Budapest is a hugely underrated city. At least I’d never heard much about it. Jonathan’s family visited it a few years ago, and they liked it. But they were the only ones I know who’ve been there.
When we first got in, it was quite late, so we went straight to the apartment we rented. I will say that my first impression was not the greatest. But, what do you expect from a big city late at night?
Our apartment was great. It was in a really good location, and it was massive. I think it was about the size of the house we lived in in The States. All for the great price of: $43 / night.
The next morning we decided to walk around and see the sites.
We started at St. Stephen’s Basilicia. St. Stephen is credited with bringing Christianity to Hungary.
The basilica is beautiful.
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But, why most people go there is to get a glimpse of St. Stephen’s right hand. Yep. His hand is right there on display for the whole world to see.
From there it was a short walk to Parliament. The Parliament building is big and beautiful. In fact, it’s the the largest building in all of Hungary.
We walked all around the building, and then (quickly) ran across traffic to the riverbank so we could get a glimpse of the other side.
Walking along the riverbank, of the Blue Danube (that really isn’t so blue anymore), we saw the Jewish Memorial.
I’ve seen quite a few memorials to those who perished in WWII, but this one is my favorite.
It’s very emotionally moving. It really evokes some strong, and serious, feelings of despair, sadness, loss, and so much more.
IF you talk to people enough, you’ll start to realize as you travel,
that some of these “tales” may be just that. It was interesting to be
in St.Marks Sq. Church in Venice, & OTHER CHURCHES AND HEAR the local
stories TOLD TOTALLY DIFFERENTLY in different years trips & then one guide actually told me that the local guides “kind of tell the stories to make them the most interesting!!” So, you can’t believe all you hear. ALSO, as I recall, poor St. Stephens body parts seem to be in a number of DIFFERENT CITIES, like in Istanbul Turkey where his ARM is
on display, and in Greece, etc. as I recall!! I hope you went to the main tourist spot in Budapest up on the overlook above the river as a great view.
Yes, every city has the _______ _______ in the world/region.
Among our favorites are the world’s largest solid gold Buddha (Thailand)
The third largest cathedral in Eastern Europe (in Hungary – who counts these things)?
and
The largest, seated, outdoor, bronze, Buddha in the world (Hong Kong – they needed all those qualifiers on there in order to make sure they were #1).