Vastine adVentures: Budapest ~ Let's Start with Pest!

Let's just start by saying that I had no desire to visit Budapest. When laying out our plans for the year, we were really stumped on where to go for spring break. Chris has very limited time off due to some trips later in the year, so we knew it had to be a long weekend trip. A few of our friends had visited and spoke very highly of Budapest, so reluctantly I agreed to this destination. We booked an apartment that was recommended by a a friend. The apartment turned out to be very spacious and in the BEST location. Starbucks and McDonalds were literally downstairs and the metro stop where all three lines crossed was just outside the building as well! And, we were .2 miles from the river. Jackpot! Airfare was reasonable on Ryan Air (every time we fly that airline we SWEAR it is our last.) And, three days before departure I was able to get tickets to see the ballet "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Looks like we were ready for a great trip!

Budapest was once two separate cities...Buda and Pest separated by the Danube River. Since we stayed on the Pest side (pronounced Pesht by the locals), I'll start there.

We arrived late Friday afternoon and after getting settled in the apartment set out to find dinner. Finding a place to eat is, well, usually a nightmare for us. Nothing seems to fit the bill (for Mr. Vastine) as the "perfect spot" to take in the local cuisine. If you're traveling all that way, you want to make it worth it. So, Menza had been recommended by a friend, as well as Rick Steeves, so that was where we planned to eat. I use the Trip Advisor City Guides when we travel. With maps downloaded before you go, you are able to find restaurants, attractions, walking tours, hotels, suggested itineraries all while having your 3G turned off, so you don't have roaming charges. I plugged in Menza and off we went. The problem was that Menza was showing up smack dab in the middle of Hero's Square. What?? I thought maybe it might be underground in the middle of the square?? Um no. So we wandered around that area for a bit before getting back on the metro. The Info lady in the metro (look for the "i" for help when traveling) told us to go back a couple of stops to a square closer to our apartment. Completely different than the city guide which I might add has never failed me. So, we followed her instructions. The only problem was this square had at least four streets leading away from it. And, of course Menza was along the last street we checked. One hour and 30 minutes after we set out, we were seated for dinner. You can only imagine the mood I was in...hungry, walking in the pouring rain, and generally ticked off that we don't have a clue where to go in the city I really didn't want to come to in the first place. Great start! Thankfully, dinner was delicious and the kids have the patience of saints!

Saturday morning we were off to a performance of the ballet "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Hungarian State Opera House.

The beautiful opera house

It was just gorgeous on the inside too. Although a bit smaller than I expected, it ranks third in acoustics for all opera houses in Europe. The ballet was very good...but long with three acts. I am happy to report that both children and the husband survived. And, three days later admitted they enjoyed it.

We ate at the restaurant Iguana after the show. It came recommended by a couple we met at the airport. They are Americans who live in Belgium and had previously lived in Serbia. They were heading back to Serbia to film a portion of House Hunters International. Their episode will involve them moving from Serbia to Northwest Belgium. So, on that episode, you will see more of Brugge and less of the Grand Place. It's really funny how many couples we have met doing House Hunters International. They must really like Belgium.

Nice to see a little bit of home. We were told this restaurant is owned by two Americans.

Shoes on the Danube Promenade
This Jewish memorial is along the Danube. It honors the Jews that were killed by Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during WWII. They were ordered to take off their shoes before they were shot and their bodies fell into the Danube and were carried away.

The kids were very quiet. Thomas said, "That is just so sad...."

Walking along the banks of the Danube and checking out the Parliament building.

The famous Chain Bridge

Crossing the Chain Bridge. It was COLD!

We took a night cruise along the Danube. The city is beautiful all lit up at night. This is the University on the Buda side.

Going by the Parliament building was unreal.

We were all in awe!

The touristy shopping street on the Pest side.

Sunday afternoon we went to the thermal baths. This is Rick Steeves favorite thing to do in Budapest. In fact, this bath/spa is on the cover of his Budapest book.

Nice warm water....but FREEZING when you got out. It was about 40 degrees outside.

Waiting for everyone to change. Oh that face. I think it says, "Seriously Mom?"

Hero's Square

Sunday night we ate at Spoon (a boat docked on the river) thanks to a recommendation by a friend here in Brussels. The food was delicious, and we had a fantastic view of the Chain Bridge while we ate.

A walk after dinner.

Monday morning we hit the Great Market Hall. It reminded me of the one in Barcelona only less chaotic. It was all indoors and very clean. Fish was kept in the basement...thank you for containing the smell. Market fresh food and spices were on the main floor with souvenirs and stalls selling food were upstairs.

That's forints not dollars

The kids have always wanted to do the fish spas. We tried to do one in Rome and missed the opening hours. So, we held to our promise and let them do it in Budapest. It was kind of a waste because their young feet really don't have any dead skin. Oh well, they enjoyed it.

Amazing blue skies on Monday.

On Monday, we spent most of our time on the Buda side. That will be the next post. There is just something about this picture that I really love. This will make the travel photo wall for sure!