Budapest, Hungary. Monday, 15th May 2017
A sound night's sleep broke at 05:15, thanks to the natural alarm. Took our time getting ready. Breakfast - a spread - at 09:30. Left at 10:05, bus no. 78 to Zichy Zeno utca (street); a short walk to the office of Berlitz on Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Utca, at no. 29. The entrance to the old building was guarded by wrought iron gates and we had to take help of a lady from the neighbouring pharmacy. She keyed in the correct code and hey presto! the gates opened. Took the lift to the 4th floor and presented ourselves. As Mr. Chapman was not yet in(it was 10:45 and the appointment was scheduled for 11:00), we waited. He arrived at 11:03 and immediately apologised for being late! Took us to a small conference room where the interaction began. Mr. Chapman was in his late forties, slim, smart and soft spoken. Asked us about our experience, why Hungary, etc. and explained in detail about Berlitz. He was kind enough to list down the names of a few English schools in Budapest. The interaction lasted approx. an hour and ten minutes. We exited the building and with directions from a local, boarded bus no. 9 on Bac-Zsl utca, for Astoria, three stops away. Again with the help
of a friendly local, we started walking in the direction of Urania, marvelling at the wonderful constructions on either side of the broad road. Purchased biscuits, chocolates and an ice-cream cone at a supermarket and a customer there gave us directions to the Hops Beer Bar. Located the bar, which was closed! Retraced our steps and halted at 'Karavan', a string of food/beer stalls in a designated area off the road; the floor covered with stones and pebbles. It was somewhat similar to our 'khau-gallis' in India. Had cherry flavoured tap beer (superb!) with a cheese burger, the latter at a food stall named 'Paneer'(!) Good! Spent some time at the place, which was swarming with beer-guzzling youngsters in animated conversations. Then left for the Urania bus stop from where we caught bus no. 178 to Keleti, where it terminated. Back to our hotel, but room not yet cleaned! Came back and waited at the reception while the cleaning was in progress. Then, back to the room for rest. Decided against going out in the evening, as the next four days might prove gruelling. Finished a tin
of Kursovice Czech beer in the room. Tried a packet of local roasted peanuts. Rested the afternoon, stepped out at 19:30 for a bite. Found Burger King crowded, so went to Mac Donalds, on the opposite side - chicken nuggets and iced tea. Back to the hotel. Spent some
time in the lobby, examining brochures, then back to the room. Tasted Lindt Chilly; it actually had a strong chilly flavour and a slightly pungent taste. I had longed to taste this flavour for some time now, but had never dared. I'll never dare in future, either! A local chocolate(I forget the brand) tasted earlier in the day was really good. Must buy it tomorrow too. Missed mentioning that at Urania this morning, we had explored a beautifully laid out book store named Libri; Urmila shot a quick video.