Day 9 October 16th Budapest

 



view from the tram

Our second day in Budapest 

entrance to 1956 uprising memorial

was free to spend as we wished and we had already decided on some destinations.  It was cloudy but dry in the morning and we had decided to walk to the River Danube (15 minutes) and then take a tram (No 2) along the river 

Houses of Parliament

to the parliament building which looked so detailed 

Tram No 2 which we used

and impressive from afar.  If we were lucky we would like to have guided tour of the interior.  The travelling went well and the tram dropped us at the parliament square.  We wandered and took some photos and noticed the exhibition to commemorate the 1956 uprising and decided to see.  It was very moving but we were not allowed to take any photos.  We did take more photos of the buildings and statues etc round the building and then decided to have coffee in the visitor centre.

 



corridor in parliament

Suitably refreshed we then 

stairway in parliament

went to the desk where tours were booked and without optimism (we had tried online) we asked if there were any English tours we could join.  To our surprise and delight we could join one in about an hour (1300) and so we 

parliament chamber

readily grasped the opportunity.  We watched 

cigar rack in corridor outside chamber

the flow of traffic on the river for a bit and then went to the queue for the tour.  The security as expected was pretty thorough (airline type), no bleeps and we were soon in and kitted with a 

architect's model of parliament building

sound system.  We were allowed to take photos in most of the building, the exception was where the crown jewels are kept and guarded.  The interior was very ornate with lots of gold as we walked the corridors and looked into rooms.  We were told the story of the royal family (soon forgotten) and the crown and symbols.  I suppose the ultimate visit was the parliament chamber which was impressive.  They originally had a two chamber – Lords and commons – system but since the communist regime it has been reduced to one.  The tour was soon over but certainly was a highlight of our stay here.

 



Liberty statue from boat

The other thing we wanted 

cargo barge on Danube

to do was a boat trip on the Danube.  We had found a recommendation from our guide and took the tram back to the pier.  We bought tickets and within a little while we were on our way.  You always get a different perspective from 

Margaret Bridge from boat

the water level and it was interesting to pass the buildings we had already visited.  It was also interesting to hear

a shop for large gents!

 the history of the waterway, how it had influenced Buda and Pest with their eventual unification and also the problems caused by the river flooding.  We had a good cruise including round Margaret Island although it did start to rain at the end of it.  It had almost stopped raining by the time we disembarked and we made our way back to the hotel by foot.  We did stop at a Tesco Express to get supplies for tomorrow but without much success as they did not sell sandwiches.

 



most of our party dining

We sorted ourselves out at

heroes square at night

 the hotel and at 1850 the group met for an evening meal out and a coach tour to see the city at night.  We went to the restaurant first and enjoyed a three course meal of Hungarian and international dishes.  We were all well catered for 

parliament at night

and eventually returned to the coach.  We then went on

the river at night

 the tour stopping at several places with photo opportunities.  We ere very pleased and came away with lots of good photographic memories.  We arrived back at the hotel at 2230, then packed 

Liberty Statue

our cases as much as we could (0630 start tomorrow) 

Liberty Statue

and then retired.