Boiling in Budapest

Budapest, July 15 - July 24

Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. Similarly, Budapest is also separated by two temperature definitions: hotter and hottest (note that I skipped right by 'hot'). Thanks to the record-breaking temperatures, each morning the pillow served as my alarm clock by filling up with sweat until I could no longer breath. When the Hungarian goulash is cooked before it even gets to the oven, it is definitely time to find a reprieve from the sweltering heat. Luckily, Buda and Pest are equipped with public baths that satiate both the eyes and the body temperature. The labyrinths below the castle was another place to escape the heat, raising goosebumps on my body from both the cool damp air and also 'the tunnels of courage'.



Budapest is arguably still relatively free from the hordes of tourists, and retains the feeling that it is still a city to be lived in and enjoyed. Beautiful gardens, parks, and tree-lined streets make Budapest comfortable city to enjoy. Thanks to couchsurfing(.com) I had an almost instant circle of friends, and my days and evenings were filled with activities (special thanks to Zsuzsanna, Marta, Aniko, Jason, Beatrix, and Alice). I also managed to sample the raging Budapest nightlife at the Buddha Beach bar along the Danube.



Winding trails along a hill, overlooking the Danube and Pest.



Overlooking Buda on the left, and Pest on the right.



A view of the Chain Bridge from near the castle.



An eerie fountain deep within the castle labyrinths. The sickly sweet smell of wine(?) that was dripping from the mouths of the creatures in the fountain.



Yummy...



Budapest gardens and flowers were everywhere.






The public baths in City Park.






A night shot of the cathedral.