Budapest, Hungary

It is fun to say Buda!

It was another busy and cold day today. I found the bus that took me up to Buda Castle, and then, after getting turned around a couple of times, found the walking tour (also free) standing at the Holy Trinity Column. First fact of the day: Most old towns in Eastern Europe have Trinity columns, erected by survivors of the plague. It is really cold and gray out today… I am wearing several layers, including my wool thermals, but it is biting.

We made our way past St. Matthias Cathedral. The roof (replaced, not original) is of clay, and made in a really neat pattern that I am sure Mom and Patti would like. Behind it, you find the Hilton Hotel. From the front, the Hilton looks quite modern, but if you go around back, they have conserved a courtyard with the original stone from medieval times. Then we walked through Fishermans Bastion. It looks old, but is actually only 150 years old or so. From the top, we had a nice panoramic view of Pest. Luckily, they had heaters on in one of the alcoves. I don’t know how we are going to survive another 2 hours of this… Sadly, I don’t remember a lot of what our guide told us… Much of the Castle area is now protected, so the buildings are under strict codes for any sort of renovation. There is a bit of “sibling” rivalry between Buda and Pest, as originally they were 2 separate towns. Nowadays, if you have money, you live on the Buda side (although it is more like the suburbs). If you want to go out, you need to go to Pest. Another intersting fact: Under the castle is a large cave and tunnel system, originally formed by the geothermal activity, but exploited by the Hungarian as protection and a secret hideaway during wars. Later that afternoon, I was 15m under where I stood this morning. Anyways, we made it to the actual castle, which was heavily destroyed by war. The Germans used this district as a stronghold during the 2nd world war. One of the ladies on the tour was from Louisiana (Shelly I think was her name). After the tour ended, we hung out and went through the National Gallery, with some very interesting art. I am not a huge fan of the Gothic art, it is much too dark for my liking. There were some interesting pieces, going through the ages. We found a cafe for lunch, and then I went to the Hospital in the Rock, while she went on her way.

Hospital in the rock was really neat. It uses the cave system, and was a functional hospital, although has only been used during brief periods of time (especially the 1956 revolution). Under the Soviet regime, it was converted into a nuclear bunker, with equipment and supplies on hand (one time, during the 2nd world war, while the hospital was a secret endeavour, they ran out of supplies, as the larger surface hospital nearby couldn’t bring them any). Now, as a museum, they still have tons of first aid supplies and the old equipment. It is surprising not more people died in here, but they actually have a decent ventilation system. I think my highlight was trying the Air Raid siren! Overall really cool, and you should go!

I made my way down the hill, and found the Invisible exhibition, where I signed up for a tour tomorrow. Then I made my way to the Lukacs baths. It was really nice to get in the hot water after a day of cold. (also free because of the Budapest card 🙂 ). On the way back from the pools, I found a piece of home (sort of!). I walked past a bar called Calgary, complete with the maple leaf. Curious, I went inside, and was immediately hit with the smell of incense. This is considered an Antik bar, and is rightly named so. It has the feel of an old lady’s sitting room. I had a mulled wine (my drink here in Budapest) and warmed up. I guess the lady who owns the bar opened it after the 88 Olympics in Calgary, as she loved them so much!

In the evening, I went on the River Cruise organized through the hostel. We sailed along the river, under many of the famous bridges, looking at everything all lit up. Afterwards, we headed to Instanz, a club with TONS of different rooms (almost like a maze) located across the street. Instanz is considered the Alice in Wonderland club (for it’s decoration). Overall a good night!