Budapest

We took the overnight train to Budapest. The train was new and spotless. The tracks were old and bumpy. Bev said this morning, we have only taken public transportation – buses, the metro, and the trains – not a single taxi and it has been so easy to get around. Budapest is a beautiful city, so much to see and huge. Divided in half by the Danube; Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Our first day we visited the Castle Hill area and I led the Rick Steves walking tour. I ( D) have been the informal tour guide, leading the Rick walking tours all over the city. We toured the Opera House and the Parliament building as well as walking all over the city via Rick Steves. We easily could have spent more time here; there is so much to see. Bev and I had a favorite part of the city – The Great Market Hall – we need one of these in Sac, all you ML’s would be in heaven!
Hungry has resurrected their wine industry and we once again enjoyed wine with our meals. The food was much improved over the standard Eastern European heavy fair. We enjoyed salads and fruit with the usual meat and potato dishes.
On the train we are traveling through the soul less suburbs, full of communist era apartment blocks, in contrast to the city center older architecture. In the cities restoration is in full swing. Cranes everywhere. In the ‘burbs they are beginning to tear down the horrible apartment blocks.
Our hotel in Pest was wonderful. It was a two $$ sign (mid range) Rick Staves, close to the tube stop, high ceilings, friendly staff, quiet and clean. The elevator was beautiful Art Nouveau metal work, and the stairs were well worn.
This has been a great trip and we are thankful to be physically able to walk, climb stairs and enjoy a trip that is close to local life! On to Austria.

Diane and the Crew