Saying hello to Hungary.

We are making our way across Eastern Europe, and now here we are in Budapest. Amazing, to finally see these countries that were so dark and mysterious (and communist!) when I first learned of them as a young girl. As usual, I am excited to be here, and worried that four nights is not nearly enough time to do it justice.

To get into the city, we took a Zone Taxi from the airport. I have no idea how much it cost because the currency conversion is someting like 1500 to 1 and my math skills escape me with this particular set of numbers. Their prices have way to many zeros, I can confirm that.

We are really happy with our room at Kempinski Hotel, but the rate doesn't include breakfast, and we've kind of gotten used to breakfast as part of the package. When the receptionist said it was an extra 30 Euro per person for breakfast, Steve and I both laughed, like he was joking. But he wasn't: seriously, breakfast here is $45 per person. That must be some buffet. Um, no thanks, we'll find something else...

We explored our area a little bit -- gorgeous, gorgeous weather here! So cool... what a nice change from baking in Turkey. There is a walking street near us and we strolled up and down, then went this way and that way. Lots of tourists out, and lots of restaurants catering to their needs with high priced food. I am really surprised -- I thought Hungary was supposed to be cheap, but nothing I see supports that theory. We finally settle at Anna Cafe for its excellent corner location. At least we have an interesting view as we are being served overpriced substandard food...