Budapest 17-19 June

Note: A backdated post cos I couldn't access Blogger from Reka's house.

17/06/06

Woke up after a hard night’s sleep, on the floor. But well, my mood was sunny (for some reason!)

We were sluggish in getting out of the house, and CJ wasn’t so particular about getting up early to visit places anymore!

We first took the metro to Hero’s Square, supposedly the last trace of communism in Budapest, what with all the statues on horseback. It was quite nice and we clicked away. Then we went into the park behind the Square, and enjoyed the scenery and cool shady avenues along the way.

All of us took the metro to the Opera Theatre, then walked down and had lunch in a restaurant. I treated the rest to lunch on occasion that it was my birthday. For the first time, I gave myself free reign over how much to spend. =) The bill came up to the equivalent of 45 euros, and I felt happy spending that money cos we all had a great meal (Hungarian goulash soup too!). HAHA!

After lunch we climbed up the St Stephen’s Basilica for a bird eye’s view of Budapest. And boy, although I’ve climbed up many a tower, I’ve never ceased to be amazed by the view that each offers. More often than not, it lets one see how the city developed (whether all the built-up area/ important buildings are clustered together or spread out), where each monument is located relative to the nearest one (for easier manoeveurability on the ground), how well organized each city is, etc.

Angie wanted to make a video to send her regards back to her friends in a dragonboat competition, and we spent like 1 hour doing that (not cos the video was so long, but because there were so many NGs!) Time-wasting, but nevertheless, fun. I enjoyed laughing at her. =P (I think she won’t read my blog so it’s ok HAHA!)

We then went to the Chain Bridge, and met up with CJ’s Korean friends who were visiting Budapest for one night. There was a bridge festival going on (how coincidental!) and we had a great time checking out the flea market going on there. After walking for an hour, we sat down at a café and talked for some time. When it became dark, the rest “surprised” me with a cake, then we had an impromptu birthday cake cum song session, and fireworks came on after that! Oh my god, this was like a perfect birthday! =)

Happy 24th Birthday to me! Older by a year, hopefully wiser too.


18/06/06

Next day we started off late. We did sightseeing for the Pest part, where there were the Castle and Castle Hill. It was amazing, the scenery from the top of the hill and the castle. Totally mesmerizing!

After that we had dinner and bought a present for Gabor and Reka. We went back home to have dinner with Gabor (who had just came back from Copenhagen) and Reka, saw their parents for a brief moment.

A great wrap-up for Budapest, great scenery and cheap prices. Tomorrow we will have one more day for a little shopping before we head for Vienna!


19/06/06

Went to the Central Market at Kalvin Tér and bought some souvenirs. Said goodbyes to Reka and Gabor and their friends who were with us yesterday night for dinner.

Took a cab down to the bus station to catch our bus to Vienna at 3pm. Will be at Vienna at 6pm!