Budapest - I do not speak Hungarian

"I do not speak Hungarian"

This is my new line.....I've said most everyday for the past two weeks. I love the people here in Budapest, despite not speaking the same language, they will either find someone to help out or continue the conversation......eventually you figure out what each other is saying. Many do speak English however, so it's been easy going for the most part.
Budapest was founded in 897 and is one of the oldest countries in Europe, it is a beautiful place full of history, art, culture, theatres, museums and galleries. The streets are lined with huge buildings with beautiful carvings and sculptures; I barely scratched the surface but managed to make my way to some interesting places.

Show Time!

With The Gypsy Symphony Orchestra playing live in the background, the talented group of handsome men and beautiful ladies danced, acted and sang out the story of Fergeteges which included a Queen, Count and of course a gypsy girl. I remember as a little girl watching Hungarian dancing on TV and being in awe of them, never imaged I would watch a live performance in Hungary. The second show was a song and dance story about Frank Sinatra, which was entertaining as well, you would almost think Frank was there himself!

The family I stayed with in Malta is from Budapest and we shared accommodations for the first week here - I joined Karin and the kids for an afternoon at Millipop Funhouse - a play place where I could behave like a 6 year old and get away with it. Went to a Christmas/Folk/World music show and another musical get together, as well as attended a few Nia classes which is a nice little workout of dance and martial arts combined. There are many cozy Tea Houses one must go to, tables/chairs for the grown ups and areas with comfy bean bag chairs - you know where I was sitting.

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square was one of the first places I went to - it is the largest square in the city and commemorates the 1000 year old history of the Hungarians. There are statues of the Chieftains, Kings and other important historical figures within the square and on the colonnades; as well, Archangel Gabriel standing on the top of the centre pillar in the square.

Also at Heroes' Square are a couple museums; The Fine Arts Museum and The Art Gallery. I don't really know a lot about art (I like to draw cartoons and color - does that count?) but I do know Rembrandt is a big deal and they happened to have an exhibition of his works at The Fine Arts Museum. I spent the entire day here going through the displays of Rembrandt, The Dutch of Golden Age, an Egyptian Art display, and more. It was amazing looking at art created from the 15th through the 18th century.

Terror Háza (The House of Terror)

This is said to be one of the most powerful museums in Europe. It is a sad and disturbing illustration of two of the most tragic periods of Hungary history. This museum is the former headquarters for the secret police of both the Nazi and Communist governments and holds 50 years of fear for the people of this country. As you walk through a maze of displays there are chilling black and white videos showing interviews of people telling their stories during these tragic times. When you are able to tear yourself away, an elevator takes you to the basement and takes 3 painstaking minutes to get there during which a video is played of a guard explaining the execution process. I could not leave the basement fast enough.

Castle District

The Castle District, which is a World Unesco Heritage Site is a beautiful area with the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, medieval houses, museums and more. I explored the Castle and of course the Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth, built during the middle ages, is 16 m underground and served as a shelter and hospital during WWII; in the 15th century it was used as a prison and a famous prisoner named Vlad Tepes AKA Count Dracula was held here. It is a dark, dank, underground cave and to add to the spookiness they feel the need to play Opera music while you are going through the maze of tunnels. They have a special little part called The Maze of Darkness. The sign beside it says: "Complete darkness rules this section of the labyrinth. The Maze of Darkness deceives our senses, puts our perceptions to test, whilst expanding our minds. However, it is difficult to calmly move along in the dark when the visitors know that paranormal phenomena have been observed: descending white fog, sounds of whispers, a drop of temperature and shadows never to be caught up with. It has happened that a visitor has met with themselves. Many have walked through the Maze of Darkness so don't you hang around either...." they do offer you a thread as handhold, how nice......not freaking likely.

St. Stephens Basilica

This is the largest Church in Budapest and was dedicated to none other than St. Stephen who was Hungary's first King. This amazing building can hold approximately 8500 people and the architecture is breathtaking; you can climb the stairs to the top and get a panoramic view of the entire city! I climbed most of the way up and then there is an elevator the rest of the way (missed where the rest of the stairs were hiding)....the last time I was in a Church elevator was on Gozo Island and when I was in it the power went out and it stopped. I did not think it was very funny at the time, the thought of being trapped in a Church elevator with no one around was unnerving.....of course I said "please God no", pushed the button and it started up again.....phew.......I'm pretty sure I heard the big guy chuckle.

The Opera House

This beautiful building was opened to the public in 1884 and is considered to be amongst the best in the world in terms of its acoustics, unable to get tickets to a show I settled for a tour and "mini-show".

Cat Cafe

Clearly these are a popular thing in Europe.........

My Teeny Tiny Apartment

The apartment I rented for myself the second week here is very small but cozy......the door has a cage on the outside of it (for my protection?).....it makes me wonder how one would lock or unlock the door in a hurry, like if a knife wielding maniac was after you, if you had to go pee really bad or a fire happened inside.....3 locks to lock and unlock when you are coming and going. The bed is super comfy for meditating or sleeping; the stairs, however barely hold my ass to sit and contemplate what exactly I'm doing with myself but the little sofa made up for it so I was able to watch some TV........ I will contemplate my sanity on the train tomorrow to Prague.........