Budapest, in the evening.
Jeff sprang for the Intercontinental, right on the Danube on the Pest side, next to the Chain Bridge. So we could peek out our window and enjoy the view of Buda: the Buda Castle.
And the famous Chain Bridge. The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital. It was severely damaged in WWII, and was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. It has became a symbol of advancement, national awakening, and the linkage between East and West. And it is very pretty at night.
Our evening photos represent a post-dinner stroll, courtesy of the children being away at camp. Ha! Walking around for hours with no one complaining! Joy! Rapture! Although, my sandals were hurting my feet a bit, so maybe there was a little complaining. But less. Much less than usual.
Free as birds with no dawdling children in tow, we walked from Pest to Buda and took the Fun, Fun, Funicular! up to the castle. It cost a bloody fortune, so we should have walked, but, hey, if you can't splurge on your tenth anniversary, when can you??
Fom the Buda Castle, we can look back at the Chain bridge, and our hotel on the right next to the building with the blue lights. Nice digs.
We hiked around the top of the castle for a bit, then wandered back down and walked back across the bridge.
And happened apon these two morons taking some extra special Chain Bridge photos. Jeff and I examined the structure carefully and agreed that it was not a difficult climb. And while we agreed out loud that only a fool would attempt such a thing, especially a fool who had consumed half a bottle of wine an hour or so before, I'll be honest, it was tempting.
But, we imagined what it would be like to have to call the school from prison, and we put the kabosh on the notion. I mean, really, when you are a guest in someone else's country, it is best to not engage in activities that are designed to bring the local coppers running.
What beautiful photos!!! I suppose I live under a rock, because I did not know/remember Buda and Pest were two completely different cities.
Posted by: Debbie Hanson | June 17, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Monica | June 19, 2011 at 04:19 AM