Min and Bear's Honeymoon

Our day started out with a trip to the famous Szechenyi Baths, which are the largest thermal baths in Europe. The hot water supplied by these baths comes from two thermal springs nearly a mile below the surface, and surfaces at 171° F before it's cooled down to approx 90° for relaxation and medicinal use.

After our little spa trip, we visited Vajdahunyad Castle, which was built in 1896 to celebrate 1000 years since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian basin (where Budapest is today). After that, we stopped by Heroes' Square, which was also built in 1896. It shows the 7 Magyar tribe chieftains who conquered the Carpathian basin, sitting on their horses beneath the Archangel Gabriel. Behind them sit various kings and important figures who defended, expanded, or rebuilt Hungary throughout its tumultuous history.

We then made our way to the House of Terror, which chronicled life under both the Hungarian Nazi Party and the Communists. The building is the former meeting place of the Nazis, and was converted by the communists into the headquarters/torture center for their secret police. Now, it's been converted to remember the cruelty of the authoritarians, the braveness of the resistance, and the joy of being free from tyranny.

We stopped for lunch and drinks at a local ruin pub, inhabiting buildings destroyed by war and neglect. We had lángos which are essentially fried pizza doughs with sour cream and shredded cheese on top (Y.U.M!). Then we visited Matthias Church (built in 1015) and the Fisherman's Bastion (built in 1844 atop the land used by the Fisherman's Guild to sell their goods during medieval times).

Finally, we travelled to New York Cafe for dinner, where we had chicken, goulash, and Hungarian Coffee (coffee with Palinka, of course!).Leggi altro