Today, Viking Longship arrived in Budapest. Prior to disembarking, again we were served a special pinoy breakfast. Chef Ruel prepared a "Tocsilog" - Tocino, sinangag, at itlog. We bid farewell to Viking's Filipino crew who have attended to us with smiles and made always the extra effort to please us during mealtimes.
Our city tour started at 9 am from Viking Longhip and ended at Hilton Budapest early in the afternoon. The sightseeing and walking tours focused on major landmarks and were steeped with history. We passed the Hungarian Parliament, the Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle Hill, Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen's Basilica to name a few. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities we have seen that a day or 2 is not enough to soak in the culture and traditions of the city.
Just a warning to travelers - we were almost cheated when I was trying to buy an authentic Hungarian table runner. I was given a discounted price of 11,400 forint or equivalent to about US $40 but they did not want to accept dollars or euros - only the local currency forint or credit card and Butch noticed she was insisting on credit card payment. We agreed to pay on credit card but the amount entered was 114,000 forint. She kept on verbally saying price is 11,400 and pointing to the card machine that they match. Obviously they did not as the machine displayed an amount 10 times and good Butch refused to hand his credit card. It was really unusual and an attempt to cheat us since Hungary is part of the Union and the Euro is actually an official currency.
Our tour guide mentioned that Budapest is a single city occupying both banks of the River Danube after the unification of Buda and Obuda on the West Bank, and Pest on the east bank in 1873. Hungarian history cited a Hungarian Revolution in 1848, Battle of Budapest in 1945 and Revolution in 1956, but surprisingly, we have not seen vestiges of a city once in turmoil. The place is simply lovely, nothing less.
There were a few stops with walking activity that was too much for my aching body, shaky knees and legs, it affected my energy level. I lost appetite for lunch and posing for photos despite Butch patience, was too much for me. But I knew I was not the only one having a hard time and Butch did not lose me during the tour, literally. While the bus was ready to pull out, people at the back shouted, "2 people missing!" then the tour guide said not to worry...the husband lost his wife during the tour and he went out to look for her. At the market where we were dropped off, the husband again asked that we wait, because his wife is nowhere to be found again...senior moments.
When we reached Hilton Budapest up the hill, we were in awe at the elegant location...astonishingly lovely. Our room has a breathtaking view of the Danube River and Margaret Island and several historical landmarks. The Fisherman's Bastion towers directly faces our room. Matthias Church is beside the hotel. We could not ask for more....perfect location, especially as restaurants and a grocery store are just around the corner. Our dinner was at the Piknik Grill beside the church...what a meal, grilled pork hock (Filipino Crispy Pata) with vegetable and pasta salad.
The day ended well. No more stressful walking tours, only easy and laid-back activities within the hotel area.
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