Greetings from the West End of the Pest section of Budapest. Flew here on the 4th and we have been touring the city since then. Because of all the points I gained from my forays to Bucharest- the hotel upgraded us to a corner suite when we got here. Didn't ask for it-but it is pretty nice indeed.
What is not so nice is the S.O.'s increasing tendency for her to expect me to know exactly how to get somewhere within 15 seconds of leaving a subway or a bus. Now mind you, she has zero sense of direction-but is more than content to march off in the wrong direction and then scold me for not telling her it was wrong. As I have had to remind her more than a couple of times-it takes a little time to orient oneself with a map. Hey at least I can read a map-which is more than can be said for her.
Which brings me to my first point of the trip-Google Maps is worth its weight in gold at least for its I-Phone iteration. So far it has proved excellent at breaking the mystery of the Budapest transport system and making the right Bus or Tram recommendation.
Which also brings up a second recommendation if you come to Budapest. Get a three day transport card or a Budapest card. ( Only get the Budapest card if you are planning on going to all the museums-other wise it is not worth it.) The three day card costs 3450 HUF and allow access to all trams, busses, and the Metro system. Took us a while to break the code the first day-but it has made our travels about the city much quicker. The transport system is much older-but everything works. ( Incidentally-they don't check tickets on the busses, but don't get caught without one, the fine is huge. We got to watch someone get physically dragged off the bus when a transit inspector came aboard).
As for the city itself-there are those who say it is prettier than Prague. I don't buy it. Bigger than Prague maybe-but its different than Prague. And not as pretty. Plus when you get outside the renovated city center-one like me has flashbacks to Bucharest. Its clear in both countries the Communists really fucked these countries up-but it appears that Hungary is doing a better job of Romania than making a comeback. But just like Bucharest-run down buildings are out in the suburbs. And its HOT here in the summer.
Which brings me to a fourth and final point about this city. The temps climbed to 42 C today. Which is both a good news / bad news situation. Bad news because its 42 C. (107 degrees for metrically challenged Americans). The good news is that at that temperature-women just forgo bras and full length pants. Shorts and sundresses are out and about. Plus there are lots of women in those sundresses with nice breasts. Girl watching here is just as much fun as Bucharest.
More to follow on food etc. Pix also to follow.