Bathing in Budapest

From Salzburg I took the train to Budapest, one of my favourite cities since last time I was here in 2006. I rented a room in an apartment very centrally on the Pest side, in the Jewish area where also a lot of pubs, trendy restaurants and smaller night clubs gather.

Since my last visit Budapest seemed to have become a little more modern, even livelier and even more popular with tourists. Therefore also a bit "trendier" and slightly more expensive - but the city was still the wonderful, exciting mix of old and new, classical and rough, east and west I remember to have fallen for last time. And compared to my last resorts in the Central-European rich area, still good value for my money.

Parliament to the left, and the magnificent Chain Bridge across the Danube

Being a big fan of bridges I of course walked several times back and forth over (and along) the magnificent Danube. I was a little unlucky with the weather - it was mostly grey and very, very windy, and two of the days it actually rained quite a lot. But I also had two sunny days, where I could walk up the hills of Buda admiring the huge palace, and the always astonishing Fishermen's Bastion. Apart from the obvious sights (like the Chain Bridge and the view of the overly decorated and very pompous parliament), just wandering around marveling at the architecture and the imaginatively interesting façades that surround you everywhere, is good pleasure.

On Good Friday I met up with a friend from last Summer's Dutch course, who took me for a walk in the city and then to a nice café lunch.

It was Easter weekend, why I unfortunately wasn't given the opportunity to go see some dance performance - Budapest is otherwise known for having several good scenes for both classical, contemporary and traditional/national dance. Instead I was given the chance to dance a little myself, since my host Attila on the Saturday took me out to pubs and clubs around our house! Getting nostalgic at a club playing hits from the '80's and '90's, and then going to an anonymous but very cool place located in a former big apartment, where the DJ was playing swing- and jazz music from the 1930's and on.

My last day was mostly spent in the big city park, where the wonderful Szechenyi-bath is located. It is still the most beautiful spa I know, with several different pools and saunas included in the entrance ticket. However, I spent my afternoon there mainly in the 38 degree pool, with powerful fountains spraying hot water over your neck and shoulders giving you a natural massage.

I can't imagine this would be my last visit to Budapest - if nothing else, I would love to go again for their international dance festival in May. But for now, I packed my bags and got on a flight to Athens, to see a city and a country where I have never been before. How I enjoy Greece will be my next report. Belated Easter hugs to all of you!