Thanks for sharing the photos. What did you like best about Budapest?
Budapest has changed enormously since I was there first in 1984 - then it was a drab, state-controlled, communist satellite; but today with freedom it has become a lively, colorful Westernized city. The Buda side is the older and more historical. Castle Hill dominates the scenery overlooking the Danube River. The Royal Palace is noteworthy since it has been built on top of foundations that go back to the 15th Century and they recently have been excavating older Roman ruins which come from some of the first settlements in this area. Here also is the good Hungarian National Gallery with an excellent collection of medieval art. Further along is Old Town with the magnicifent Matyas Church, more Roman ruins, the Labyrinth which runs for a long way underneath the old city and it is here that the Fast Forward took place with the drinking of the goblet of blood. Nearby also is the Fishermen's Bastion the final pit stop in Budapest. Here Tara and her daddy got Philmanated (they made the really bad choice of trying to paddle across the Danube which is a very swift river at this point.) The Pest side is more noted for shopping, hotels, more shopping, restaurants (include Gundel). People here like the Parisians love to eat outdoors (but not in winter unfortuneately!) so there is one cafe/restaurant after another along the river. Hungarian food is great - if you like it HOT, spicey that is - but you can not beat their Gourlash; they just love their sauces mostly made with paprika and mushrooms. Pest also is known for the area around Varosliget which is a large city park with zoo, amusement area much like Six Flags, and a remarkable castle Vajdahunnyad Castle which is actually built in many different architectural styles. Heroes' Square is also nearby (as is Gundel Restaurant) Budapest has just about anything you might be looking for including an excellent Opera and Symphony Orchestra. And for you younger types, discos and night clubs of every shape and size are plentiful. As I said the Hungarians have thrown off their shackles of the past with abandonment!!!
