Since returning to the States early Sunday morning, I have been asked a couple of times which city I liked best. Tough question. Not sure that I can choose a best. I can, however, offer my observations on my experiences in each destination.
Praha is simply beautiful. It has old world charm, churches, distinct districts each with a different vibe, and the famous (although under reconstruction/repair) Charles Bridge. It also has a ton of tourists and can be difficult to navigate even with a great Streetwise map and a determined spirit.
Wien is very Western. We enjoyed awesome Spring weather and the city is easily walkable. I highly recommend the Hundertwasserhaus and the Kunst House Wien for modern art. I also recommend macaroons from Oberlaa and chocolate from Demel. And, I simply cannot forget the beauty of the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens.
Budapest... the views of the Danube, the castle, and the bridges. I really felt more of the local flavor/culture here than anywhere else. It was great to experience the market and the baths as the locals do. At the forefront of my memories is watching the sunset behind the castle/palace each evening from the rooftop terrace at the hotel. Picture perfect!
It was a great adventure, filled with many memorable moments, and enhanced by new acquaintances from across the globe. I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity.
"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen." - Benjamin Disraeli
28 April 2009
Pest
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive when I stepped out of the train station in Budapest. My initial impression was, "Oh my, this looks third world and I'm going to spend the next three days here!" Let me say, first impressions can be, and in this case were, wrong. From the rooftop terrace views of Buda, the nighttime Danube cruise, to the Segway tour of Pest, I truly enjoyed just scratching the surface of what this city has to offer.
I shopped the Great Market Hall on Thursday and Friday. I am please with my traditional Hungarian purchases (blouse and tablecloth). I was not, however, brave enough to try some of the traditional Hungarian dishes offered upstairs at the market. Hungarian desserts were a different story entirely. During Friday's lunch at Menza, I tried the Hungarian poppy seed dumpling for dessert... poppy seed, grated lemon zest, and vanilla sauce. It was delish!
I was glad Stacie suggested the Segway tour. For those of you who remember my infamous scooter accident in the Summer of 2003, rest assured I was determined not to meet the same fate. I am pleased to report that there is no opportunity for "over acceleration" on the Segway. I loved it! Our guide, Bea, was hospitable, as well as well-versed in Budapest history, and I liked her politics. Come to find out she had applied for a job at the Broadmoor, the famous Colorado Springs resort, and was turned down. To the folks at the Broadmoor - big mistake!
Friday evening, our last of the journey, brought the much-anticipated visit to the Szechenyi baths. I am so glad we waited until the evening to experience this treat. The weather was perfect and the water temperature just right. My offer to take a photograph of a group of young guys resulted in the evening's entertainment and new friends from Italy and France. In the words of my late father, "I never meet a stranger."
I shopped the Great Market Hall on Thursday and Friday. I am please with my traditional Hungarian purchases (blouse and tablecloth). I was not, however, brave enough to try some of the traditional Hungarian dishes offered upstairs at the market. Hungarian desserts were a different story entirely. During Friday's lunch at Menza, I tried the Hungarian poppy seed dumpling for dessert... poppy seed, grated lemon zest, and vanilla sauce. It was delish!
I was glad Stacie suggested the Segway tour. For those of you who remember my infamous scooter accident in the Summer of 2003, rest assured I was determined not to meet the same fate. I am pleased to report that there is no opportunity for "over acceleration" on the Segway. I loved it! Our guide, Bea, was hospitable, as well as well-versed in Budapest history, and I liked her politics. Come to find out she had applied for a job at the Broadmoor, the famous Colorado Springs resort, and was turned down. To the folks at the Broadmoor - big mistake!
Friday evening, our last of the journey, brought the much-anticipated visit to the Szechenyi baths. I am so glad we waited until the evening to experience this treat. The weather was perfect and the water temperature just right. My offer to take a photograph of a group of young guys resulted in the evening's entertainment and new friends from Italy and France. In the words of my late father, "I never meet a stranger."
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