Budapest for my Birthday

 I had originally planned on going to Rome to run the Marathon over my birthday. But, the logistics of the train and lodging, and actually finishing in time to shower and get back to the train in time to get back to work was just too much. So, I changed my plans. But, I had the weekend off. ITT was doing a tour to Budapest. I've never been to Budapest. Perfect.

So, Saturday morning at some ungodly hour, we departed from Aviano on the bus. I think this is about a 10ish hour drive, so we had to leave early. We stopped for breakfast, as usual, on the freeway. This trip we had a great tour escort. He gave us pointers on what to look for. Yay. I packed a blanket and a pillow and just slept until we arrived. Near arrival time, our tour escort also provided a lot of information regarding the history of Hungary and the details of the city.

Upon arrival in Budapest, we met a tour guide for a walking guided tour of the city. Our first stop was Heroe's Square and I immediately love this city. I love the symbolism here. But, one thing that stands out ... among the monuments to kings and saints is the focus on the people. The statues at the 4 points of the Colonnade represent the lives of people. Labor and Wealth, War, Peace, Art and Knowledge.

We bused to our next stop, along the Danube, and then we walked through the center of the Pest,  and past Parliament. Budapest is really 2 cities. Pest is on the eastern shore of the Danube. This is where most of the city activities happen. It's lower, flatter, and compromises about 2/3 of the area and population of Budapest. Buda is on the western shore. It's higher, and hillier. It's also where the wealth is located as it is where the wealthy desire to live. Work in Pest, live in Buda. Parliament is huge and has different looks from all sides. I was struck by the statue in one of the squares. The bronze doesn't celebrate heroes and generals. But, it's the common people that are memorialized and celebrated.

 

Hungary is very proud of its freedom. Even during Soviet days, they seemed to fare better than other countries with their freedoms to travel and study. Much of it is because of Imre Nagy who was Prime Minister in the 50s. His government led a revolution against Russia and he was executed for it. He is honored for his fight for freedom. And they love the Gipper, who took a selfie with me.

We went past St. Stephen's Basilica. We had a few minutes in the square, so I paid my 2 euro to go inside. I can't pass up a church. (In Europe, I have heard the term ABC--another boring church. I don't find any of them boring. Always something different.) Stephen I is the first king of Hungary. He unified Hungary and converted the pagan tribes to Christianity. His symbol is the double cross. Two interesting things about the Basilica. First is that it houses the mummified right hand of St. Stephen. People come here to pray at the hand. Odd. And the second is something that just was interesting to me. Again, the focus on the people. The statues here focus on the importance of common people. Not grand bishops and cardinals Their greatness is in what they do for the people. 

The hand is in there somewhere

From here we were back on the bus to the Market for lunch. The lower level is primarily food. The second level is products. We had time to grab a bite to eat at the only sit-down restaurant. Very heavy meat base here, so I had the fried vegetables. I did a little wandering and found a sweet Hungarian lace sweater. I took a leisurely and roundabout walk back to the bus and had a great view of the Liberty Bridge.

After lunch we crossed the Danube to Pest. We had views of Buda Castle in the distance.  

Then past St. Matthias Church and a little time to explore Fisherman's Bastion where we had some amazing views of Pest. 

 And for just 7 euro, I made a friend (for a few minutes) of a bird of prey. Boy, these guys are super heavy. The "knight" wasn't sure I could hold him up. Honestly, neither was I.

 

 Wow, it has been a long day since we left Aviano. From here, it's time to find the hotel and freshen up before dinner. Dinner was in the hotel, buffet style. So for me, it was some salad and steamed vegetables. Lots of meat in everything...even the things that are labeled vegetables, so I had to be careful. One of the people on tour heard it was my birthday and told the musicians (yes, there was a little Hungarian band) so I got a "happy birthday" serenade. In English and the right tune. I was a bit embarrassed.

After dinner we had the chance for 20 euros to take an evening boat ride down the Danube. With glass of Proseco, thank you very much. It was cold, but it was breathtakingly beautiful. We passed under the 7 bridges of Budapest. They each have a meaning and are built differently, but I need more time in the city to explore the reasons. The city was lit up beautifully.

 Back to the hotel. If I had written this sooner (yes, I am writing late, but pretending I'm writing on the weekend I went), I would remember the name and give a mini-review. Overall, though, it was nice. Clean. Breakfast was included so I had breakfast in the morning before we had to leave. Too soon. One thing I have decided I will have to come back and I will have to enjoy some of the hot spring baths here. Budapest is famous for the baths, but we didn't have time to enjoy them. Quick turnaround. On our way "home" we stopped at Szentendre. We had a few hours to explore this little village. I guess it's supposed to be well known for museums and artists as it sits along the river. Personally, I had seen just about all there was in about 15 minutes, but that's because I wasn't doing a lot of shopping. It's cute, but I would have preferred more time in Budapest.

 

 I did check out a few museums. How about Marzipan? Some of the details of the sculptures are pretty incredible and these can take hundreds of hours to create. But, really, I wanted to eat them.

 And, really, who doesn't want to make a quick stop at the potty museum? Double decker porta-pottie anyone? Entrance to the museum was free, after you paid to use the public toilet.

 I had heard about a popular snack in Hungary called Langos. It's fried dough. The line at the Market was long and packed, probably because this location is mentioned in several guide books. But, in an alley in Szentendre, I found a place selling it. My first thought smelling it was "funnel cake." Traditional way of eating it is with sour cream and cheese. Well, that's not going to work for me, so I had it with vegetables. OK ... once was enough. Funnel cake was right, but without the powdered sugar. Super greasy. And the vegetables I think were canned peas & carrots. It sat in my gut like a rock and I didn't finish it.

From here, we were back on the bus. Made a stop for dinner at a roadside supershop. It was amazing actually. They had a salad bar to die for with beets (not pickled) and chick peas and jicama and a vegetable soup that was really vegetables. I chowed down. For part of the ride it was light outside and I was awake. Pretty scenery. It was late when we got home and I had to get to bed fast so I can work tomorrow.