Budapest – Romantic and Sensual

Budapest had been my favourite stop so far in this overland tour of Central Europe. Walked through bridges and castles.  Explored the underground labyrinth where Dracula was jailed and tortured. Indulged in local food at the Market Hall. At dusk, soaked in the very grand thermal baths. Ended the night at the garden where locals hang-out. 

Walking Tour
Chilled. No information overload this time. More local tips and present time information.

Budapest has two parts, the hilly Buda side and flat, busier Pest side. We walked mostly under the shade of the grand ornate buildings with renaissance sculptures and carvings.

Highlights included the Opera, St. Stephen’s Basilica (with the right hand preserved, a miracle apparently as rest of body has decayed save for that part) and Elizabeth Square withe Budapest Eye (imitation of London Eye on a much smaller scale) on the Buda side, crossing the bridge to the Royal Palace on the Buda side.

Hungary has a long history, just like the other Eastern European countries. It was established in the 13th century when seven tribes united into one kingdom. Renaissance came about when the then King Mathias married an Italian princess. With the expansion and invasion of the Ottoman empire, Hungary came under Turkish rule for 150 years.

Then came the Austrians. For 200 years, the country was under the Austrian-Hungarian empire. In World War I, Hungary lost the war and as consequence lost two-thirds of its land as well. Thus, with the Germans promising them to recover their land back, the Hungarians sided with the former in World War II. they went through a social revolution in 1956. By the 1990s the Iron Curtain fell with the Velvet revolution across Eastern Europe. By 2004 hungary joins the Euro zone. Their currency is still in Florint, as they haven’t yet met the economic requirements to convert to Euro. Our guide said she hopes it remains that way. They’re afraid they might end up like the Spain and Greece.

Currently, 7% of the country’s GDP comes from the porn industry. Women are beautiful. Porn production is cheap. The unemployment rate is almost 20%. Unemployment support is only provided for a maximum of three months.

The Feminine and Sensual

I noticed a lot of women as focus of these sculptures. It’s very symbolic clearly implying a celebration of the feminine, of honoring the central role of women and children. Haven’t really noticed that in other European countries. I love Budapest. I’m all for the sensual.

Underground Labyrinth

After the walking tour, I went to the labyrinths. Surprisingly, nobody else wanted to go except myself and Mr. Aussie.

The labyrinth just made my day! It was awesome! I’m at loss for words to describe these labyrinthine caves. It was very cool inside, it’s 12 metres underground. A reprieve from the heat of summer. Parts of the cave network were sealed off. Apparently, some tourists got stuck for days in the labyrinth, lost and unable to find the exit.

Opera music playing in the background as well as different lighting effects added to the sinister feel of the place. As we approached further, we ended into this dungeon, with fog thickening. It was Dracula’s place. Dracula was a real person. Apparently in Hungary, people actually drink pig’s blood. That aside, they also drink bull’s blood, which is actually a wine.

Market HalI

I intended to take tram 2, but Gareth suggested we just walk. Well. we were three bridges away from the Market Hall… and it seemed nearer than it actually is. Took us nearly 45 minutes I think of walking under the afternoon heat. It was around 3:30pm by the time we found what we were looking for: langos. It’s a pizza or tatlayuda with a donut-texture like base, with cream and cheese and various toppings.

I had a eggplant stuffed with risotto and topped mushroom and cheese. It was delicious! Finished it off with cappucino and apple-cinnamon strudel. Mr. Aussie was stuffed. Well he had the goat cheese strudel, then a sausage wrapped with bacon and cheese — tried it, so sinfully savory! — and finishing off with langos. I just tried a morsel of it.

Thermal Bath

By 8 PM I decided I’d go to the thermal baths. The baths were Roman style with statues all over. Water spills from the semi-nude female statues. Going underneath that water works out a good massage on the head and back. The water was deliciously hot.

The sun had set, fuscia on the horizon exiting giving way to the deep blue of dusk. Lights flooded the water and statues. Nothing could be more romantic! That said,even though I’m a bit envious of all the couples surrounding me, I also just love having a romantic time all by myself!

Local Hang-out

John and Crisselle were back in the room. Asked them to come with me and check out the Deak square. The place was packed with people, some on tables having drinks… some on the park grounds, some playing music with groups of friends. It was very festive. It was a “flower power” vibe.

I now understand why the Hungarians are very proud of who they are, their women, their drink their food, and where they come from!