I admit it – I fell hopelessly in love with Budapest last week!
In my blissful ignorance, I had no expectations other than knowing that there was a beautiful building just begging to be shot (turned out to be the breathtaking Parliament) and some vague notion of Tokaji wines, a not so nice political leader and Goulash. The ride from the airport gave no indication of what I was about to see, as the ‘Burbs more or less look the same all over, only maybe a little bit more run down. Once I hit downtown, I could definitely begin to imagine a bustling city full of history, a glorious past, religion and modern “hipness”.
I spent 5 days walking around the relatively concentrated downtown on the Buda and Pest side, took an evening cruise on the Danube that was utterly breathtaking, visited the Church of Saint Stephen (Szent István), cried over the Shoes on Danube and saw the absolutely amazing Parliament during the day and at night. Unfortunately, Europe’s largest synagogue closed early the day I wanted to visit and my last day in Budapest was Shabat. Obviously, that only means that I have to come back. The Tree of Life in the backyard was visible, though.
It is impossible to judge a country based on 5 days of tourism, wining and dining, but I left with a feeling of somehow being at home in a country that has a certain feeling of “bonhomie” with friendly and animated people in the streets and in restaurants. Service is exceptional and the smiles genuine. I noticed a lot of bookstores and with books in many languages, as well as excellent English all over. The Hungarian language is still a complete mystery, even to this language fascist, though!
I truly hope this was not my last visit to this absolutely fascinating place! Köszönöm! (Thank you!)
February 14, 2022 at 3:45 am
Your photos are just exceptional! Thank you for them and the lovely commentary.
February 14, 2022 at 9:05 pm
Budapest has been on my bucket list for a while! So glad you had a great time and many thanks for your always gorgeous photos!
February 15, 2022 at 9:01 am
You would love it! It is pompous, fascinating, beautiful, packed with glory from the past, fabulous churches and bridges and I just could not get enough of it! Not my last time there!
February 15, 2022 at 12:26 am
In the late 1950’s we were visited by a mysterious relative from Budapest who found my father’s name in the local phone book (remember those?). Traveling across the states as a guest lecturer at different universities he attempted to connect with people who shared his last name, Vavrik, or, as in our case, an anglicized version of it. To this day I wonder what he and my father shared about their common ancestry the night they met for dinner in a small San Francisco restaurant.
If you ever have the inclination you might read Susan Faludi’s memoir about her father, Stephanie (née Stephen) Faludi, titled “In The Darkroom”. Budapest itself is very much a character in this intriguing story of an unusual father-daughter relationship and this grand city’s dubious history.
Safe journeys!
XO CeCelia
February 15, 2022 at 8:58 am
How fascinating! I have been looking for books taking place in Budapest – looks like I found it! Thank you, or as we say, köszönöm!