Dynamic, bustling, beautiful. Old architectural wonders. Luxurious thermal baths. Trendy boutiques. Innovative eateries. A lively after-dark scene. Friendly, helpful folk -many speaking English.
Budapest, the “Paris of the East,” is a fun and interesting place to visit. Husband Bob and I recently joined a group of eight from the British Association in Menton, France (near where we live) for a cheap Whiz Air flight from Nice to Budapest. All was grand until our return flight was canceled due to the air traffic controller’s strike in France. Getting home was complicated – a day waiting at the airport, an evening flight to Milan where we spent the night, then train and taxi. Nonetheless, we all survived and are happy we experienced this exciting city.
Following are photos of our visit. I will be writing more soon: A post featuring the views of Hungarians on their far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and another on food. As an American journalist, I was curious to learn why Orban, a buddy of Donald Trump and chummy with Vladimir Putin, is so popular at home. As a passionate foodie, I was intrigued with the history of Hungarian cuisine and its specials (more than goulash). Stay tuned.
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More coming soon, including – at long last recipes.
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The photos of Budapest and impressive architecture. Will look forward to other posts
of the trip. Does it live up to the reputation of the Paris of the East ?
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I would love to return and do an architectural tour. There is so much to admire. However Paris of the East may be an overstatement.
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Great to see you and Bob out and about. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures. Meanwhile we continue to travel around Victoria and more recently South Australia in our caravan. Europe is a memory.
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Hi Meg. All your caravan escapades are impressive. To my delight and surprise, Bob seems better when we are on the move. Need to keep it up as long as possible. Porsche and Porsche club are only memories for us, but wonderful memories.
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Hey. Can’t wait for your experiences. We were there just a few weeks ago, a return visit after 17 years. We agree that Budapest has a character that other historic cities don’t.
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We were there in the 90s. It was super to revisit and see all the changes with even more to admire and enjoy. I want to go back.
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So glad you got to visit this beautiful city! I was there in the 90’s with my mother and saw the house where she lived on the Buda side. And yes, the food is fabulous, and the wines are increasingly better!
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I still have some of your Hungarian recipes. I plan to make chicken paprikash this week with some of the genuine Hungarian paprika purchased at the Great Market Hall. My favourite however is the pastry, especially those made with turo. Can you find that in the US?
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Hello Leah: Turo as I recall is basically cottage cheese – but that’s through a hazy memory! There are a few Hungarian delis here in the L A area, but I’m sure I could find something in Cleveland – the largest Hungarian city outside of Hungary!
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Turo is not cottage cheese, altho Americans apparently use this as a substitute. It is different with a sweet-tart taste. I will expand when I write about Hungarian food. Interesting about Cleveland. Some of Bob’s relatives live in the Akron area. Their origins go back to what is now Croatia, but on the border of Hungary. Once we visited and a cousin made palatschinken (crepes) and strudel, both stuffed with turo. I fell in love with this unusual cheese.
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Hi Leah, Tried to post this:
Many thanks for all the photos of the extraordinary architecture…haven’t been there since the early 90s…went by train from Germany with a girlfriend and had a grand time though there were some rough patches like trying to choke down some white wine that tasted like a petrol-based cocktail. I dare say things have changed for the better so look forward to your food commentary with great interest!
But it asked me to login to wordpress…what am I doing wrong?!?!?So glad you guys got to go!Love, Gayle
Gayle Smith PadgettThe Birdwatcher’s WifePassion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie gaylesmithpadgett.com
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Not to worry, Gayle. It works. Thanks for commenting. When I comment on your blog, I am also told to login in to WP. Yes, the food scene, and much else in Budapest, has changed.
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👏Good one, Leah 😀 I always enjoyed being
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Absolutely stunning and sumptuous.! You put Budapest up very very high on my must-go list. Bravo for this gorgeous post!
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Thank you Lynne. Budapest is worth a visit.
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