Budapest, Hungary (I ain’t ever heard of Hungary)
I was in two minds as to whether to detour and take in the sights of Budapest. It was a city I had heard was fabulous and intriguing although was never sure it would be a place I would enjoy. How wrong I was – I have been extremely fortunate to have travelled substantially in my life and after now visiting Budapest – I can’t wait to return. It may actually be my favourite city in the world! It’s alive with culture and the Hungarian people are welcoming, friendly and after securing their win in the Group for the UEFA 2016 Euro, quite possibly the happiest!
My first encounter with the wonderful locals, was upon arrival at my Airbnb, my host, Joseph was waiting for me and is an international tourism guru. He had a welcome pack sorted which included discount cards to local restaurants, city maps, guidebooks and so much more. If you’re planning your next visit to this amazing city, I would strongly recommend Joseph’s place. It’s well located for sightseeing and only a few metres to a street known for its gastronomic delights!
I boarded my Hop On Hop Off tour bus the first morning to get my bearings and each sight appeared more impressive than the last. From Heroes square to the Széchenyi Baths to Palaces and Parliamentary buildings, each sight held you in awe with both beauty and history.
Highlights of Budapest would have to be the night cruise, seeing the City from the water is truly gorgeous, the House of Parliament is quite possibly the most beautiful building I’ve encountered on my journey thus far. It is quite simply magnificent! The streets are lined with lush green trees, each restaurant has planter pots with greenery and flowers. The cobblestoned walkways are filled with garden areas.
For those that don’t follow the European football league, the UEFA Euro 2016 has been on whilst I’ve been in Europe. Each time there is a game, the cities come alive, games are being telecast in every restaurant, bar and public area. Of course, the atmosphere is vibrant and, should the favoured team win, the city’s festivities begin. I have been somewhat of a lucky charm it seems – I was in Budapest when Hungary won their group, I happen to be in Kraków, when Poland went through to the next round and Berlin, when Germany secured their place in the semi-final against France. For those who like a little wager, I’ll be in Paris for both the semi-final and final – I may just have a dabble on France!
I had saved my final day in Budapest for the Széchenyi Baths. I was somewhat hesitant, coming from Australia’s Gold Coast where public ‘baths’ or pools are really not to everyone’s liking as we’re so near to the best beaches in the world, I anxiously paid about AUD25 to enter this public bathing area and shuddered at the crowds. Not to be deterred from experiencing this one in a life time adventure, I took my place amongst the crowds albeit on the most deserted spot I could find and settled in.
It was merely minutes until I was joined in my secluded spot by a group of British fellows celebrating a ‘Buck’s Party’ in Budapest for the weekend. Try as I might, I ignored them and continued to read my kindle – however it was not long when I found myself in conversation with the groom to be, as he relayed to me how in love he was and couldn’t wait to marry the girl of his dreams! For a group of lads on a Buck’s Party weekend, they were remarkably well behaved and appeared more interested in this “old enough to be my mum” woman who had decided to travel Europe solo! They were not the only group at the Baths that day celebrating a Buck’s Party, another group of intrepid young Brits were also on the trip of discovery before heading into wedded bliss although the fate of young Tom was more left to the Gods! His ‘punishment’ was for him to dress in traditional Polish female attire for the duration of the weekend, as he plans to wed in Poland at the end of the month! I have lost count of how many stag parties I’ve come across although ladies, I can assure, with both of the groups that I had the pleasure to talk with, all conversations led back to their girls back home – it makes me wonder, if peer group pressure and the necessity of a ‘stag do’ is really all it’s cracked up to be!
I’d like to give a shout out to #TomGoesWild and wish him all the best for his marriage in Poland – hoping of course, he’s more suitably dressed than when I last saw him!
Budapest is definitely the jewel of Europe and without a doubt, must be on everyone’s bucket list!
Kraków, Poland
My reason for travelling to Kraków was to experience the Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. Along with the rest of the population we hear and learn of the atrocities that were committed, at not only these camps but many others, I wanted to pay my respects to those who lost their lives but also to the survivors and families who have been, and continue to be, affected by actions that took place.
I did not take a plenitude of photos, I’m more than happy to answer any questions anyone may have regarding my visit. I can tell you that I was moved to tears on several occasions throughout the day. I now have a greater respect for survivors and those whose lives have been impacted. I also believe that I now have a greater understanding of what it means to be a minority as not only were Jews persecuted but gypsies, homosexuals, disabled, anyone that did not agree with the views of those that believed they are more superior. The stories of survival are astounding and whilst we must continue to learn of the atrocities to ensure that history cannot repeat itself and I believe that education is the key although as I sit here and write this I can’t help but think of the genocide that is currently happening in various countries within the African continent along with other eastern countries. Have we learnt from these past brutalities?
As to Kraków , it contains some of the oldest history in Europe and is a city sure to charm any visitor. I believe Kraków is somewhat tarnished by its involvement in WWII and continues to strive to leave the past behind although relying on the past to get them to the future. I was surprised to see Jewish Synagogues and graveyards within the boundaries of Jewish quarters from eras gone by. Again it’s a city that comes alive in the main square of an evening with street performers, horse and carriage rides and a multitude of restaurants and cafés.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has always been on my ‘To Do’ list, I’ve heard it’s a city that offers amazing nightlife and plenty of sights to see. My memories of Prague will always be the meat that was on offer, there were market stall holders that offer plates of fresh pork, that’s it – a plate of pork cut from the spit along with a ½ litre of beer! I also noticed more homeless and beggars on the streets of Prague and whilst sitting in a café next to a couple of gentleman, they were offered lap dances, whilst they waited for their evening meal! It’s the first time, I’ve not felt safe walking the streets at night, I was sure to be back at my apartment before dark (which of course, is about 10.30pm), the red and white suits of men vying for customers to their private men only clubs, was unnerving.
It was also a city where I came across blatant racism towards a Jewish couple It was a menial matter of tickets for a boat cruise, I’m not sure who was at fault although once the Czech’s started complaining in front of a boatload of tourists about the “Jews” and “those people”, I couldn’t help myself. I stepped in to ease the situation and of course, they had respect for such a bold white woman travelling alone who would speak up for ‘those people’. I would not normally hesitate to step in to any situation, however, considering I had just been to a place where Jews were persecuted in their thousands, I certainly was never going to sit back and watch someone attack them, when I could do something about it.
I can tick the box to say I’ve been to Prague and I try and gauge whether I would recommend a place and would like my girls to visit – Prague is a place I wouldn’t want my girls to visit! I fear Manon may have already been!
Next stop – Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris – all with daughter no. 2!
A Stepping Stone 