Sailed into 1,000-year old Budapest after breakfast on the Danube. We moored on the Pest side, downstream from the Chain Bridge, opposite the Royal Palace in Buda.
The Hungarians are determined people. Since the original seven tribes settled here around 900 AD, they've been the victims of repeated invasions and occupations by foreign powers, among them the Hapsburgs, the Nazis and the Russians. Finally free, they're working on bringing their country up to the standards of the West and are succeeding beautifully.
A bus tour this morning brought us to Heroes Square, the second biggest Parliament in the world (after London), the Royal Palace and the old town near Fisherman's Bastion and St. Mathias' Cathedral on the hill in Buda. Pest is the commercial part of the city, built on the river plain, while Buda is a more residential section built on the hills of the other side. Too much history to go into now (gotta pack) but we will revisit Budapest towards the end of September.
Hungary's Parliament
Royal Palace
St. Mathias Cathedral and unique tiled roof in national colours
Statues of the seven founding chiefs in Heroes Square
Budapest! Very cool - always wanted to visit there, along with Prague.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to know if you discover any interesting dishes, besides paprikash, or nice wines. The Hungarian wines we get here tend to be on the "rough" side...
Anyways - love the pics - big majestic buildings always impress...
Safe travels!
Cheers and Love,
Per