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Published: October 15th 2023
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Unfortunately this was our departure from the good ship “Egil” as we leave the docks at 8:30 a.m. and head into Budapest to the Hilton Castle in Buda. We say goodbye to all the lovely staff on our ship.
Budapest is separated by the Danube with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Old Town, perched 550 feet above the right bank of the Danube is a fascinating medieval area. It is pure pleasure to stroll the narrow streets lined with colourful houses imagining life here in the Middle Ages. Our hotel, Hilton, is in the Castle District alongside Matthias Church and down the way from the “ Buda Castle” which isn’t a castle but a palace now used for museums, etc. Matthias Church is a soaring, gleaming Gothic glory named for Hungary’s most beloved king. In the walkway between the Hilton and the church is Fisherman’s Bastion with an expansive wall and seven turrets. It was built in a Neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque cluster of white stone towers, arches, terraces and columns. This is a popular scenic lookout for the Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. Buda Castle was built in the 1200’s and was
home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
Our (Kevin, Michelle, Anne & I) great undertaking today was to walk to the Great Market which is more than six kilometres away. First downhill from the hotel to the river edge and then across the Chain Bridge. We attempt to stay close to the river edge as it’s a hot day and there’s a bit of breeze along that route. It gets hotter as we walk so we decide to go up one street where it’s shadier and we go through a pedestrian mall and combined market place until we reach our destination. The Market Hall is a gigantic restored neo-gothic hall for produce, pastries, Hungarian sausage, prepared food, souvenirs, clothing and many other things. There are three levels in all. We were trying to find lunch and eventually ran across some couples from the ship who were just getting up. We nabbed their table and went in to order. Anne & I both had authentic Hungarian cabbage rolls.
After lunch, there was no way we were walking back so Kevin ordered a Bolt which is a reliable taxi company and we piled into the mini van for a
ride back to the Hilton to get checked in. Oh, we’re not done yet. At 3:15 we meet up with Kevin & Michelle for a stroll in the immediate area of the hotel to take some pictures. We start with St. Matthias church and stroll down into the Fisherman’s Bastion hoping for some pictures and scenic views. I swear every tourist in Budapest is here! After struggling through the crowds, Kevin & Michelle go back to hotel and we go in search of a grocery store for some wine and beer to stock our room. Successful venture!
We have reservations for dinner tonight at 6 and then at 8:30 we go to see Budapest at Night. It’s a beautiful night. Hard to believe it’s the middle of October and people are walking around at night in sleeveless tops. First part of the tour is a walk around the castle grounds. Lights flood the spires, columns and turrets of the castle and the churches. From the castle walls the Pest side is lit up like a carnival and in fact there is a ferris wheel over there. We are all taking pictures of the bridges, each one is a different
architectural style but all are lit up like Christmas trees. The Parliament Building at night is spectacular - it is the third largest in the world. Back on the bus for a tour around Buda and over to Pest to view the lights of the other side. The evening is topped off with a glass of champagne before being dropped back at the hotel.
Tomorrow is another day.
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