Blogs from Hungary, Europe - page 154

Well… We were successful with the video as Nagy was eager to contribute a myriad of stories from her childhood. Some of the day’s highlights were the Funicular, a step-shaped trolley built in 1870 that was used as a form of transportation down Castle hill. Nagy recalled enjoying the trolley as more of an amusement ride when she was a small child. (Sorry no Picture...) Another site that was special to Nagy was the Szechenyi Chain Bridge (visible in pics of Pest), which was the first permanent bridge built across the Danube in 1849. Apparently my Great-Grandmother once used the bridge as a place to meet my Great-Grandfather before they were married. The church directly in line with the bridge on the Pest side—St. Stevens Basilica--was where they were married. This Basilica is the largest church ... read more

April 21, 2006 Well we (Nagy, Mamma, and I) arrived in Budapest yesterday at about 11:30 or so… Liz was scheduled to land 20 minutes after us and we had absolutely no problem finding her—we just waited in baggage claim until she walked by…J From the airport we easily contacted a cab (impossible without Nagy)… Taxis were waiting, but they were charging an arm and a leg just to get into the city… I am supremely impressed with Nagy’s ability to recall a language that she uses only every 10 to20 years. I think she is excited too—giddy almost—wanting to “go here” and “see that,” and motivated to walk everywhere (which she wasn’t in London). Hopefully she can maintain that energy today. Perhaps I should more carefully recall yesterday: So we were settled into our “hotel” ... read more

What better way to spend a wet day in Budapest then underneath it - in the Buda castle labyrinths. We had no expectations as we had read some good and bad reviews about this attraction, but we actually really enjoyed them. Couldn’t say the same for Kaspar - he fell asleep - must have been the dimly lit caverns or the heart beat resonating through the winding tunnels and up through the wells on the discretely placed bose sound system (nice touch). To get to the labyrinth itself you must descend a long stair case from Uri Utca. The caves are surprisingly long, and together with the partial lighting, dripping water from the walls and low cavern ceiling they were really quite spooky. Strategically placed stone figures and sculptures throughout, and a grotto with red wine ... read more

We took a train from Bratislava and arrived at Budapest in the rain. It seems that everytime we arrive in a new place, the sky is wet and grey. We walked about half an hour to our hostel, Caterina Hostel close to the Oktagon, which is very quiet but clean and comfortable with exceptionally friendly staff. After our whistle stop tour of Bratislava, we took the afternoon off before heading to check out some of the local bars. Saturday morning and we found the new best hangover cure...Thermal baths. The baths at Szechnyi are set in the centre of a public park a few kilometres outside the city centre and are contained in a large, ancient compex. By now the sun was shining and we enjoyed lazing round in the pools before heading for the sauna, ... read more

Headed to the Market Hall (which is literally around the corner) first thing this morning to get some fresh supplies. This hall has been used since the 19th century to sell any manner of fresh produce and is packed with meat, fish, fruit, veges, grains, breads, cheese, etc on the ground floor. On the first floor you can buy Hungarian hand crafts and cool stuff like knives and whips, and the Hungarian version of a food court. If you come to Hungary you must try a langos, covered in garlic butter and sour cream, and washed down with a beer - the breakfast of champions! Despite the Market Hall opening at 6am we were a bit too keen and most of the stalls had not set up yet by 7am, so we detoured down to the ... read more