Budapest 16, 17, 18th August

From Vienna I caught the Hydro Foil Ferry to Budapest. 6hrs crusing the Danube River, stopping at Bratislava. Was a nice trip, small villages along the way and very green scenery. Boat was only small and could only go upto 70kms. Had to stop a couple of times at blockade things (?) where they either let water in or out or stop it moving (?) and we go down 80m before we could proceed.

On arrival in Budapest walking to the hostel i was chased down by a massive black clould and awsome storm. The city went quiet and eerie and then 5 mins after i arrive at the hostel we got a massive storm.

Tiger Tims Hostel was great. Like living in someones house. lounge and massive kitchen. Chilled out and watched movies all afternoon, first hostel with the least amount of Aussies. There had been a massive 6 day music festival that had just finished so everyone was sleeping or recovering.

Free Walking Tour -
This took us around some of the sights in Pest (new town) and then over the river to Buda (old town) to the castle district. Buda Castle was impressive and a great view over the city. Lots of tourists! Met 2 Aussie girls on the tour and after our cheap authentic lunch we visited the Labyrinth of Buda Castle. It's a network of caves and rock vaults under the Buda Castle. Was quite cold and smelt like damp clothes. After going through the historic cave section we came acorss a bizarre section. One can presume it was árt'regarding commercialism. There were things like walkmans, can openersm typewriters inside boxes on display. We really didnt get what it was.

From the castle area i continued on to finish the Buda area. Wandered along the river to Gellert-hegy Park (well the base of it) and had a look at the Gellert Baths which is Budapests most famous turkish bath. I was expecting something amazing but it was just a building with a main corridor and then separate baths coming off. Couldnt see much cos all behind closed doors. On the way back to the hostel i went via Parliment which was great architecture. After dinner went out to meet up with Amy and Diane. Ended up in the old region having some cocktails and a shot of potent Hungarian speciality Palinka - 40% alcohol.

18th -
Met the girls at the Terror Museum - "The House of Terror". The building was once the headquarters of the Hungairan Nazis and then the AVO & AVH (communist terror organisations). It is now a museum. Got the audi guide - dont recommend! Each room has handouts of what information in english.

Bargain of the day - Bought a 2nd hand mobile from the subway for only 30E! very dodgy but just what i needed :)

Had a look around Margaret Island which has a cool musical fountain.
Visited Heroes Square, the city park (Varosliget) and went to the thermal bath Szechenyi which is one of Europes largest baths. Wasn't a massive fan of soaking in other peoples dead skin! It is just like taking a massive bath with 100's of other people..ewww. Outside they had 3 massive baths - cold, warm and hot. Then off to the sides there were smaller rooms with saunas, hot and warm baths, massages etc.

Overall i loved Budapest and wished I stayed longer. It was very laid back, a bit dirty, lots of homeless people and rich history, Definately recommend and i will be returning one day.