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Bel's Eastern Europe 1 - Buda.Pest

Did you know that Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is made up of both Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River? I didn't know that before going. Actually I didn't know what to expect from my first eastern Europe city break. I soon found out too, that this is the homeland of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók. My piano teacher would be so excited I imagine. This country used to be part of the grand Ottoman empire (today's Turkey), and then it came under communism rule till 1989. Budapest also boasts of having 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ok enough of history and facts...

It was a short 2 day trip (I have to admit I cannot do weekend trips like this anymore. It is so rushing, and the travelling to and fro from the airport is too tiring. I was so zombiefied back at work on Monday.)

We decided to splurge on our hotel stay since it's just one night, and QKL said Hilton on Buda side of the river is next to a famous church (shares the same courtyard) and in the Fisherman's Bastion (with a panoramic view of the city) so we booked a night there. Boy we soon realised our hotel is thus high up on a hill (Buda is hilly). The more modern side is on Pest and we kinda regretted not choosing staying on Pest. Anyways, I know shouldn't complain coz it's Hilton!


We realised that a lot of names there starts with a "Sze" like their Szechenyi bridge. Sounds like a Chinese name rite? And even so... it sounds awfully familiar... like the name of our friend Sze Chien!! We kept laughing coz his name seems to pop up everywhere and so I concluded - Sze Chien has a Hungarian name. That's why. He must be from some Hungarian lineage.


Nice and sunny Saturday but do not be deceived. For it was freezing cold. Some pictures to share from Pest. Tried the authentic Hungarian Goulash soup (a very oily version of Minestrone soup to me)


Sunday was forecasted to have light snow and so in the morning we peered out from our window and saw very light fluffy snow outside. It's the kind that didn't settle on the ground so we didn't think much of it. After breakfast, we decided our itinerary for the day - take the cogwheel train, go up Gellert Hill, walk along the river Danube again. It was freeeezing. And then it snowed really heavily up on Gellert Hill. For the whole walk down, I couldn't feel my toes at all, I thought they were gonna drop off anytime soon. Suddenly the cold we feel in London pales in comparison. It's March and no sign of Spring in Budapest.


For once, I couldn't wait to go back to London for the warmer temperatures.

Other than the cold weather, I must say that the beauty of Budapest caught me by surprise, esp the night view of the chain bridge and of the illuminated Buda Castle. It was truly beautiful, something to remember Budapest for.

More photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2052902&id=1094966172&l=00543556b4
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