Budapest, Hungary. Tuesday, 16th May 2017.
It is 06:50 as I write this. A sound sleep broke naturally at 04:45. Urmila had remarked a little while ago that on this day the last year we were excited about the Switzerland-Germany trip. My notes of May 2016 confirm that we had left India on 17th May. At almost the same time this year, we have already completed 50% of our trip.
Breakfast at 08:30; tried the heart-shaped egg half fry. Lovely! Boarded BIG BUS at 09:15, opposite Keleti; occupied the upper deck. This is a great way to see the city and mark the spots that appeal to you, so that you can visit them again, later. The bus took us along a familiar route to familiar areas - Urania, Astoria, Baj-Zs utca and finally to the river front.
The views of the Danube; and Buda on the right bank, in bright sunshine, were surreal! So was the view of Pest, as the bus crossed over Elizabeth bridge to the Buda side. Magnificent edifices of stone with exquisite, delicate architecture; vied with one another for our attention. The double decker then climbed behind Buda Castle, entering an area of absolute serenity and greenery. We decide to return tomorrow by the same bus and alight at this spot, to explore. Today we stayed put on the bus as it returned to the river front and crossed back to the Pest side, this time over Margaret bridge. We alighted from the bus near Elizabeth square, deciding to take a closer look at the famous Chain bridge. The walk
afforded leisurely views of this magnificent city. We crossed the river on foot along Chain bridge and were once again on the Buda side. Rested on a bench facing the Danube, in a park. Then strolled along the embankment in the direction of Elizabeth bridge, in perfect weather, having decided to take the 14:00 river cruise. Just before the bridge, we spotted a roadside restaurant that looked inviting and stopped for lunch. Chicken Braviso(boneless chicken with fried potato), draught beer and ginger ale comprised a sumptuous lunch - excellent!
Approached the bridge by a flight of stairs and crossed again to the Pest side, shooting a video all the way! Went down to dock 11. Enjoyed the river cruise on the upper deck of a large boat - magnificent views all around with English commentary over the boat's speakers, to apprise us of the brief history of the wonderful constructions. The boat went all the way to Margaret island and turned back, passed dock 11 and went on, till another bridge, passing under Freedom bridge on the way. Returned to the dock by 15:10, a cruise of 1 hr. 10 min. Revived fond memories of the cruise on the Vltava at Prague in the same month, three years ago. How time flies!
Made our way to the next convenient stop of 'BIG BUS', following the very handy map given to us while boarding, this morning. However, on seeing that we had reached Astoria, decided to keep walking. Reached our hotel at 16:10, having walked for almost an hour, after leaving the cruise boat! Purchased a can of Staropramen Premium Lager (Czech), Mineral Water, two slabs of Ritter Sport; then back to the room. We were tired, hence decided not to step out again this evening. It is 19:03 as I write this and Urmila is almost asleep!
MUST visit the citadel on Gellert Hill and spend an hour there, tomorrow. And yes, on the walk back to the hotel this afternoon, we passed by Libri, the wonderful bookstore. Must visit it again to hunt for a pictorial guide on this phenomenal capital of Hungary!