We have arrived-Budapest.
We finally made it. Flight had a delay and we reached our hotel at 2:20am. We are staying at the Intercontinental which is on the river across from the palace. Got to bed asap because we needed to be up, breakfast and ready to go at 9am for our tour.
Wonderful Euro breakfast. Loved the fresh croissants, meats, fresh fruits and more.
Got on a bus and headed for the Budapest side.
First stop was Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Both sit up on the hill overlooking the Danube and the Pest side. Stunning architecture and an amazing tile roof on the church. The walking pace of the group was far too slow for us, so we did our own thing and joined back at our assigned meeting place and time. Because we went on without the others, we were also able to see the Royal Palace, Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the Turul Bird Statue.
Back on the bus and off to the Pest side. Our local guide was very knowledgeable and interesting.
We stopped at Hero's Square and the Millennium Monument. Drove by the Szechenyl Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle. These are the two things we will not get to explore in detail because of our day in London. But that is okay.
The afternoon we were on our own. Crossed the famous Chain Bridge and saw Parliment as well numerous other historical buildings. We followed a Rick Steves walking tour. It was perfect. Toured the inside if St. Istvan's Basillica. Words cannot describe the beauty of this church. You will understand when I post a few pictures.
Last stop was the Opera House. We got tickets for tonight's performance, an Hungarian Opera. Had no idea what expect. The best part was the price. 6000 Forints for two tickets. The conversion was $21.39. Where can you go to an opera for that?
Quick nap, got ready and had a wonderful dinner at an outdoor cafe next to the Opera House. Did I mention it was in the 80's today?
The Opera House was breathtaking. We learned that when Austria ruled Hungary, the Hungarian government begged Austria to have their own Opera House. Austria finally said yes, but it could not be bigger than the Opera House in Vienna. It is smaller, but much more beautiful inside.
The Opera was not a staged production with a set and costumes. It was a performance. The orchestra was incredible and you could follow the story they the music. They had a screen high above the stage that displayed the script in Hungarian and English. Some of the translations were amusing.
On Tuesday, we had the morning and lunch to explore more before boarding the ship. We walked to the Great Market Hall. Fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, all types of meats and of course paprika. The ultimate farmers market! Upstairs holds booths of embroidered linens and leather goods along with some local food booths. In the basement, you will find fish and all things pickled.
We crossed the Green Bridge, an ornate metal bridge to get to the Cave Church. It is a church burrowed right into the rock face. The communists bricked it up but it is once again open. There is a small house with a turret where the monks reside.
On the way back to the hotel, we walked the pedestrian plaza, lined with cafe's. we ate goulash soup and Hungarian stew with dumplings. Our waiter suggested we try the Dobos cake- a famous local cake. Thin layers of vanilla biscuit with a light chocolate filling topped with a crunchy carmel top. Yum!
We boarded the ship. They welcomed us with wine, champagne, tasty treats as we left the port. Outstanding dinner followed by some local musicians that played Hungarian folk music. We are off the Vienna.
Wonderful Euro breakfast. Loved the fresh croissants, meats, fresh fruits and more.
Got on a bus and headed for the Budapest side.
First stop was Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Both sit up on the hill overlooking the Danube and the Pest side. Stunning architecture and an amazing tile roof on the church. The walking pace of the group was far too slow for us, so we did our own thing and joined back at our assigned meeting place and time. Because we went on without the others, we were also able to see the Royal Palace, Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the Turul Bird Statue.
Back on the bus and off to the Pest side. Our local guide was very knowledgeable and interesting.
We stopped at Hero's Square and the Millennium Monument. Drove by the Szechenyl Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle. These are the two things we will not get to explore in detail because of our day in London. But that is okay.
The afternoon we were on our own. Crossed the famous Chain Bridge and saw Parliment as well numerous other historical buildings. We followed a Rick Steves walking tour. It was perfect. Toured the inside if St. Istvan's Basillica. Words cannot describe the beauty of this church. You will understand when I post a few pictures.
Last stop was the Opera House. We got tickets for tonight's performance, an Hungarian Opera. Had no idea what expect. The best part was the price. 6000 Forints for two tickets. The conversion was $21.39. Where can you go to an opera for that?
Quick nap, got ready and had a wonderful dinner at an outdoor cafe next to the Opera House. Did I mention it was in the 80's today?
The Opera House was breathtaking. We learned that when Austria ruled Hungary, the Hungarian government begged Austria to have their own Opera House. Austria finally said yes, but it could not be bigger than the Opera House in Vienna. It is smaller, but much more beautiful inside.
The Opera was not a staged production with a set and costumes. It was a performance. The orchestra was incredible and you could follow the story they the music. They had a screen high above the stage that displayed the script in Hungarian and English. Some of the translations were amusing.
On Tuesday, we had the morning and lunch to explore more before boarding the ship. We walked to the Great Market Hall. Fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, all types of meats and of course paprika. The ultimate farmers market! Upstairs holds booths of embroidered linens and leather goods along with some local food booths. In the basement, you will find fish and all things pickled.
We crossed the Green Bridge, an ornate metal bridge to get to the Cave Church. It is a church burrowed right into the rock face. The communists bricked it up but it is once again open. There is a small house with a turret where the monks reside.
On the way back to the hotel, we walked the pedestrian plaza, lined with cafe's. we ate goulash soup and Hungarian stew with dumplings. Our waiter suggested we try the Dobos cake- a famous local cake. Thin layers of vanilla biscuit with a light chocolate filling topped with a crunchy carmel top. Yum!
We boarded the ship. They welcomed us with wine, champagne, tasty treats as we left the port. Outstanding dinner followed by some local musicians that played Hungarian folk music. We are off the Vienna.
Remember, Marty's Grandmother was sent to Budapest to work in her Uncle's restaurant. At the time she only spoke German, when she left she was fluent in Hungarian, a language unlike any other. Enjoy the trip
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