Photos of Budapest and Text by Corey Amaro
I thought today might be the first time I would miss writing on my daily blog after nearly four years…but at last I found an internet connection so whew, I still can say I haven't missed a day!
The photo is of Chain Bridge, there are many bridges over the massive, strong current Danube river in Budapest. We walked over nearly all of them, but the Chain Bridge was my favorite. It links Buda to Pest, or Pest to Buda, to parts of the one city.
Budapest is big. Many of you asked me how it compares to Prague. Simply put: Budapest is big. Prague you can visit by foot, take in the entire city in a day, lick up its eye candy facades, spend little money have a feast for a song, and feel rich because of it. Daily life is more expensive in Budapest, but it feels more real. Did I see any natives in the center of Prague? Did I see daily life walking the streets? No, not at all. At one point while in Prague, when I started to look beyond the facades I was startled that I saw very little beyond the wall… where were the people?
In Budapest life is bustling about, cars, bicyclists, shoppers, laundry, shoe repair shops, music on the streets, delivery trunks, traffic, jammed pack metro stations, couples kissing, the river a fast lane of movement– Budapest is lively and the tourists blend in. Unlike Paris, the people of Budapest and Prague have a casual style. I fit in with my one black rayon dress.
Why is French Husband pushing Willow through the hotel lobby?
Where ever we have gone throughout this European tour parking Willow is a concern. When looking for a hotel I have a small list of must in mind: 1) Internet connection 2) Around 80 euro for two for a double room with a kitchen 3) Clean, safe and centrally located place 4) and parking garage for the bike.
In Prague we had to pay extra for a garage.
In Budapest we parked Willow outside the hotel, it is a very nice area to say the least. Though the concierge told us that we better put our bike in the courtyard or tomorrow we wouldn't have a bike. The large front doors were opened, the marble floor spread out like a carpet for a king, and in went Willow, straight into the manicured courtyard. Nobody seems to mind, especially us.
Yesterday we ventured out on foot, (I should rephrase that word foot to stubs!) Yesterday we ventured out on our stubs (because we have worn off our feet miles ago in Prague) when our stomachs started hollering for food we searched for a falafel place, I love falafels. We found a hole in the wall called: Hummus Bar, we took a seat amongst the locals and had falafels, tahini, grilled eggplant, and tabouleh: Four euro each. Divine feast are often found in hole in the wall places, don't you agree? While drinking mint tea it started to rain, and I mean rain! Buckets fell from the sky. It gave way to conversation, more mint tea, and spontaneous atmosphere…rain nurtures tired feet, especially when one is sitting in a comfortable dry spot and not on a motorcycle, I thanked my lucky stars a hundred times in that Hummus Bar.
Music echos, lover's hide, tourist gawk, birds fly and all under one heaven.
Budapest has a magical view no matter where you cast your eyes. I think the best time to see it is at twilight, especially at Fisherman's Bastion. I literally cried with joy, even now thinking about it, it is beyond words and my photos cannot do it justice. How I wish the top case on Willow could hold the tripod, a few more lens and years of experience to come.
French Husband in Budapest.
Budapest is overwhelming. There is too much to do, too much to take in, too much to say I have seen or felt it. The art galleries, museums, bath houses, restaurants, public parks, music… I feel like a kid in a candy shop with ten thousands bags full, pockets stuffed, sweet syrup dripping from my mouth and the salesclerk telling me to take more, that I haven't had my share! It is unbelievable what Budapest has to offer those lucky enough to call this their home, and the rest of us folk who stand in awe. Budapest is big and will be bigger… I doubt it will lose touch with its vibrant soul for it is too strong.
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