Budapest

Budapest is the bustling capital of Hungary and, as such, it is busy and buzzing with action. Unlike some of the other Central European countries that we've been to, Budapest seemed to be more crowded and lively. On one side of the river, Pest is completely flat and filled with beautiful old buildings. The Hungarians, living in slightly hotter climate, love the outdoors and there were many pedestrianised streets where restaurants and bars overflowed onto at all hours of the day. On Buda, the hilly Western bank, people live in lovely houses that peacefully line the hillsides overlooking the otherside.
Staying in a lovely Pension just off the Oktogon, we had easy access to everywhere and we got to see the city and learn lots of history on a bike tour organised by Yellow Zebra... very very worthwhile.
One way of taking advantage of there climate and natural springs is Hungarian baths... We visited two of these, there first being one of the largest bath complexes in Europe. It had two heated outdoor baths, an outdoor swimming bath, a sprinkling of saunas, steambaths, etc., heated indoor baths (all labelled at 40, 38, 36, 28 and 16 degrees Celcius), a wave pool (whoever thought being swept around a 20m oval like a washing machine would be so fun!!) and all sorts of massage and other rooms... a perfect day out when the weather is good, or even when its bad! Yes, we caught a bit of rain in Budapest, but it wasn't bothersome, sometimes even welcome as the weather was very humid and warm. Had dinner with Anne and Laurent (while little Clemence slept in her cot) (these are friends of Kath's living in Budapest) and they were very hospitable and cooked up a feast - Thanks so much guys!

Hopefully some pictures coming soon - I have some great ones from the Citadel (thanks again Anne!) but have to find a cafe where I can upload them.

-Andrew