Day 222 – Eger to Budapest - Thurs 3 Oct

Day 222 – Eger to Budapest - Thurs 3 Oct
What a beautiful clear sunny day to drive to Budapest - and not on the overpriced autobahn! Secondary roads in very good condition. Passed big open-cut coal operation and accompanying power station - clean looking emissions, compared to ugly pollution of China. Big supermarket and one-stop options appearing eg OBI/Bunnings. We stayed in Arena Camping, in a caravan park (recommended by Tomacz).

Taxi to city, 3,600 forints, our driver Shorje/George had a couple of hairy moves -"The road is mine" he declared! "Budapesht" as locals pronounce it, was once two cities separated by Danube, Buda and Pest, until united with Old Buda to form the new capital. Took hop-on/off bus tour (yellow line) a rare opportunity for our drivers to sit back and enjoy all the sights. Saw buildings (Cigar Tower, Great Synagogue) in a blend of styles and ages, many Austro-Hungarian Empire style with ornate windows and painted doors, and angels supporting balconies. The colourful tiles of the Great Market Hall were a treat. 

                                       

It’s a composer’s city, home of Lizst and the Kodaly system of music/ teaching. Poor city – we lost track of the nations involved in invasions (31!!) conquerings, and liberations from Mongols through Turks to Russians – but it did explain the multitudinous architectural styles. The whale-shaped CET looked jarringly brash in this historical city, and there were glimpses throughout of a more modern lifestyle.  

Next we took a boat trip up Danube (its “blue if you are in love") gliding under many bridges -  the stone Széchenyi Chain Bridge guarded by lions, the intricate green Liberty/ Freedom/ Independence Bridge (spires topped by eagle on golden orb), and (by contrast boring!) the new Elizabeth Bridge (the Buda end runs straight into the foot of the hill with the statue of St Gellért who was thrown to his death from the top by rebellious heathens in 1046). Looked like we got the best view of the Parliament building from the river. 

We mellowed in sunshine, disembarked at Margaret Island (old Isle of Rabbits), drank mulled wine and hot apple cider, sweet and delicious alongside the musical fountain.

 

Changed our money, had dinner (if it was csarda it was very ordinary)  at Shiller bar with posters of him fighting Mohammed Ali. Despite the cold outside, found it too hot next to brazier, quickly shedding all our layers of clothing. Taxi home tried to charge us 15,000 forints ($75), but Miles was a champion and took him on. Driver bullied "I'm city taxi, not camping taxi", followed by "you pay night rates". Both threatened to call police. Our hero Miles won and we ended up paying 5,000 forints!