Hungarian Surprise

Hungary surprised me. I had no idea how awesome it was going to be. To be honest I hadn't heard much about the place at all and having never ventured into Eastern Europe before I didn't really no what to expect. But the one great thing about no expectations is that they are always surpassed and in the case of Hungary they went far far beyond!

You remember Karolina? She can to visit me in Sweden not too long ago so I decided to repay the visit. She is currently teaching in Budapest and what a fantastic opportunity to visit a great city.

I can't quite put my finger on what makes Budapest so awesome. Is it the fact that everything is so cheap and when you come from Sweden you all of a sudden feel like a millionaire, or is it that everything runs smoothly without coming across as pompous and know it all ,or is it the good food and friendly people? It is probably a good combination of these things!

With a Budapest Card in hand I was able to see a whole bunch of what both Buda and Pest have to offer. Hungary is full of dynamic history and despite almost always being in the losing side of their history the people seem to cling to hope and a belief that their country is destined for greatness.

 The eclectic mix of West and East means that you can indulge at one of their many bath houses and stop and watch a soccer game at a fancy bar all in one day! One of the best things I did was sneak off to one of the less known Turkish baths in the wee hours of the morning (6.30am) so that I could soak up the herbal baths without another soul even strolling by. It was bliss!

Another highlight is Hero Square. It is at the head of a long beautiful road (Andrassy Road which is also home to one of the world's oldest subway systems) and it is simply spectacular. When the weather is good (which me felt like always) it's nice to just sit in the square watching people pose, chat and giggle.

There is so much to see and do in Budapest that anyone would be sorely tempted to never stray beyond its borders but that would be a mistake! On hot weekends and during the summertime many locals sneak away to Lake Balaton, a massive lake halfway between Budapest and the border to Austria. It is a massive body of water which stuns you when you first see it. The tranquility of the lake it bound to put anyone's mind and limbs at rest! If, however, you feel like being a bit more active hire a bicycle and check out what the region has to offer, including vineyards and beautiful docks.

If your considering going to Europe and want a place that has a good mixture of modern and old, fast and slow, as well as stimulating and relaxing consider Hungary! It is a great place with so much to offer and the best part is it is really cheap, and if you have a student card it's even cheaper!!! So if you can, go to Hungary and enjoy a Langos and the good weather!

Below are some more pictures from my time in Hungary:

Sites

St Stephan's Basilica: An important symbol in Hungary and the highest building in the country (no building is legally allowed to be higher).

The back end of the Parliament Building of which there are three (wait until you see the front!)

A close up, Heroes Square

An obscure view of the Palace

The entrance to Lion's Bridge

Having fun at Monument Park

The Parliament building from the front!

Food:

Delicious Goulash

Overly priced but super good salad

Cabbage stuffed pork! Mmmmm

I forgot the name but it is a Hungarian delicacy and yummy!

A pie!