Budapest, Hungary, October 6-9

Stayed the first night in the Octogon Hotel in a very busy part of town. The day after our arrival we walked to Heroes Square with the Archangel Gabriel monument. Enjoyed a kurtoskalacs (aka Chimney Cake) from a food stall on the corner. Relocated to our VRBO in northern Pest on Tuzer Ut, just 200 yards from the Metro 3 line. Being over 65, public transport was free for us. Visited the nearby Lehel Market, an unusual building full of fruit, cheese, meat, and sundry vendors in stalls, along with two small grocery stores, Prima and Penny. Oct 8, we traveled to the Parisi Passage cafe for breakfast. Walked to the castle hill, visiting the sights including the Fishermen's Bastion where we had drinks and a pastry. Across the Chain Bridge to the bronze shoe memorial - commemorating local Jews killed and thrown into the river in WWII. Oct 9, we had lunch at the Central Market and later walked to the Szechenyi Baths near Heroes Square. Had wine and apple pie a la mode at the Le Botte cafe.Read more