Budapest, Hungary
Wednesday, September 20 – Last full day in Hungary. Beautiful sunshine for this morning’s jog along the river.
After a leisurely breakfast (this hotel provides an extensive breakfast buffet), we decided to venture a little farther out of the city. We navigated the regional rail system (with the help of a couple of friendly locals) to visit the town of Szentendre.
Szentendre is a former artist’s colony about 20K north of Budapest, filled with church spires, windy lanes and day trippers (you know, like us 
). Actually, we were fortunate, despite being a beautiful day, the crowds weren’t bad at all (and you know I’d tell you if they were!)
We mostly just wandered aimlessly, strolling along the river, having lunch, then picking narrow alleys and cobbled paths to explore. Yes, a few circles were walked (Dan waved to the same old couple hanging out a window 3 times) but they were relaxed circles.
Serbian, Greek and Dalmatian refugees settled here, melding with German and Slovakian immigrants, creating a melange of architectural styles and quite a mix of churches and what residents claim is the world’s smallest synagogue. It was delightful to wander among them (and even better, there was not a wannabe Insta influencer to be found!) There were lots of schoolchildren and we walked by a high school with the windows open. The students in class looked out with faces longing to be anywhere else. Teen attitudes are universal 
Back to the hotel for what has become my customary coffee and note taking respite.
Took a leisurely stroll to dinner via a nice park filled with folks enjoying the early evening. Went back to the place we had dinner Monday night. Food was great, but better yet was talking to the two members of the wait staff who served us. Both quite young, and both quite interesting in their perspectives. Yes, once again the food was great. But, better yet was the experience. Oh yeah, and at the end of the meal they offered us some Hungarian dessert wine…never a bad thing. Excellent finish to our 4 days in Budapest!
Tomorrow is a transition day–new locale, new country!
32,200 steps, 16 miles
Hotel:
Bohem Art Hotel:
Train to Szentendre:
HEV 5 train — we picked it up by walking to Margit hid station (Buda side, just off bridge from Margit’s Island) but can also take Metro #2 (red line) to Batthyany ter and catch it there. About 45 minutes on train, need two tickets – regular tram ticket and then one for going 15KM beyond city. Purchase tickets at machine in station and validate on train.
Can apparently also take a boat ride back, but we were too late in the season for that.
Szentendre is a former artist’s colony and has a few museums. We found it fine to just walk around, pop into the churches and stroll a bit along the Danube. Stopped for lunch, but nothing to write home about. Makes for a nice half a day trip.
Breakfast:
Once again enjoyed the selections provided by the hotel.
Lunch:
A forgettable lunch with terrible service at an outdoor cafe in Szentendre.
Dinner:
Ottimo:
One more time. Yes, absolutely overpriced, but the food is good, the service exceptional and it was our last night here so what the Hell?
It was nice to realize we could master transportation outside the city limits, and Szentendre made for a nice change of pace from busy Budapest.
Really enjoyed dinner, equally because of the food and learning about life in Hungary from our young servers. A great way to get perspective on a tourist spot.