Budapest you Amaze me, Can I take you Home?

Photos of Budapest and Text by Corey Amaro

I thought today might be the first time I would miss writing on my daily blog after nearly four years...but at last I found an internet connection so whew, I still can say I haven't missed a day!

The photo is of Chain Bridge, there are many bridges over the massive, strong current Danube river in Budapest. We walked over nearly all of them, but the Chain Bridge was my favorite. It links Buda to Pest, or Pest to Buda, to parts of the one city.

Budapest is big. Many of you asked me how it compares to Prague. Simply put: Budapest is big. Prague you can visit by foot, take in the entire city in a day, lick up its eye candy facades, spend little money have a feast for a song, and feel rich because of it. Daily life is more expensive in Budapest, but it feels more real. Did I see any natives in the center of Prague? Did I see daily life walking the streets? No, not at all. At one point while in Prague, when I started to look beyond the facades I was startled that I saw very little beyond the wall... where were the people?

In Budapest life is bustling about, cars, bicyclists, shoppers, laundry, shoe repair shops, music on the streets, delivery trunks, traffic, jammed pack metro stations, couples kissing, the river a fast lane of movement-- Budapest is lively and the tourists blend in. Unlike Paris, the people of Budapest and Prague have a casual style. I fit in with my one black rayon dress.

Why is French Husband pushing Willow through the hotel lobby?

Where ever we have gone throughout this European tour parking Willow is a concern. When looking for a hotel I have a small list of must in mind: 1) Internet connection 2) Around 80 euro for two for a double room with a kitchen 3) Clean, safe and centrally located place 4) and parking garage for the bike.

In Prague we had to pay extra for a garage.

In Budapest we parked Willow outside the hotel, it is a very nice area to say the least. Though the concierge told us that we better put our bike in the courtyard or tomorrow we wouldn't have a bike. The large front doors were opened, the marble floor spread out like a carpet for a king, and in went Willow, straight into the manicured courtyard. Nobody seems to mind, especially us.

Yesterday we ventured out on foot, (I should rephrase that word foot to stubs!) Yesterday we ventured out on our stubs (because we have worn off our feet miles ago in Prague) when our stomachs started hollering for food we searched for a falafel place, I love falafels. We found a hole in the wall called: Hummus Bar, we took a seat amongst the locals and had falafels, tahini, grilled eggplant, and tabouleh: Four euro each. Divine feast are often found in hole in the wall places, don't you agree? While drinking mint tea it started to rain, and I mean rain! Buckets fell from the sky. It gave way to conversation, more mint tea, and spontaneous atmosphere...rain nurtures tired feet, especially when one is sitting in a comfortable dry spot and not on a motorcycle, I thanked my lucky stars a hundred times in that Hummus Bar.

Music echos, lover's hide, tourist gawk, birds fly and all under one heaven.

Budapest has a magical view no matter where you cast your eyes. I think the best time to see it is at twilight, especially at Fisherman's Bastion. I literally cried with joy, even now thinking about it, it is beyond words and my photos cannot do it justice. How I wish the top case on Willow could hold the tripod, a few more lens and years of experience to come.

Fisherman's Bastion

French Husband in Budapest.

Budapest is overwhelming. There is too much to do, too much to take in, too much to say I have seen or felt it. The art galleries, museums, bath houses, restaurants, public parks, music... I feel like a kid in a candy shop with ten thousands bags full, pockets stuffed, sweet syrup dripping from my mouth  and the salesclerk telling me to take more, that I haven't had my share! It is unbelievable what Budapest has to offer those lucky enough to call this their home, and the rest of us folk who stand in awe. Budapest is big and will be bigger... I doubt it will lose touch with its vibrant soul for it is too strong.

Comments

[kelleyn]

All so lovely!

[Kathleen]

maybe they might employ you at the local tourist office!! You wax lyrical about the city and its qualities so eloquently!Thank you for the lovely photos as usual!Ifeel i am on a trip to Europe while sitting at my computer, what joy!

[angela]

Corey, these places should hire you for marketing!! You are bringing to life places that I never would have imagined wanting to go and making me wish to win the lottery! ha. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us and I really am serious, you could make a mint traveling and documenting your adventures!!!

[angela]

oh and I forgot.....french hubby could be the model on the front of the travel brochure!!!:))))

[kristin wight]

Speaking of the people... when I went (1993) I remember thinking how odd it was to see so many men all around... and every single one of them looked just like my brother! It was surreal, almost a living nightmare ;) I knew I was a big chunk of Hungarian but never realized how much my brother got of those looks! Dark Thick Hair, Olive skin, dark brown eyes, and a big nose! I just got the big nose!

I also remember it very difficult to communicate with the people which was frustrating. I also almost got arrested for not punching my bus ticket correctly! I jumped when the machine clunked and I pulled the ticket out while it punched.... so it looked like I was on the bus too long or something. Some nice fellow bus rider spoke up for me while the police man was yelling at me, and I couldn't understand a thing!

Are there Duncan Donuts on every corner? I think I arrived just after it was opened to western businesses. Duncan Donuts, McDonalds,, and Ikea were all present. It was a bit sad because Duncan Donuts were EVERYWHERE!

I want to take my husband there one day!

[Jeanne]

Enchanted am I♥

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

FANTASTIC. I'm in love. When you are back to Marseilles , we will go to a fantastic falafel , may be you already know it

[chelsea]

i want to go too...!!
while you were in your falafel place, martin and i were hidding from the rain in The Gallery of the Dancers in Monte Alban(http://www.advantagemexico.com/oaxaca/monte_alban.html)
... but then it was time to go catch the bus so we had to run though the ruins!! yep we were soaked!! but it was fun !
xOxo

[Erin]

so happy you are soaking it all in ;)
wonderful to see it through your eyes.
safe travels and many hugs from virginia

[Diogenes]

Corey,

I love those wine bottle chandeliers - kind of Art Deco looking. Very cool!

[Kathie]

Worth the wait :-)

Corey, are you thinking of writing a magazine article afterwards re the entire trip? Not just travel but also food and lifestyle magazines publish such pieces.

[Bev]

Now Budapest tops places I want to visit!

[Cy]

I knew you'd love Budapest too!! I do too!

[Laura]

Your photos are stunning! Even without your tripod! Continue your journey of joy!

[fércművek]

I'm so happy you like it here, because I'm in love with this city. I love your style, how you write about things that surround us every day. Thanks for sharing!

[Beverly]

Beautiful pictures! You don't need the tripod or extra lenses or years of experience!

I hope you're having a great time!

[Patricia]

Corey, this is a wonderful post. Sometimes when you live in a place, no matter how wonderful, daily life takes over and you are no longer a tourist. I think I'll make a special effort to be a tourist again!

[Lia]

You have a very picturesque way with words! :)

[Ana Jacas]

Very selfishly I am glad that you managed to find internet connection. I would have missed all the beauty that you had to share.
Ana

[Silke]

Thank you for taking you along on your amazing journey! Budapest looks gorgeous!! Safe travels! :) Silke

[Kirsten]

I was in Prague many years ago with my daughter's choir. It just before Easter, maybe even Easter morning. A group of us got up very early, hoping to take a quiet stroll across the Charles from the Castle side. (Our hotel was up near the Monastery above the Castle). I believe we were the only tourists on the bridge and in the streets. It wasn't long before folks linen-clad baskets filled with loaves of bread passed us on their way to a church across the river. It may have been the St. Nicolaus Church, but more likely it was another small church nearby. Thank you for sharing your stories-- they always resonate beautifully.

[miss*R]

oh I had to laugh when the Internet connection made #1 on your requirements list..
my mouth was watering when I was reading about the Hummus Bar and mint tea.. sounds yummy..

you are certainly inspiring me to look at our rides with a different eye.. I do take photos from the back of the bike.. but now, when we stop, I will be looking more closely at detail so I can describe my adventures.. thanks tons Corey!!
safe travels..

[Julie Ann Evins]

Love it, beautiful. Just stay awake on that bike Corey please ! Jx

[La Framéricaine]

In addition to being in awe of the places in which the two of you find yourselves, I am amazed to learn that you have managed to post something to your blog every day for 4 years! Never mind the beauty of Eastern Europe, that by itself is truly inspiring. I know how challenging simply traveling can be and you do it with such--there's no other word for it--grace.

[Irina]

Corey, thank you for this post! I love Budapest (and Hungary) and have visited it several times but still cannot wait to travel there again. After reading your post I want to get on the plane right away. Wishing you and FH a wonderful time in Budapest and a safe trip back home.

[Anne A]

Corey, you and French husband are taking us all on a fantastic journey, it is unbeliveable..and your photos are amazing, tripod or not...Thank you, I am in awe :-)

[Sarah]

Corey,
French husband is the most handsome man I have ever seen, bar none! You can post as many pics of him as you want.

[Cathy J.]

Hi Corey,

You're scaring me with this falling asleep stuff. I never considered how dangerous falling asleep could be. I'm a big time napper. As soon as I get in a car it's lights out for me, which drives my husband crazy. He just shakes his head and says, "you're missing it all". I try to stay awake, but the hum of the engine lulls me right back to sleep. Please be careful! Perhaps you can tie yourself to the French husband with a rope, which sounds like a "I Love Lucy" episode. Be safe and enjoy the rest of your adventure. Wishing you God's blessings.

[Kit]

Corey, I am so in awe of you posting every day, even in the midst of travelling Europe on Willow. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. I'm really enjoying the journey!

[Gracie]

I knew you would have loved it, it's such a magical place!

[vida]

Hi Corey, I am wondering was language a barrier here? Vida x

[Lynn King]

Hey Girl!
I can't even manage to post a comment on a regular basis and you manage to delight and entice us EVERY day! Bravo! and many, many thanks!

[shannon in oregon]

i am in awe of those wine bottle chandeliers! simply in awe! thank you for sharing them with us.