too well, but then I'm getting too critical after sitting in on Michelle's singing lessons, but I know what Jean would have thought. :-) Anyway, it was all very nice, but we eventually headed back to the boat, exhausted.

From 6-7 pm there was a Gypsy group performing in the lounge, and I did see most of their entertainment - there were dancers and some great violin playing. David stayed in the cabin to make a start on the packing, as our bags have to be outside our cabin door by 8 am tomorrow, and a taxi will be taking us to our hotel at 9:30 am. We'll be having just the one extra night in Budapest after our cruise. It's been wonderful being able to unpack for the past 2 weeks, but now we'll be back to living out of our suitcases again.

After our last dinner on the boat, we went to the lounge or sun deck to watch the city lights as it got dark. The boat sailed up and down a couple of times, with music playing, and we all enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It was magic. This is a very beautiful city. I'll probably add some more photos here when I've downloaded them and have access to wireless internet again. I don't think our next hotel has that.