BUDAPEST

Hello, luv!

Hi there!

My name is Martha and I am a single, retired woman from the Denver area who is a big fan of Rick Steves tours. Since my first trip to France in 2012 I have been hooked! I am in love with England and decided to take the Villages of Southern England tour in the fall of 2018.

Day eight: Let's check out Pest

Budapest is a beautiful and interesting modern city split in two by the Danube. We were here two full days with the first devoted to the Pest side. This area is flatter land and has been historically where the more modest residents live.

Our hotel was on Andrassy, an easy stroll away from Heroes' Square so George started us there, pointing out the various statues, giving us an overview of Hungarian history.

He walked us to City Park and the Szechenyi Baths. While we didn't take time to enjoy the baths, there was a great observation window to watch the frolickers. In this country the doctors often prescribe time in the baths for medical reasons. There are many different pools to enjoy here and plenty of people doing so!

Our group gathered in front of the Basilica

Children were splashing in the water at Liberty Square.

George gave us each a Metro pass good for the two days we were in Budapest and we used the easy system this morning to zip around town. He walked us to St Istvan's Basilica, Liberty Square, the Parliment building, ending at the Great Market Hall.

We had a free afternoon to check out the rest of Pest. A group of tour members shopped at the market, went to the Great Synagogue, and explored inside the Basilica. I had a bit of a rest at the hotel before meeting up for our nighttime Danube cruise. The lights were spectacular reflecting off the river.

This evocative sculpture was outside the synagogue. Each leaf on the tree is engraved with the name of a Holocaust victim.

Lots of food and goods in the market. Paprika was everywhere!

I found a lot of similarities in the ornate interiors of the Great Synagogue and St Istvan's Basilica. While the iconography was different, both were beautiful.

The Hungarian Parliament building by day and by night. Lovely!

Day nine: Buda

This day dawned wet and chilly. We hopped on the Metro to meet up with local guide, Monica, for a visit to Buda. This side of the Danube is hilly and is historically the wealthier area, including the Castle.

After seeing Castle Hill and Matthias Church we had a free afternoon. A couple other tour members and I check out the shopping area in town before visiting the House of Terror. This museum is a fascinating look at life in Hungary under communism. Photography was not allowed so I have no pictures, but it was well worth the visit.

A number of tour members went to the baths this afternoon but I chose to hang out in my room and take care of some travel chores. I heard it was a lot of fun, even on this cold and rainy day!

Monica's red spotted umbrella was easy to follow across the Danube!

We are beginning to see the Castle close up!

Matthias Church was near the Castle.

Buda was greener than Pest.

Interior of the church was a nice, dry place to rest and contemplate Hungary!

The view near the church includes Fishermen's Bastion, the Danube, and distant Pest.

Great desserts in Budapest!

Off to Plitvice!

Lessons from Budapest: Most of the countries we visited on this tour are composed of Slavic people. Hungarians, however, are Magyars. I found the Hungarians to be a bit more spicy than their neighbors. Just like their beloved paprika. From Buda to Pest, the capital city had many layers and nuances to the sights and culture.