Budapest
The twin cities of Buda and
Pest are two of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Budapest lives and breathes history, with
some of the most awe-inspiring buildings I have encountered.
A nighttime cruise along the Danube took us past some truly
magnificent buildings, including the Parliament. We also enjoyed a great meal of various appetizers, goulash, and
paprika chicken on board.
The next morning, we went up into the old fortressed town on the
Buda side. Although the morning was
hazy, we caught some incredible views of both sides of the river.
The famous Fishermen’s Bastion stood out as an elegant
landmark. Nearby, the new Hilton Hotel
had incorporated the remains of a medieval cathedral.
The city is a harmony of old and new. Nowhere is this better seen than from the old fortress, with
panoramic views all around.
We were privileged to have the
opportunity to visit what I think is the most beautiful building, the Parliament. Inside, the rooms shimmer with gold trims
and frescoes. A total of forty
kilograms of gold were used to decorate the walls and ceilings of this
remarkable structure. Later, we took a
carriage ride in the open-air museum and had a glimpse of the simple, rustic
life the Hungarians led centuries ago.
Along with Berlin, Budapest is a city that I want to revisit sometime.
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