Budapest, Hungary
Sunday, September 17 – Back on the road again. Facebook memories telling me we are actually late this year for a Fall trip and I am positive y’all were just pining for more Travels with Chris! This time, Budapest, Bratislava and Bulgaria. Hence the B-B-B (because typing all that takes too much time!)
Started Friday, picking up Erin and having a family dinner in honor of our anniversary before bringing her home to Philly.
Over-nighted in a hotel near the airport–interesting place, saw a well dressed woman getting into a car with half a loaf of sliced bread stacked on a platter–makes me ponder–a formal BYOB French toast party?? I will never know. Later in the morning, guy in parking lot offering us beer from his cooler–“ice cold” he promised. We passed on the opportunity.
Since we had a late flight, met Barbara and George Slater for a delightful afternoon exploring and tailgating in Liberty State Park. Much better than hanging out in the airport all day, and food and company was awesome.
Flights were typical airport travel these days…lots of crowds jostling for position, old guy trying to cut his way into the boarding line thinking no one would notice. Too bad for him, he missed the call for our group to join the Business Class queue so we blew right by him…made my evil little soul happy. Had to do some serpentine limbo gymnastics to get out of my seat as the guy in front of me felt his seat needed to be horizontal. Upon reaching Munich, we had to hustle to make our connection. Of course, this brought out the worst in me and the snail genes in others. I had to swerve wide left for woman who seemed to just wander aimlessly doing S turns down the concourse after nimbly avoiding those gems who stop the moment they reach the end of the jetway…please tell me what makes anyone think that’s a good idea?? Fortunately, my air travel Ninja skills are finely honed and all flights landed safely–thus all was well.
Nice starting in a hotel and city where we have visited before. We cleaned up and took a leisurely stroll, enjoying bucolic streets, beautiful architecture and a nice afternoon snack in a classic cafe.
Early dinner–at 6PM it’s only Americans at the restaurants. Had a nice chat with the couple at the table next to us. They were from Georgia so we talked GT PhDs 
Nice evening stroll back along the Danube, bed very soon. Tomorrow, we explore sites we didn’t get to last visit!
Airport Transfer @ Arrival:
- Direct pickup arranged through the hotel-highly recommend.
Hotel:
- Bohem Art Hotel: https://bohemarthotel.hu/ This is where we stayed when were in Budapest in 2014. Well located near trams and Market, walking distance to many sights. Rooms are relatively small, breakfast is pretty extensive, staff is friendly and helpful, small coffee/tea area in afternoons.
ATM: went to a nearby bank to get some cash, though we pay for most things via credit card for best rates. Hungary uses the Forint, which is ~360 to the USD, so bill increments are crazy.
Arriving jet lagged, simply tried to get some fresh air and exercise and reorient ourselves to the area.
Breakfast:
Breakfast (as such) served on the plane
Afternoon Snack:
- Central Grand Cafe: https://centralgrandcafe.hu/ Historic cafe (since 1887) close to the hotel. Stopped for some lovely desserts and drinks to tide us until dinner
Dinner:
- Rezkaka’s Bistro: https://www.rezkakasbistro.hu/ Receptionist at hotel recommended area around St Stephen’s church for restaurants. This had great food and a nice outdoor seating area
Hotel
Afternoon Desserts & Drinks
Dinner
There is a certain comfort level in returning to a city you have visited previously, even if almost a decade has passed. There’s a familiarity with the streets and sights, you’ve dealt with the money (and the weird fact that a 5,000 Forint bill is less than $15), you have a grasp on the transit system. It makes for an easy entry point for a new trip!