Arrived in Budapest on 6 July. Had a great dinner and visited with Beth Fratzke, Brian and Barbara Thompson, and Julia, Chloe, and Sarah.
On 7 July, ventured into Budapest for the day. Saw all kinds of wonderful things to include the cable car/trains including the one that takes you up to Castle Hill and the Castle District; Chain Bridge - got to walk across it; got to see military guards standing at attention in their full dress uniform; Matyas Church; Parliament; Fisherman's Bastion; St. Stephen's Basilica - beautiful!! Also got to experience Starbucks (Hungarian Style) and got to try a green tea frapacino - awesome! Walked by the Jewish shoe memorial to the victims who were shot into the Danube. Very sad. Also, saw a statue of Ronald Reagan, beloved by the Hungarians; went to a Hungarian donut shop and a Gelato store that makes icecream cones that look like roses! Awesome day with the crew!!
Today is 8 July (Saturday). Did a lot today including visiting a pharmacy, the post office (which was closed), the brand new metro train, an apartment in Budapest with a great view of the Danube, and then onto the Central Market Hall with Barbara while most everyone else slept in :-) Saw a classic underground train system that was very old (the oldest in Europe), well kept, and fancy. Saw the Opera House, a church, and a pseudo castle that we enjoyed a picnic by with lots of brides and beer peddling cars. Really enjoyed being outside and having a picnic with everyone. Took pictures at Heroes' Square. Enjoyed dinner out (burgers, pizza, salmon sandwich, grilled cheese, and a big Mohito drink shared by all the adults :-) at Margaret Island where we also enjoyed a water dancing show to music. We then headed home and crashed! :-) Looking forward to tomorrow's next adventure in Budapest!
