Naadohdi megy Budapest, Magyarország

A while back I read that the Hungarians are the most unhappy people on earth. Unfortunately that may be true. Budapest, actually the two cities Buda and Pest seem to be full of them. No one gave us hard time, when asked for help everyone was willing to help, but there is something about the city and the people that made us to think there is something missing. The local drink Palinka seem to represent them aptly, it gets you intoxicated allright, but it is hard and lacks any fine taste.

It would be easy to be a visitor and pass a judgment such as this without knowing the past. Hungary has suffered a lot in the world war, sandwiched between the German and Russian forces, I read that Budapest was the city on siege for a long period than any other city. After the war came communism, and the early revolutions to leave communism also resulted in war like situation. It was not until 1990 there was a free election, so we have to give the Hungarians a break.

On the positive side, Budapest is not expensive. Ten bucks could give a great meal with drinks, the cheap and safe public transport can take you all around and above all, even the posh hotels cost less.

The river Danube separates the older classical Buda city from the conventional Pest city. Buda hill and the attractions there including the castle can take a day away, the river cruise on Danube especially when the sun goes down is charming. The symphonies, ballets and operas are abound, does not cost much either. We attended a folk dance program based on Hungarian Rhapsody, it was good, too bad they do not allow us to use cameras.

The thermal baths in the city are very unique. The Szechenyi Bath consists of two big outdoor pools and 20+ internal pools. Each pool is pumped with the natural underground thermal water, and varies in temperature. The ritual is to visit pools one after another with ascending temperature, use the adjoining saunas and then do it in reverse. Some of the pools have an instructor to teach water aerobics as well.

Budapest is good to visit at least once. We spent three nights and left with mixed feelings, and probably will not visit again.

Sound Track

Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 S. 359/2
Franz Liszt

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• naadohdi
• budapest
• wanderaway