---

The demise of the Soviet Union has led to extraordinary changes within the former Eastern Bloc in the last twenty years or so. Following on from an effortless bus commute out of Vienna, a cursory glance at my passport was all it took before being stamped into Hungary en route to the capital Budapest. The journey from Vienna to Budapest is a little over 200 kilometres by road, yet the contrast in heading from west to east is not that noticeable, due to the massive economic advances made since the Republic of Hungary was declared in 1990. Hungary has since gone on to become one of the ten newest member states of the European Union after the results of a national referendum in 2003, and the country became a proud member of the EU in 2004.

I really do feel, dear reader , that arriving in Eastern Europe for the first time is an exciting experience. In my mind this part of the world has always held the allure of being one of the last frontiers. When I arrived at the bus terminal in Budapest there was certainly a feeling of nervous excitement, as the language and written signs do have a very foreign feel which all adds to the adventure. Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube, and the city is justifiably famous for the beauty of her architecture and artistic traditions, but on arrival the words of an Aussie backpacker rang true: "When you've got a backpack on, culture is nothing!" Well said mate, the overwhelming priority on arrival in a new city is to get to the hostel.

So jumping on the metro was the plan. Budapest is home to the oldest metro line in continental Europe, and soon I was ensconced in the quality Red Bus hostel within a beautiful old European apartment block, hollowed out with the balconies facing the interior courtyard. I then had three days to explore the city, and Budapest is a wonderful tourist destination that comes highly recommended. The city is on the banks of the mighty Danube river, and consists of hilly Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Castle Hill in Buda is a short sharp climb from the Danube (or you can take the cable car) and features most of the medieval buildings found in the capital. There are also Roman ruins along the ancient wall, and it makes for a wonderful place to stroll around. There are also superb elevated views of the famous buildings of Pest just across the Danube. Also the night views of Castle Hill lit up from the river at Pest are not to be missed.

A night time stroll along the main boulevard of Budapest is fun. My guidebook warned of the usual scam where attractive women approach for a chat, in order to lure you into a bar where the staff (ie their bosses) will charge like wounded bulls to buy a drink for your new friend. I just smiled and kept walking, but one pretty girl had a novel opening line "Tell me, where is the beach?" I thought to myself *not sure luv, but it ain't here*.

The hostel crew have been friendly, and last night was a good laugh at an Irish bar over beers and cards with three other Aussies. Yes indeed, I can confidently report that Aussies are still everywhere! Budapest is a great city to visit, and it's believed the number of East Germans who escaped via Hungary may have contributed to the Berlin Wall being torn down, and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union. The Hungarian communist party agreed to give up power in 1989, and free elections were held in 1990. Since then there's been a massive influx of foreign investment into the country. The combination of superb traditions, the birthplace of famous composers such as Franz Liszt, and the wonderful architecture adds up to the insecapable fact, basically all of you should be here now!

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

Note: Feel free to post comments on this site, or click on the subscribe button for notification of upcoming travel journals

---