Budapest In A Nutshell

So Budapest was cool. Actually, apart from a small incident at the start of the week involving a little old lady and the theft of my camera, it was AMAZING.

Really.

So here's a little sum-up, along with the standard apology for not blogging as often as I should.

Monday I flew to Stuttgart, then after 3 hours there flew on to Budapest. Had a beautiful view thanks to my window seat, and was slightly disappointed that it was raining. Anywho, I caught the train to one of the main train stations and then walked from there to my WONDERFUL hostel where, thanks to the tourism low season, I enjoyed a 6 bed dorm all to myself.


Tuesday, I headed off walking. I went through the city park and then into the thermal baths (AMAZING TIMES). Unfortunately no photos thanks to the slimy old lady who stole my camera (sucks to be her - it's pretty much dead so she'll NEVER be able to sell it!!)

Wednesday I did a walking tour of Buda - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Cant really remember what else I did but Buda was cool.

Oh yeah, I also went and bought new shoes because my others were no good. Fun times.

Thursday I did another walking tour (when it's free, why not?!) this time of Pest.

Pest was also amazing. I can definitley say Budapest is a STUNNING city. And a photographers dream (Caroline, read: GO THERE!!!). Pity I only had my iPod but I managed to get some ok photos anyways. Then I walked up another hill (a super big one) and saw some cool stuff. Then as I was sitting in the hostel kitchen in my PJ's (coz I'm cool like that) after dinner, the hostel manager (who was on duty at the time) comes past with one of the guests - a 55 year old NZ man, and says to me "We're going to the bar next door for a quick drink. It will be quick because I'm still working. Go get dressed and come with us" and I of couse said "Sure" so went and dressed and went with them. We had a Hungarian schnapps and then he went back to work (LOVE IT!), and the NZ guy, Peter, and I went and had another - he had an amazing story. He's been travelling for about 7 months and is headed home this week. What a great guy.

Friday I walked some more (any wonder my feet hurt?). I walked to an island (don't get smart - there's a bridge) in the middle of the Danube where it's really pretty.

At the very end of the island, they have a Japanese garden (see picture), and the whole island is like a giant park. They also have two swimming pool complexes (closed - too cold) and other stuff so it was fairly cool. Then I walked home again. Also came across a cool monument to the people shot into the Danube during the war.

Cool, no?













Saturday, I had the most brilliant idea of all time (yes, I have in fact examined all ideas in an independant manner and come to the conclusion that mine is indeed the best).

Christmas shopping. Oh yeah, I went there. You should all feel real bad because I've bought SEVERAL Christmas presents PRE-NOVEMBER. Go me. Also, I went to the market hall where it's all cool and stuff. Then I went into the St Stephans Basilika where it's all old and Catholic and stuff. Went up the top. Lots of stairs but a good view.

See?
















Sunday I didn't do heaps. My back was sore and my feet too and I just chilled a fair bit. In the evening I went to a small market that was kind of cool. Ate delicious food and then went back to the hostel where I ate more delicious food. So, all in all, a good day.

Monday I flew back home. After 5 hours in Stuttgart. So, that's it I guess.

Go to Budapest. Seriously.