Budapest: Pictures & Notes

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Friday June 5, 2009 - Saturday June 6, 2009; Saturday June 13, 2009 - Sunday June 14, 2009


Random Observations/Nuisances

- As a whole, the “service with a smile” premise seems slow to reach our Eastern European servers.
- By far the coolest encounter was the large number of people who gathered outdoors nightly near the Deak ter metro. A mass of folks bringing their own alcohol, the scene felt very controlled despite no sign of law enforcement. Lounging in the grass, visiting clubs close by, I imagined the spot being a big “coming of age” spot for any youth in attendance. Overall, the large gathering had a great vibe about it.
- Graffiti seems everywhere. Worse, it’s not even interesting graffiti. Most tags are bland and lacking color. My favorite spot where we saw graffiti? The front face of escalator links as they expand to form stairs. Clever placement that certainly demands quick tagging.
- If you’re into the pool/spa environment, the Gellert Baths are amazing. Add to that a celebrity sighting, and you’ve got yourself a powerful memory. Matthew Fox for those interested.
- I’m guessing due to the frequent destruction from wars, the architecture in Budapest rarely turns your head. Simple, urban construction for the majority of the buildings
- A limited glimpse into an era amidst the Soviet regime can be seen by visiting Statue Park. After the fall of the regime, many Soviet statues were moved to a small clearing a few miles south of Budapest. Boring works purposefully lacking emotion, we definitely enjoyed a visual into some of the propaganda carved into each piece.
- While dingy and aged, surprisingly the Budapest subway system is very efficient. Much more so then our DC based metro.
- Taxis are a rip-off. Fares are terribly inconsistent.
- Buda’s Castle Hill was a complete bore and a waste of the few hours we spent walking the grounds.
- Every bus ride was an adrenaline rush of lawbreaking excitement. Despite our efforts, we could never find an operable bus ticket kiosk. Without a ticket, you spend as much time looking for ticket collectors as you do the passing scenery.
- The Terror Museum is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in the oppressed 20th century that was Budapest.
- While interesting architecture, the Hungarian Parliament seems visually out of place resting along the banks of the Danube. It simply looks forced.
- Despite detailed descriptions, Tegan is only convinced of a celebrity sighting when she verifies with her own eyes. Apparently, some people aren’t as qualified at confirmations as she.



Worry not, despite the negative tones on many of these observations, Tegan and I still enjoyed our time spent in Budapest. As with any new city we visit, you simply make the most of what’s available.

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Photos

Danube
As seen from Castle Hill

Lenin
In his famous "hailing a taxi" pose.

Hungarian Parliament
On the banks of the Danube.

Gellert Baths
One of the many internal pools/baths.

Comments

[Alex]

nice pics
Looks like a mini Paris to me. Especially with the parliament building.

[Pet]

remark
Some of your comments i go along with, but your remark for the Parliament and the urban architecture are wierd, to put it lightly...