Budapest

We took a weekend excursion to Budapest. I was intrigued to learn that this city was at one point two cities. Buda+Pest I think and they were separated by the Danube, but through time they became one. Stepping off the train my first impression was that these people were much less assuming and laid back in in their clothing choices. Everyone was very helpful with directions and advise and much warmer and hospitable than the people in Vienna. I truly want to come back here and spend a lot of time. Everything moved slower here in a relaxed state. We walked down the Danube and crossed several bridges back and forth to find a little street fair on chain link bridge. The smells were amazing: fresh vegetables, sweet bread, walnuts, cinnamon, and other spices. People were walking and enjoying the music, food, and crafts that artists were selling. We took a tram to the top of a famous hill and wandered around seeing several impressive views and visited a cave church but i would have to say that my favorite part of this trip was the bath. We went to the baths and it was so relaxing. The visual experience and interaction with people was fascinating, it was so diverse and an experience i would truly recommend to understand a part of tradition and culture. There was a clear division between the two parts that once were two cities. Buda was so green and built up with beautiful castles and art works while the pest part was more industrial and older bulky feeling. There was construction everywhere and it seemed that there was an effort to improve the streets as i witnessed several street cleaners. I fell in love with this city and will return.