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Published: September 19th 2011
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Dining at "21"
We had an outstanding meal at 21 Vendaglo in the Castle district of Budapest Tongue in cheek here, however; we have had no fewer than 5 occasions in the last 2 days when people are giving us free stuff. Jackie and I received a bottle of wine, a 50% off on all drinks and food, two glasses of beer (more if we wanted) and a bunch of souvenir items. I did not see other people receiving this treatment.
Perhaps it is the Canada pins we have handed out to people or the casual way we find ourselves striking up conversations with people we don't know. Charlie and his nice wife over from Scotland on a brief holiday almost gave me their dessert at breakfast - yes Scots like their sweets after breakfast. They were nice people with a cousin in Victoria, British Columbia.
The staff of the City of Budapest's 6 information centres are all very nice and knowledgeable. Szilvia (city centre) was able to help us with local information and directions and Lajos (airport) sold us the Budapest Card. The centres are easy to spot as they have a large i in white on a green sign. The Budapest card as described before gave us unlimited public transit and free entry into some
Hungarian Parliament
One of the most impressive Parliaments attractions, tours and museums. Yes, not just me but everyone gets those freebies.
Budapest seems compact but it is not easy to fit all one wants to do into 2 1/2 days. Realistically one needs a minimum of 5 days here. The castle district alone is the size of a small town.
The Palace is enormous and it is not possible to anticipate it's size and grandeur from the Pest side. The Hilton is in this district as are a number of very grand smaller boutique hotels. Restaurants are plentiful in this area and 21 Magyar Vendeglo with manager Robert is outstanding. Cafe Pierot across the street was busy and patrons may sit in a back courtyard against a 10 metre high 15th century wall surrounded by many tropical looking trees and vines.
At the hotel Le Meridien we are being well taken care of. Turn down service at night was a disappointment as WE left the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when we went out for dinner. Fuzsina, day manager and Andras at the bar have been especially attentive.
Local shopping in the small unique shops is fun. The West End Mall might well
Saint Stephen
Very deceiving massive church have been called West Edmonton Mall. So many stores were just the same as in Canada or the US. Favorites of ours were the hand made linen table clothes, Palinka and Tokaji wine.
Today when we visited the Castle district there was an international chocolate exhibition. A quarter of the city was there. Today the finals of the National Gallop took place in Heroes' Square and since this is a horse loving nation tens of thousands attended. Opera took place this evening and 50 or so Italians staying at our hotel dressed in their finest and took in the Opera. Basically Budapest has something happening all the time and for every taste.
Today the temperature was 31C and tomorrow will be a more moderate 26C for our drive to Transylvania. I may or may not get an entry in tomorrow but, hope you enjoy this one.
Send you some more news soon,
Jackie and Tony
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Garlene
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Wow!
Wow, looks like you are having a fabulous time! Can't wait to hear more and see more pics!!!