Day 6 - Budapest (22 June 2019)

Budapest is a unique city. There are incredible sights, good food, a little grit, and great people. I think I finally learned how to pronounce köszönöm (thank you in Hungarian). Think:  Coast-en-im. Or the even more simplified Kösz (thanks) is pronounced Co-see.  So far, that’s all I’ve got. But it’s a start!  

We decided to start our morning with the Széchenyi baths, based on what the weather, which was supposed to rain (though it didn’t until we were almost in bed. Then we saw a lightning storm which was fantastic!)

After trying to find parking yesterday, we decided it would be for the best to buy métro tickets today instead. So, we walked to the Opera métro stop (the Opera house façade was being restored). After a few minutes, we bought a group train ticket for the day. Their métro is very clean and easy to navigate. I was surprised to see controllers at the entrance to every métro, so make sure you buy your tickets!

We made our way out of the métro and walked to the yellow Széchenyi baths. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but loved learneing that doctors sometimes prescribe a trip to the baths to help with stress, depression, etc. so, I anticipated it would be a great choice. It was beautiful!  After paying the entrance fee, and cost for the locker, we figured it was about $20, which was worth the money. 

Morning really is the best time to go, as the crowds are smaller. 

You walked through water to get in the baths area, which was awesome. Note to self:  I wish I would’ve brought cheap flip flops with me, as they don’t allow any shoes that have been worn in the steeet, and my feet were sensitive to the tile and stone after soaking in the baths. 

We knew there were around 20 pools, but didn’t know where they were. So, after sending a few kiddos to explore, they came and got us. 

What a fun time it was to discover the different pools and their temperatures of water!  They ranged from warm enough to make you sweat, to pin prickles on your legs from the cold!  They control the temperatures of each of the pools. After turning in our wristbands, we hopped back on the métro to eat lunch at the apartment. 

Each of the métro stations on line one have the white and maroon tiles in them. 

After a quick stop to the grocery store for pastries and lettuce, we had a few moments to relax at the apartment. 

Then, it was back on the métro to go to the Great Hall, which is like a massive market. (Quick side note, it took as long to take the métro with one change of lines to get there, as it did to walk back). 

There were all sorts of Hungarian products to be bought, as well as traditional market wares on the ground floor. 

Up the stairs had several places to eat and shop for other goods. 

After the marché, we walked back to the Great Synagogue. As it was Saturday, their sabbath, it was closed. But we got to walk through the quarter and read about the importance of it all. This Synagogue has some traditional Catholic aspects, like a rose window!

We walked around the back side of the Synagogue to be able to see the metal tree of life that has a victim’s name of the Holocaust etched into each leaf. 

We finished the walking tour soaking in all there was to see. 

After a quick walk to the métro, we made our way over to Parliament!

We happened to arrive shortly before the changing of the guard ceremony. 

There’s so much history here, including an uprising in October 25, 1956. The Hungarians allied with the Nazis for a bit, and then the Soviets took over, before they were able to control their own land. 1896 is a key year in Hungarian history. Look it up!

After walking over to see the view of the Danube River and the Buda side, we made our way to the river’s edge. 

Here is a Holcaust Memorial. They have 50 bronze shoes representing the many who died here at the water’s edge. Sometimes they were shot and fell into the river. Other times, to save on bullets, they were bound together. The first person was shot, and when they fell into the icy Danube, they drug the others with them. Always with tears, I am a witness to these atrocities.  

We made our way back up past the métro station, and over to Heroes Square. Thankfully, there always seems to be those who were brave and stood for what was right. 

Hurngry has a complex history, and I’ll probably never understand the depth of it all. However, I believe they’re on the right track too. 

Due to closing early, we didn’t get to go inside of St Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika), but did take a few pictures, and profited from a restroom and ice cream shop in the same square before walking back to the apartment. 

I don’t know if I anticipated how Budapest would feel. There is a lot of history, some happy and some angry, that you can feel swirling in the air here. There are so many experiences to be had in Budapest too. I think you should spend a minimum of three days here, longer if you don’t want to walk 10 miles a day. 

I was pleased to note that the Hungarian people didn’t want their history to be covered up. They’re proud of who they are, and their magnificent country. It feels very different here than other parts of Europe. 

I’m grateful I was able to have a few glimpses of this country that has been ripped apart several times by war, but always manages to knit itself back together with their strong culture and a generous dash of paprika. 💕