Budapest

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Well we got a good start to our trip today in Budapest! our hostel is right downtown so its not too far to go anywhere. It is on the 3rd floor (which means 4th floor to north americans) so the hike up the stairs isnt' so fun.

Got up pretty early since some of us (ok me) went to bed last night at 700. Anyways we were ready and gone around 8. We walked over the chain bridge to the Buda side of the city. Who knew one side was Buda, and the other side of the Danube river is Pest (said "Pesht")? Anyways, the Buda side is hilly, and has one big hill called Castle Hill with all kinds of sights, museums, shops, etc. on top. Unfortunately it was pouring rain the whole morning. At least we managed to buy some cheap umbrellas and stayed reasonably dry. Went in to the National Military Museum which was kinda interesting, lots of weapons and stories about the various wars Hungary has been in.

When we left that museum, thankfully the rain stopped and it brightened up a bit. There wasn't much else up on the hill to do, so we got some pics of the views and headed back down again. Then we headed across town to the train station to see about getting our tickets out of here. Well. There are three train stations in the city. Trains leave randomly from each one. Thankfully we picked the right station and managed to get there. Its old, dirty, crowded and very user-unfriendly. Anyways we found the international ticket window in the back, under construction. I wrote down the date, destination on a piece of paper and that worked nicely! only 8100 forints for both tickets! (20 bucks each give or take). I asked about booking a bed, and she said it would be an extra 9000 each??? so 20 bucks for a ticket and 50 to reserve teh bed? needless to say we'll suffer it out sitting up.

anyways, a quick metro (subway) ride from there and we were back at teh hostel to get some lunch, change into dry socks, and head out for the afternoon. Oh yes we did stop for lunch at a restaurant on the touristy street nearby, and had goulash soup for appetizer, and shared a platter for 2. it had paprika chicken, some kind of beef, potatoes, noodles. quite good. a bit pricey but thats touristy areas for ya.

after lunch we headed up to see the parliament buildings which are on the Pest side riverbank. Very nice looking buildings. Being cleaned (aka sandblasted) now and the clean parts are almost white, the rest mostly black haha. Didn't get to go inside but was nice to see from the outside. Then we headed to Margaret island which is just north of downtown, in teh middle of the river. Its all just one big park and we saw a water slide, some random buildings we didn't know what they were, and lots of joggers and families out for the day. Then as we were leaving it was getting dark so we headed back to the hostel again. And here we are.

Weather is not too bad now, about 2 degrees and cloudy. Good for walking. I also have a blister. Not good for walking.

Jeff and I are putting up with each other pretty well so far 😊 one day down, 14 to go haha

Heading out of town tomorrow for the day, to either Eger or Pecs, then Saturday a few more things to see in the city and our train leaves at 1130 for Belgrade. There is a laptop at the hostel and only a few people staying here so internet access shouldn't be a problem for a few days.

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Comments

[Susanne]

Jason! Sounds like a great time. Take lots of photos (I'm sure you are!)... Hope the weather gets a little warmer and drier for you. Take care! SP