Day 9: Parliament and parks

Saint Stephen's Basilica

Sunday morning found us starting our walking tour at the imposing Saint Stephen's Basilica. We walked around looking for a few Art Nouveau buildings and then headed to green Szabadzag Ter, or Freedom Square, where we were baffled to find MTV occupying one of the most beautifull buildings we'd ever seen.

We stopped for tea at a small cafe and then made our way to the Parliament Building, where we explored the area, taking tons of pictures. Today was hot and I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible. Let's just say that the sun and I don't really get along. Isabelle ofcourse couldn't be happier. She comes to life in the sun, while I hide in the shadows. What a pair we make!

Before exploring Margaret Island, we wanted to grab something to eat.

Bridge to Margaret Island

Margaret Island was BUSY. It looked like the whole of Budapest had decided to head to the island that afternoon. We walked and walked, from the southern tip, along ruins, sculptures and hotels, all the way up to the beautiful Japanese Garden and the Arpad Bridge, where we caught the tram to the city park.

By now I was starting to get dehydrated and when we spotted some kind of beer garden, I ran inside, grabbed the first waiter I saw by the collar and demanded a pint of beer pronto.

And a coke for the Misses ofcourse.

After that intermezzo, we explored the Szechenyi Baths, which were absolutely gorgeous with their mosaic ceilings.

Back outside, the heat was starting to get to us. We walked through the park, along the ponds and then went looking for the Jak Chapel and the Anonymous Statue.

When we got to Heroes Square afterwards, the plan was to walk down Andrassy Ut., but we were starting to get a headache from the sun. So we took the subway back to the hotel for a rest and a shower. And then, not feeling all too well, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant and afterwards retreated to our room with its blessed airco.