My wicked world Head in the clouds, feet on the ground, mind on food and heart on the road!

So far it’s my favorite city in Europe (and since I haven’t seen that much of Europe, there isn’t a really broad field for comparison). When I was there for the first time I was 13. Being my first trip abroad I was paying attention to everything around me, like I was paid to do that. My trusted traveling companion was my mom. It was July, it was hot, there was only cold water at my cousins’ place, we walked EVERYWHERE, but I didn’t give a damn…I was FASCINATED with the city, its architecture, its people, its everything. And what I liked most about it, we didn’t have every single minute planned. We had breakfast on the Danube’s bank, I spilled mineral water on my clothes while climbing some stairs leading to St.Matthew’s Cathedral, gave mom the creeps going all the way to the top of St.Stephens’ Cathedral (she is afraid of heights), walked the Chain Bridge, visited the Zoo and the Amusement Park (my first encounter with such an entertaining unit – and my first scare with the hand drying thingy…i thought i broke it since it didn’t stop when i removed my hands from under it – silly child).
Then, as I grew older, I learned to see the city through different eyes (and glasses). I truly love the subways (not the sandwiches, which are also a great weakness of mine, but the means of transportation). There are 3 (soon, although I don’t know how soon – 4) subway lines (one going under the Danube) and I’ve ridden them all, more than enough times.

If you were to go to Budapest and looking for me, here are the places you are most likely to find me : 
- subway
- bookstore
- WestEnd shopping mall

Now, even though I’m a guy, and by definition I loathe shopping, there’s something about that shopping mall that gets to me. Not to mention that it might be the only place where I can find clothes that fit me (especially jeans) at a reasonable price. So you might find me wandering the streets of said mall.
I also enjoy going to museums – the last time I went there to see an exposition on mythology, the lady at the counter wanted to give a discounted ticket, believing I was under 26. I thanked her dearly and said that wasn’t the case – I am being honest, and didn’t want to cheat the establishment.

Bookstores are like a big metal plate and me being the magnet. Being a book-freak I must get my fix by stepping inside one of the many bookstores this fine city has to offer. Of course I make a beeline to the English section, where I can find really good books for bargain prices. The last book I bought was “The pianist”. Not seeing the movie, I vaguely had an idea what it was about. Reading it I got a 
full image of Poland during WWII.

I have some friends there, and it is always good to see them, hang out and have a couple of cold beers (during the summer of course). If you go in the winter make sure you have warm clothes, otherwise get ready to have your buns frozen off. Been there, done that (still I entered the river Tisza on New Year’s Eve but that’s a different story). 

And if you are an avid tourist here are some of the places recommended to visit : St.Matthew’s Cathedral and the Fishermen’s Bastion; St.Stephen’s Cathedral, The Budai Castle with its National Gallery, The Art Museum located in Heroes Square, the Zoo, the baths (Budapest is notorious for its baths) and the Amuzement Park.

Oh, and don’t believe that story where they say the Danube is blue (a well-known waltz by Johan Strauss) – in fact it changes colours – sometimes it’s green, sometimes brown, sometimes black. But that doesn’t change the fact that over it run 7 amazing bridges (my favorite is the Elizabeth Bridge)! And one little curiosity – if you go to the Chain Bridge notice the lions – they’re missing their tongues ;)

So, get your gear and head out. Budapest has many things to offer and you need to feast on everything! Enjoy!