Budapest

When we were in Ireland and out for dinner for Julia's birthday our waitress was from Budapest, Hungary. When we told her that we were going to Budapest she responded with "why are you going to Budapest? It's such a dirty city!" I think she was trying to justify her move to rainy (but clean) Ireland because Budapest was lovely! My wife is also lovely...

 

It had the most beautiful buildings of any place we have been to. The people were very friendly as well, although it was hard to find people who spoke English well (but that's our problem, not theirs). We were there on a weekend, but the city wasn't busy at all. Our air BnB host Akos is a judge who was very nice and hospitable. Here are some of the highlights:

Schzeni thermal baths built in 1918 - Julia the dolphin loved being in water again! This was very nice - several outdoor and indoor pools of different temperatures. Although the place lacks good management as we waited in a SLOW line for an hour to get in then had to crawl through a broken gate to get out!

 

 

Walking along the Danube River - BEAUTIFUL buildings, probably the most picturesque night views I've ever seen.

 

 

 

Dinner with live music - great cheap food along the River.

 

 

Buda castle exploring - we went up the hill at night and were one of just a few tourists roaming around this ornate castle with ridiculous views of the city. Wish we were there when it was open so I could learn more about its history.

 

 

 

 

 

Parliament is HUGE.

 

 

Danube shoes along river - very powerful memorial to Budapest Jews who were killed during World War 2 (I believe). They were lined up along the river and shot so that the bodies fell into the river. The killers wanted their valuable shoes so they first made them take them off.

 

- Andy