Well, I actually found a photo that fits where we are... we are in Budapest (Hungary) and we actually swam in the pool you see in the photo. We got to Hungary after a long long overnight train journey (11 hours). Wasnt that bad really but didnt sleep very well. We arrived here yesterday morning and once we found our dingiest hostel yet (well it was supposed to be a hotel but all the hostels we have stayed at have been far nicer..but what can expect for only 20 quid a night). As it rained all yesterday we decided to take refuge in the Thermal Baths (see pic) and have a massage. The weary travellers we are. After that we had a look round the market hall which is just round from our hotel. That was quite an expereince, if you ever want paprika, table clothes, pig trotters and chicken heads when you are travelling round Hungary go there. Anyway, after that we chilled out at the hotel for a while before popping round the corner for a pint and a game of chess. Shaun and I bought a great chess set in Krakow and it is now becoming very very competitive. Especially as Shaun gave me a few tips on how to play, which was dont just move the pieces.. defend them.... amazing.. dont know why I didnt think of that. So now we are level peggin (ish) on the winning front.. I was amazed when I won for the first time. So, this morning after an absolutely crap breakfast that consisted of gravy instead of coffee, cocoa pop things in warm UHT milk and a few hollow bread buns we ventured out to discover the magnificent Budapest. Firstly however, the ticket machine was playing up in the metro stop and kept taking our money we decided to hop the train and get a day pass at the next station.... only to be greeted by the most awful women I have ever had the misfortune to meet, who just happened to be guards. After taking 5000 ft (bout 14 quid) from us after saying if we didnt pay they would call the police we decided then and there NEVER to try that again. The only thing is that was the first time ever ever ever I have ever tried something like that... maybe as I cant claim it on expenses now.. hahah. Note to all travellers to Budapest.. buy a ticket. So, after that we took the Funicular up to the top of Castle Hill. The Funicular is a cable car by the way. We have some great pics of Budapest from way up high. We started another game of chess near the palace but I mad a wrong move and chucked my dummy out and asked to start again, to which Shaun monked on slightly but had to agree as I had moved all the pieces anyway. So when Shaun made a wrong move, he claimed it was only fair to start again too.. so the gane never happened. So, following that we went to the House of Terror which was once the HQ for the dreaded secret police, the building is now used to exhibit some sobering exhibits pertaining to Stalin, the Nazis and the Holocaust as well as the soviet 'liberation' and the 1956 uprising. So, now we are going to put the sightseeing things to rest and get some RnR as we are off to Lake Balaton tomorrow (the nations playground) where we are going to sit by the lake and drink lager..... Guess what? I have only had 2 glasses of wine on our whole trip....... had about 100 pints though. We even have a fridge and satelite TV in our room... all for 20 quid a room.... yeah.... make some of my fine back. Whats happening in BB? Oh, and by the way, Budapest is well worth a visit, we havent sampled to night life as we are tired and lazy but I definately want to come back here.... so I will be making plans for a trip soon. Cx