17th
Its off to Budapest today by train. The 3 hour journey takes you across the plains of Hungary. Lots of farmland, very old villages and very old infrastructure. We arrive into Budapest train station which is over 200 years old.

Not sure which way the subway station is i turn right when leaving the train station. Well of course the subway was to the left. I have noticed that they do not put up and sort of large signs to tell you where the entrance is. You just have to find stairs heading underground. Can be difficult.

Anyway i make my way down into the subway but i need to find the ticket office. I finally find it and there is a rather long queue. Takes 15 minutes before i have a 14 day pass. This gives me unlimited trips on all transport. So now if have to work out which way to go, and then which station to get off.

My host is waiting at the entrance to the apartment building. He shows me in and leaves me to unpack. I go for a short walk to the supermarket for some supplies. The area is very quiet and security is everywhere as the area houses a lot of embassies.

So i settle in for the night, but my concern is the fridge. It is continually running but not getting cold. Will wait till the morning to see if it working.

18th
Well my concerns over the fridge have proven correct, its broken, and all the food in there is warm. So i send the host a sms and he responds immediately and will be here in one hour to inspect the fridge. After looking at the fridge and decides he cannot get it working i am given an option of moving to a different apartment. we take a 10 minute walk to another one of his apartments and it is so much better so i decide to move.

The move doesnt long and i feel a lot happier here and a working fridge as well. Turns out this new apartment is a lot closer to all the main attractions, transport etc. Now its time to go exploring by foot even if the weather is overcast and slight drizzle.

19th
Unlike Austria, Hungary has far more liberal trading hours, so nearly all shops are open everyday. I take the subway to Heros Square and then take a walk into the park. Now as i didnt take an umbrella its does start to rain. Its only light rain so getting wet is my only option. The park has some pretty interesting sights. A huge ice skating rink, a Museum inside a castle, a lake with steam coming off it.

The rain is getting heavy so i seek refuge inside a magnificent old building. Turns out it is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. The parts of the interior that i can visit are stunning, but as i am not equipped to visit the baths this is all i can see. As it is close to midday and still raining quite heavily, i will have lunch in the little cafe.

Looks like the rain is not going to abate so i make my way back to the subway and back to my apartment. Its a little after 6pm and the rain has stopped, so its time to see more sights. Such a pretty city by night as all along the Danube the Castle precinct is all light up, looks amazing. The Chain bridge is another wonderful sight all light up. St Stephens Basilica is the surprise when one walks inside. Words cannot begin to describe its beauty and the attention to detail.

I have covered a lot of ground walking and subway, and am very impressed with what i have seen. The city is very clean and tidy and has so much character.

20th
Another overcast day so its off to the Central Food Market. I walk down the pedestrian only Vaci street. The premier shopping street in Budapest. It is a very pleasant walk even if it is drizzling. The food market is one impressive building. Its not as busy as i was lead to believe, but the smells are amazing. I take lunch here and i am not disappointed with the Hungarian food.

I cross the Danube by one of the many bridges and walk to the top of the hill to see the Citadel. The view would be stunning if it wasnt for the low misty clouds.

My next stop is Andrassy Street, a world heritage listed street. I seek out the Bookstore Cafe. It is renowned for its interior decoration. I am impressed. I cannot believe that you can sit in such opulent surroundings and enjoy a really good coffee for a mere $3. To add to the ambiance they have a guy playing a grand piano.

I end up at the Westend shopping mall for a quick look around. Its the biggest in Budapest and is represented with all the top fashion name stores.

21st
Today its off to see the Parliament. As i am now a Hungarian passport holder i am entitled to a 50% discount on the entrance fee. The tour takes you to see the magnificent stair case, the Crown Jewels and the the lower house. I cannot begin to find enough words to describe what you see. Our english speaking lady guide is very informative in her very strong Hungarian accent. The only unfortunate part about the parliament building is the construction taking place outside. They are completely landscaping the grounds surrounding the Parliament. But from the pictures of the completed works, it will be impressive when finished.

I wander down towards the Central Food Market, but find more little pedestrian only streets that are so pleasant to walk along. I finish the day at the Bookstore cafe and enjoy the ambience and the coffee