Yesterday when we were walking in the rain, we were accosted by numerous Bus Tour reps from different companies. We decided on the first one we spoke to, the blue bus. The prices seem to range from 300Ft to 7000Ft according to how many different coloured busses you can use. We opted for the 4500Ft tour as that enabled us to use the blue and purple lines and also gave us a boat trip and other bits and bobs. As soon as we got on the bus they told us that we could use any of the bus lines anywhere. So if your here dont bother buying the top ticket, you don't need it. It is so complicated as there are two separate companies with 4 different coloured buses. There was also red buses and black buses that we have no idea about. This first picture is of their synagogue and its the second largest in the world after the one in New York.
This is one of the best hotels her, the Astoria and the building next door looks derelict above Mc Donald's. The Astoria is build from limestone which absorbs the smog turning from almost white to black. The Astoria is half way through this process and is grey. I wouldn't want to own a building next to a derelict one, the pigeons and rats will be in there along with the damp and other creatures.
The next 3 pictures are all of heroes square. They have lots of bronze statues which oxidize over time getting more and more green. This oxide coat protects the metal underneath so it lasts longer. You can tell the oldest ones by how green they are. You can imagine how many tourists would be around here in the summer.
Look how old and black some of these buildings are. This is just before we crossed the bridge over to the old Buda from the old Pest.
Here we are on the bridge.
This is the famous chain bridge with the lions guarding the entry from the Buda side.
I cant remember what this was but we had to go through to drive up past the castle. You have to pay to get into the castle grounds but its all part of the bus service.
This stop was the Citadel with its stones and spectacular views. The camera couldn't catch the views because the lens made it look mistier than it really did with your eye.
Some old German tanks had been left behind from the war. They were used to shoot over to Pest.
Our first glimpse of the statue that can be seen from Pest the other side of the Danube. It is the highest point of Budapest’s downtown area and so was a military fortress.
More stunning views. you really do have to see them with your eyes to appreciate properly.
There are two smaller statues to keep the main one company. the sun came out briefly, it was quite pleasant.
This is my favorite shot of the day. Although the area was full of tourists taking pictures, nobody spotted this one until they saw me take it. They were queuing up afterwards.
Back in Pest we found our favorite bar, the Budapest Hard Rock. We were quite hungry by now and didn't bother stopping for a drink and neither of us fancied a high priced burger anyway. We wanted to try some local Hungarian food.
We walked around the square and back to the Hard Rock. I like this shot with the glass building against the Hard Rock building. Can you see the Hard Rock through the glass building or is it a reflection?
We found one of those places with the wax chef outside and a 3 course tourist menu at bargain prices. The food wasn’t so good though. We had Goulash soup to start followed by Paprika chicken and gnoshi followed by pancakes. Well it was pancake day.
Well that was our day, it was back to the bus stop for a lift home. Our tickets last for 48 hours so we may use the bus to get around tomorrow. Although I fancy taking a look at their underground system. Anyway we have our room until 5pm so we have the whole day to explore again tomorrow. We already had tea and cakes in the executive lounge and are back in our room watching a film, then its back to the lounge for wine and Caesar salad. Then another film. I love it in the hotel more than outside.
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