September 6 & 7, 2013

I have been lax in writing this blog over the past couple of days due to lack of downtime in Budapest. We have been very busy touring the city. We've visited the Royal Palace, high up across the river in Buda (we are staying on the Pest side) and enjoyed the spectacular views from there. Visited the Jewish synagogue- the largest in the world outside of New York City...over 3,000 can be seated.




(Exterior of the synagogue)


(Unusual Holocaust memorial - the Tree of Life whose leaves bear the names of Holocaust victims)











Visited the National History Museum where we learned much about the history of Hungary, and what a tortuous history it is. Sandwiched between the Hapsburg and Ottoman Turkish empires, Hungary has been subjected to endless wars and occupations over the centuries - including the disasters of WW I and II followed by 45 years of communism. They say the Hungarians are a melancholy people, and given their history you can understand why.

There is a lively nightlife here - to say the least..several bars and cafes per city block..and they are all full at night. Groups of young people flock here from all over Europe. Streets are strewn with bottles and party debris each morning. Then teams of street cleaners are deployed to clean it all up.



(This stunning looking cafe is where we stopped for cake and coffee)

Have taken every opportunity to sample Hungarian food. It is heavy..lots of meat (pork) and starchy side dishes but very tasty. Bakeries everywhere...and the baked goodies are delicious! Haven't been too impressed with the wines though...whites are better than the reds.

Our highlight yesterday was a visit to the Szechenyi thermal baths.
Budapest lies on a geological fault which has resulted in hot mineral water gushing forth daily from over 100 thermal springs - hence Budapest's fame as a spa city. We chose the large outdoor thermal bath modelled in style after the great Roman baths(there are 10 baths and pools within the complex) ..donned our swimsuits...and soaked in the 37 degree mineral water with dozens of locals. The mineral rich water is supposed to help with joint and muscle pain...the water makes you very buoyant and you paddle about effortlessly. I understand now why "taking the waters" is so popular with Europeans - it is extremely relaxing!

We met up with cousin Niall who has been great at showing us around the city and giving us the local perspective. The main market is impressive if something of a tourist mecca.


I writing this blog on the train from Budapest to Salzburg - 6.5 hour trip. The Salzburg leg of our trip will be a change of pace from the hectic urban life to the calm of the Austrian Alps. We will rent a car in Salzburg and head to the resort we will be staying at for 5 nights which is about 20 kilometres outside Salzburg.

Fiona & Carl

Location:Budapest, Hungary