Blogs from Central Hungary, Hungary, Europe - page 118

A: I could if I lived here! Just to get this off on the right foot - let's clear up the pronunciation. BOODA-PESHT. Official terminology kids. And officially, this city kicks arse. Sitting snugly in the top three European cities I have been lucky enough to cruise around in, Budapest felt good from the moment I stepped onto that wicked old style train. Seriously, it was like a Bakerlite toaster. Painted a radical pale pastel green with chrome detailing and boxy in shape, I felt like I was hurtling through the historical fifties in some sort of communist comedy. What else did I love about Budapest? The sense of turmoil and history that was still evident if you scratched the surface The most delightful hostel staff I have come across on my travels The bike rally ... read more

Went to shopping arcade to finally get a haircut. No appointments required, first in first served, and I was second in line so it didn't take long. Once again wasn't happy with the end result, but oh well. Off to Hungary today, and as usual it was a bit of a mad rush. So much so that we jumped on the train without getting tickets, because we didn't think we'd have time. Train was for Fenchurch Street and sure enough just near Barking the ticket inspectors caught us. Heart sank thinking about how much the fine would be. Tried to play the dumb Australian card that there was no one at the ticket booth in Grays and that we were planning on buying the tickets at Fenchurch Street. Inspectors were polite and understanding but wouldn't have ... read more

Today is the last day of our 20 day trip to Croatia, Slovenia and Budapest. We spent 11 days in Croatia, we flew from Singapore - Paris - Zagreb, stayed in Zagreb Buzz Backpackers Hostel, and took the overnight train to Split. Then we hop on the huge Jadrolinija ferry from Split down to Korcula island, thereafter we missed our bus and took a taxi-van down from Korcula to Dubrovnik where we spent the most wonderful 4 nights in the beautiful apartment overlooking Gruz Harbour, thanks to lovely Danka and Marija. We then flew from Dubrovnik up to Zagreb, and hop on the intercity train to Ljubljana, capital city of Slovenia. It is a hectic 11 days for us in Croatia, we travelled using every mode of transport available, be it tram, bus, coach, taxi, train, ... read more

Who would have thought that Budapest has the largest population of mosquitos that I have encountered thus far on my travels. For the first half on the 'Pest' side there have been no sign of them. I come over hear and they think I'm a walking cheeseburger with extra ketchup... I'm here for the taking come get me! People walk upto me on the street and ask if im suffering badly from acne, I politely tell them to 'take a hike' and let them know that the mosquitos here are man eaters and they should watch out... they will be next mwahaha. The past few days have been very laid back. Haven't got upto too much at night and during the day doing very lighty touristy stuff. I'm starting to feel a longing hunger. I haven't ... read more

Yup so I was down and out, my shoes had been stolen and my last nickle spent in a run down casino betting on a 1 legged horse to win the grand national, then into the room came my saviour... a man offering a free bed, warm shower and a hearty meal. 24 hours later and after a lot of rum I woke up to the sound of seagulls and around me drunk sailors yelling Land Ahoi! End of Chapter 1 -------- Well, my left bum cheek is officially angry at me. The burner that keeps the water hot in the shower at the run down hostel has gotten the better of me thus I sit hear smelling like a bum who has not showered in days. I have given up on taking a decent 'shower' ... read more