July 16-19: Budapest, Hungary

This city has been a great Eastern Europe treat. Way less people than those seen in Prague which made it easier to spot see the locals out and about and also gave it a little more layed back feel.

Something I learned on this trip is that this used to be two cities on opposite sides of the Danube River. The one side on a hill on the west side was called Buda and the other side, more flat, was called Pest. Sometime ago the cities became one and hence the name. My hotel was on the Pest side of the city. Its been a great weekend, I've had to work around some very sore feet which developed some nasty blisters and made it very difficult to walk. I went on a 6mile run on Saturday morning and that was the final straw. This pretty much set out how my weekend was going to be spent.

Water fountain in Margit-Sziget (Margarit Island) - this island sits in the middle of the river between the two sides of the city. It is a park with a hotel and also a water park - made for some great views of the city on either side. I ran from my hotel through the length of the island and back.

After my run, my feet were screaming at me so I decided to take it easy and visit one of the many Turkish Spas found in the city. I've read that you have not been to Budapest unless you visit one of these famous theraputic spas. This one is called Szechenyi Bath, it was constructed in 1881 and had over 20+ pools amongst other services. Great spot to relax and scape the heat.

Szechenyi Spa

UNICUM - this is Hungary's version of Aguardiente or Tequila. I went to a cafe/bar called smile. I was there way early 9p so I had chance to meet and talk to the owners, Istvan and Lazlo, who filled me in on what and where to go for nightlife. To my dismay things did not start happening until past midnight - I really wanted to be in early.

I ended up going dancing later (ignoring my sore feet....hell i'm only here once!) I met a couple of Americans, Lance and Chris, who I ended up hanging out with for the rest of the night - turns out they are from LA - small world eh? It was nice to have someone to talk English with and compare travel notes - they too are on a month long trip through Europe.

Rented a bike on Sunday to give my feet more of a break - this is in front of the St. Stephen's Basilica, the start of my self guided bike tour of Budapest.

After the Basilica I crossed the Szechenyi Bridge (suspension bridge) over to the Buda side.

On the Buda side, view of the Parliment Building on the Pest side on the other side of the Danube.

I rode the bike up a hell of a hill to the Buda Castle - this is a view of the Parliment building from the top of the hill.

Part of the Buda Castle - I cant believe I actually got a shot without anyone in the way.

Roof top of the Castle - great tile work.

Ate lunch along the Danube on the Pest side at a farmers market. The sausage taste just like the Colombian Chorizo - i loved it - was just missing the rice! Saproni - Hungarian Beer.

Up close the Parliment Building - what an amazing structure!

Dome of the Opera House - great detailed art work!

Heroes Square - this was the front of another city park - I had a great ride through the park; there were soccer games, music, dancing, and lots of children playing! It was finally a cooler day in Eastern Europe.

Right side of the square.

Vajdahunyad Castle - within the park where the Heroe's Square was at.

Fine Arts Museum

Adios Hungary - Kissuem for an awesome visit!

An out of focused proud Hungarian doggie! Most dogs walk along by their owners - no leashes - I was very impressed!

I'm on the road again tomorrow - Monday - off to Amsterdam!