Budapeshshsht

'Budapest' is pronounced correctly with the 's' as an 'sh'. Try pronouncing it with the emphasis on the 'sh'.....it's really fun.

We were in Budapest for 4 days, which was a day too long. Maybe we were spoiled with Athens and Istanbul. Here are a couple of highlights:

You can hold a 20,000 note in your hand and not be nervous about losing it. The exchange rate is 220 HUF to $1, so figuring out prices can be a little tricky.

Hungarian Baths. Hungarians love their baths and we found a great one in Budapest. There are different temperature pools and spas that are heated from underground mineral springs. A relaxing way to start (or end) your day.

St. Stephens Day - first day we were there was a national holiday. The city was alive with a folk arts festival, musical performances and fireworks.

Food was heavy and filling. Lots of stews (or goulash). Not a lot of vegetables.

Hungarian Folk Dancing - these guys and gals danced like Irish riverdancers with plenty of stomping, clapping and snapping, and dressed with a conservative, amish type attire. Fun performance, watch out for my folk dancing moves in the future!

Architecture - Budapest went through a building boom in the late 19th century so most of the buildings are of a similar style. The Parliment and the Buda Castle stand out.

Metro and bridges - Budapest is a big city. It's actually split in two with Buda on one side of the Danube and Pest on the other. The metro system was old, but incredibly reliable, as it was rare we would have to wait more than two minutes for a train. There are also beautiful bridges that connect the city.

Not our favorite city, but had a few good experiences. On to Slovakia...