I started my visit by withdrawing a very impressive-sounding 40 000 Hungarian forints, which is approximately 200 Canadian dollars. Luckily, I had investigated into the value of the forint; otherwise I would have been totally lost. As it was, after dropping off my gear at the hostel and heading for dinner with a couple of Canadian girls, I was still quite confused about the conversion rate. “Dinner is 2250? How much is that?” Luckily, one of the other girls had a clue, and after some longhand math, we were able to divide the very reasonably priced bill from our delicious dinner.
Hungarian forints.
Following dinner, I went with the girls on my first of several walks along the Danube River. The river separates the Eastern Pest from the Western Buda – though the two unified in 1873. At night, much of both sides and the bridges that cross the river are lit up to outline a spectacular skyline.
The Chain Bridge and Danube River.
Melinda, Trish and I on the Chain Bridge.
The next day was a beautiful, sunny day (I know I sound repetitive, but I’ve truly had amazing luck with the weather). It was also a Sunday, which in Europe means that many things are closed. However, one of the benefits of travelling for a longer period of time is that I do not have to cram my sightseeing. I like watching and listening to new cities. Days spent wandering around getting a feel for the city, people-watching and sitting at a café drinking a cup of tea and reading my book have been some of my favourite days.
It was probably for the best I took that Sunday easy, as Sun-night was spent experiencing the Budapest nightlife with a couple of American guys and one French-Canadian. We drank wine. We searched out a couple of difficult-to-find night locales. We played foosball (Canada won). We drank beer. We danced. It was a great night out. It was also a late night out, which resulted in the perfect set-up to spend the next afternoon at a bathhouse.
The boys try to get us on track.
It was a balmy 20 degrees when we finally made our way from the hostel through the sunny streets to the bathhouse of choice (Széchenyi – but don’t ask me how to pronounce it). We spent most of our time in the outdoor baths, as it only made sense to do on such a nice day. The baths varied from 27-38 degrees, came in a variety of shapes and sizes, and also held people of all shapes and sizes. It was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
The walk to the baths.
Made it!
On March 15th, the Hungarians celebrate the National Holiday, Revolution Day. So once again, many things were closed. However, it was another outstanding day, and I believe the whole of Budapest was out enjoying the weather and the celebrations. There were bands out playing Hungarian folk music and people dancing the Hungarian folk dances. Food and merchandise booths were set up all over the Buda side of the river, and the delicious smells of lángos (a sort of deep-fried pizza), roasting onions and warm chimney cakes filled the streets. Children’s games were set up in one of the squares, tended by Hungarians in traditional dress, and watched over by the cameras of the nearby parents. It was a pretty neat day for observing.
Back over the Chain Bridge on Revolution Day.
Folk music and dance.
Of course, the big event of my last day was seeing Norma, the opera in the stunning Hungarian State Opera House, but I have already shared that experience.
I’m now sitting “at home” in Copenhagen, and it’s been nice to come home to one of my favourite places in Europe. I’ve been here since Thursday, but after a busy and excellent weekend, this is the best chance I’ve had to write my near-to-last blog (for this trip anyways).
I’m right back where I started five months ago. At least, I am physically right back where I started five months ago. Four days left. See you soon.
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