Budapest

After a week on the Danube River,  we spent the next four days in Budapest, Hungary.  As we left off the last blog, we sailed into Budapest on a Friday night with the town lit up and glowing.  Spectacular!  Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities we've seen on this or any trip.  Dozens and dozens of historical buildings in the center of town are currently being renovated, and it appears the trend will continue.  

We are determined to visit again because by the time we hit Budapest, all of the travel began to catch up with us. We couldn't seem to shake the many bugs that found their way into our family. We were especially disappointed to miss the famous baths in Budapest but we figured we would keep our germs to ourselves. This city is so beautiful and has so much to discover, we will be back!

Our first day we visited the central market in the morning.   They are selling lots of things here: spices (especially paprika), pastries, linens, meat, ceramics, clothing, etc. So much to explore.

That afternoon we drove out of the city and into the countryside of Hungary. We visited a horse farm, watched a horse show, and toured the stables. The most interesting part of the afternoon was hearing the guide's perspective and memories of growing up in Hungary during the Soviet occupation in the 80s. He said that his parents, though educated, were stuck in whatever jobs they were given. They told him when he was just a boy that their situation and his as he grew up was hopeless. He said he is awestruck every day by how different his country is now. It was incredible to hear. We are so fortunate to be living in a free country. 

Allison and a pal.

We had booked another Airbnb in Budapest. Although it was a grand, palatial apartment with gold chandeliers and over the top decor, we were all 100% confident that it was haunted. No joke. After one very unsettled evening of sleep, we packed up, rolled our luggage over to a nice hotel on the central park in town, and checked in.   

One afternoon we caught a performance by the Capital Circus, which has been performing since 1889. The tickets were in Hungarian and what we didn't know was that the circus performance would all be on ice. We loved the show. They did all of the usual circus bits (stilts, juggling, diabolo, aerials, acrobatics, etc.) but they did it all in skates. The ringmaster spoke in Hungarian only and we tried to laugh in the right places. The audience was filled with families. This was a great taste of local culture.

Circus entrance

Another afternoon, Cameron and John walked over to the Buda side of the city, climbed the hills, and took in a tour of the Houdini Museum and magic show. You may not know that Houdini was born in Budapest. John knew this because as a youngster, he wrote several papers about Houdini.

Cameron helping with a few tricks

Cameron in front of Matthias Church

On another day we did quite a bit more walking around the city. 

Carol and Allison in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral.

John trying to figure out if the sheep like the music being played.

We have been together an awful lot, so we were all just fine when John found a new friend to hang out with.

The chain bridge across the Danube. We saw photos of this bridge that were taken after WWII. The support in the middle stood but the bridge was mostly underwater and completely unpassable.

A funicular up the hillside on the Buda side to the Castle District.

I think this guy was waiting for a taxi?  Or maybe a tip? I would have asked, but he was on what appeared to be an important call.

Somehow we ended up in the this restaurant for a very over the top fancy lunch - silver dome covered platters, waiters with tuxedos. Funny thing - we looked at the table behind us and the guy was wearing a CU shirt. Turns out they were from Denver and their daughter is a CU student studying abroad in Budapest. 

After lunch, we toured Hospital in the Rock.  This place was fascinating. There is a 10km natural cave system under the castle, part of which was made into a hospital beginning in the 1930s that saw its heaviest use in 1944 and 1945. Many patients were soldiers, and the hospital would treat any soldier who made it to their door, regardless of affiliation. Civilians were also treated here. In 1956, it was used again as a hospital during the uprising against the Soviets. When the museum opened in 2009, a woman who was born in the hospital came to the opening along with her parents! Its final use was as a nuclear bunker, which was never used.

After a long day of seeing the sights, a quick stop for some nourishment.

At the airport waiting for our flight to Lisbon, Portugal.   Two very happy kids pointing out our last destination.  Who's excited to get home?!