Avalon River Cruising in Europe - Adventures in Budapest

jó napot –  Good Day everyone – reporting from Budapest

Marcello Mastroanni, and Italian actor, said of the capital, “Budapest is a quiet city, both her past and future are hidden behind the windows of the old houses.  Budapest is like a veiled bride; only after the wedding you’ll be able to recognize her beauty”

I have never been to Europe until this week.  My life growing up has always been simple which to me was a great way to be. Being the youngest of six kids, my childhood memories consist of camping at the same location and eating the same menu every summer.   I cherish those memories dearly, and never imagined that I would spending the next two weeks on a river cruise throughout Europe with my son.

Budapest Hungary, the first city we visited, exceeded my expectations. Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe.   There are as many as 1,500 spas, adorned with Roman, Greek and Turkish architecture. With that comes 450 public baths.

After visiting the Pest side (flat part of the city) it became very clear to me that one day in Budapest was not going to be enough for this glorious city.  Because this side of the city is flat, it was destroyed by a flood from the Danbue River (sorry don’t recall time period) and rebuilt.  When it was rebuilt, they had to use up to 33% of the money for outside decor (outside details) making this city place amazing.  I want to go back and visit their spas, their zoo, and even their circus looked like a place I would love to spend my day.

Then it was on to the Buda side (mountainous side), which  is much    older and that is where those with wealth live.  I wish I could remember all the specific places that we walked around, including Mathias Cathedral (which we didn’t pay to get in to see.)  This area was a perfect place for a romantic date, as it overlooks the Danube and Pest side,  and can show the whole city lit up at night.

This poor country has had it’s fair share of being defeated by many different countries and armies.
They never won any of these battles, but they sure fought them with pride , and still it became such a wonderful, proud city with so many amazing things to offer.

We had the afternoon off so we ventured to their Market Square, which is a must see.  We ventured over to pedestrian square to try their famous coffee shop, and of course one of the local beers.  Then we headed over to the Ferris Wheel for a great ride to look view this wonderful city.   Last but certainly not least, the tour of the St. Stephan’s cathedral.  Seeing is believing.  IF doing a river cruise I highly suggest you spend a few extra days getting to know this amazing city!