Budapest
A Day in Budapest
We sailed into Budapest at 9:00 am and docked beneath the Chain Bridge. Even in the mist, the buildings along the Danube were striking. Our morning was spent packing and organizing for our early departure the next day.
Our afternoon panoramic tour began with views from the Freedom Bridge of the Whale, and the Elizabeth Bridge. The contrast between Buda’s hills and flat Pest was easy to see. We passed the Chain Bridge with its stone lions and had a clear view of the Parliament Building along the river. We drove by the Margaret Bridge and crossed it later on our return to Pest. We passed the memorial honoring those killed along the riverbank in 1944–45.
At the Inner City Parish Church, we left the motorcoach for an organ concert. The church was beautiful and the music was interesting.
Next, we drove through the city to the Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica—the Advent Feast at the Basilica. On the way we passed the City Park Ice Rink, the Budapest Eye, and holiday lights throughout the city. Even one of the trams was decorated. Near the market, we saw the Fat Policeman statue and stopped at the Strudel House for mulled wine and strudel before exploring on our own.
When we left the motorcoach near the Christmas market, our guide led us down the decorated street. At one corner, the Fat Policeman statue stood ready for the traditional belly rub said to bring good luck. Just a few steps away, we were treated to mulled wine and strudel at the Strudel House before being set free to enjoy the festivities and find our way back to the ship.
At the Christmas market there were beautiful decorations, stalls with colorful goodies, and lots of people, and at St Stephen's Basilica, a light show played across the facade. The market was lively and energetic, but the crowds were overwhelming, and we soon moved along to find our way back to the ship.
The walk back to the ship was easy—just a few blocks and a short set of steps. Budapest was beautiful at night. After dinner, the top deck offered clear views of Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Chain Bridge, and the light show on Buda Castle. We would have stayed longer, but our early, early morning departure was only a few hours away, and we needed what rest we could get before the next day's long journey from Budapest to Austin.
