Budapest Day 2

We had another jam-packed day dominating this city today. For the most part, the lovely weather held up (with a slight, hour-long break in the sunshine in mid afternoon). We started off early and climbed to the top of the Citadella, which overlooks the city. It was built in the 19th century by the Austrians to keep watch on the city. The view was really spectacular, but we were already tuckered out from the climb before 10:30! After that, we walked down and through a small part of Buda to end up at the Buda Royal Palace. We enjoyed the walk - Buda is a much prettier, more liveable city than Pest. It reminded us more of the country, which more green, hills, and home-like houses and buildings. The Palace itself held a museum by which we were entirely underwhelmed (luckily, students get in free, so no loss!). There was a beautiful view that overlooked St. Stephen's cathedral, so we got a nice view of Pest to compliment our view of Buda from yesterday.

Following this we took a walk to the "House of Terror" which is a museum converted from the Nazi and Soviet central building in Budapest (Andrassy Ut 60). They had some translations in English, so we were able to learn a bit about the experience that Hungary had during the transition periods. We were both surprised at how little time Hungary was occupied by the Nazis (not to diminish their suffering, of course). We both think that if we had been able to understand more of the films and commentary included, we would have gotten even more out of the museum.

After this we walked over to Margrit Sziget (Margaret Island), which is basically a giant park with athletics centers, pools, open parks, side walks and dirt trails to walk around. However, by this time we were nearly dead on our feet, so we jumped at the chance to rent a, erm, "car bike". It was basically a bike for two, but we sat side by side and there was a steering wheel - very touristy, you get it. We had a LOT of fun tooling around on it, I took it for some off roading adventures, and we had one mishap where we went careening uncontrollably into a field. Stupid Americans... ;) We had to turn the car bike back in after a half an hour, but we both agree it was worth every minute!

We wanted to head back to Central Market to pick up some more trinkets for ourselves and others today, but when we arrived it was closed! So we wandered around Vaci utac, which is the main tourist drag. We picked up some things (including wooden moose, donkeys and a couple of magic secret boxes - YES), and then had a long, leisurely dinner. Tonight we're going to pack up, get some rest.

Tomorrow, Vienna!