Well, we have decided that our new friends drink too much!! Thank heavens we are parting company today!
Had a great farewell night with everyone on the Scenic River Boat.
Having seen the boat we are even happier with our decision to do the Princess cruise. Most of the guys were disappointed with the size of their cabins. Generally not that impressed with the boat in general.
Marriot is lovely, wonderful view across the Danube, which incidently is 'blue'.
We have been so blessed with the weather, another crystal clear day, 30deg.
Just been to the mineral pools - even I had a swim, very relaxing. Budapest is famous for its mineral springs, they have around 100.
Average wage here is 500 euros per month -even the doctors!
1990 Hungary became free of Soviet rule.
GST 27% (64%) all up tax incl income tax. People are leaving in droves. Most have 2 jobs. Hungarian economy about to collapse.
Budapest is another beautiful European city.....it stradles the Danube with Buda (quite hilly) and Pest (very flat). It's spanned by several bridges.
Big holiday here today for Labour Day, people everywhere, shops closed - Jenson Button even did a few laps of part of the city in his Formula 1 car, excitement for all.
Went for a huge walk with our new best friends 'Julie and Kevin' - the other couple not going on the river cruise. We had a lovely lunch, went to another 'Terror Museum' to see the horrors the Hungarians have suffered during wars and Communism.
Walked to the Parliament House, magnificent old building.
Dinner with Julie, Kevin and Kristoff at the hotel, spectacular setting on the balcony overlooking the Danube and the amazing sights of Buda, including the 800 year old church on the hill.
Without a doubt this is the best view we have had on this leg of the trip - feel like we should stay up all night and enjoy it!
Big Day!!
Incidently, Elizabeth Taylor celebrated her 40th birthday in this very hotel during the height of communistic control.
P.S. Living out of a suitcase is a bummer!

Roger's thoughts on the day......

The trouble with this part of the world is that there are no public toilets anywhere!
They only mow the lawns here once a year here in the spring....no ride on mowers, all done by push mowers.....even the football fields!
Word is that the politicians here are corrupt....there is a huge black market here.
2m pop. 1m cars.
Beautiful place none the less.