Budapest, Sept 2004

Another week, another city. This is my next stop on my European tour this year. I had been here many years ago for a few days, this time the stay is 2 weeks. I am in a hotel directly down on the Donau River, across from the Palace and old city. This is the Pest side, across is the older Buda side. Hence the name of the city today.Not going into the history but to say that this was known as the "Paris of the East" many decades ago. Today, Budapest is thriving with old buildings coming down being replaced by modern, glassed office and residential sites. The feeling here is much like that of southern France or Italy. Perhaps that of Spain too. Relaxed and friendly one can sit in a street cafe enjoying the warm, late summer temperatures until late in the evening. They also drive like those in Italy. Every taxi we take is an adventure with us hoping to make it to our destination in one piece.