I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hungary or Magyarorszag, as the people call their homeland. With its Communist history and my travels through former Yugoslavia during its Communist rule, I thought it might feel dark and oppressive like Yugoslavia did in the late 70’s. I’m pleased to report otherwise.
Budapest is a dynamic city — with nearly 40,000 university students there is a youthful energy here. The older set are more formal but polite and warm. The middle aged demographic is hard-working, professional, and tentative but hopeful regarding Hungary’s place in the European Union. We haven’t seen a lot of families, not like Vienna or Amsterdam, not many playgrounds or school groups out and about. We don’t see homelessness or people begging on the streets like we did in Prague. The city is clean for a city and it smells good, unlike Vienna. Prices are reasonable and the food is very good. Our hotel serves the best cappuccino!
We head to Krakow tomorrow — expectations are a little higher for its architectural history and overall beauty — but we say good-bye to Budapest with hopes of returning.
Yesterday we celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary and are feeling very grateful for the grace given us, that we should be so blessed!
Photos include the Great Synagogue — 2nd largest in Europe, the Holocaust Memorial — stories oh, so heartbreaking, and sites around beautiful Budapest.
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