Walking tours of Budapest

On the 15th we were back in town early and joined some walking tours. An interesting groups. Who knew you could meet a Greek from Athens named Alexander? People were from Spain, Russia, Italy, The Netherlands, Indiana, and I forget.  

For some reason a Soviet, the guide was careful to say Soviet, not Russian, monument was left in the middle of town. She did apologize to the Russians for constantly talking about how badly the Soviets/Communists treated the Hungarians (and SHE DID Talk about that a LOT), but the Russians quickly responded with bitterness that they too were treated badly. Another Russian quietly fumed a bit.

Soviet monuments usually contain some serious demonstration of strength.

And Hungarian buildings come with horse monuments and ornate architecture.

As you may remember from my pronunciation guide, this man's name is Alfred Simpson.

The back of the famous Parliament building. Just wait for a photo of the front at night. You have seen one before, but we took one too.

Patt, in the red at center ordering lunch at the Market. I actually had the difficult task of securing a place to eat.

A break in the crowd afforded a quick look at the neighboring booth and the cooks. The food was Hungarian, plentiful and good.

The changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace, replete with rifle tossing, drum beating, chest pounding, goose stepping, shouting, tourists, and cameras.

Pest of the Budapest in the background. It is flat. The Buda side is very hilly.

Little humor here.  Was in the men's room tending my business, not paying attention to others when to the barrier on my right appeared the large feathered object. In the next bay a guy in period garb.

That evening - and it was when we finished and recovered at the hotel, we ate Italian! Yes pizza and spaghetti carbonara and of course Hungarian wine — which is better than Hungarian beer.

Went for an after dinner walk. We liked this street.

Got on a tram.

Got off the tram and walked over this bridge. And for the first time all day we were cool (as in temperature, we are always cool).

Got back on a tram.

And rode past the Parliament building.