OOOPS, that got canceled and Ivan flip-flopped the day's activities with those scheduled for Wednesday - the thermal baths.
We decided that we weren't prepared for the baths and having to change clothes, retrieve cover-ups, etc. so Barb, Charles, Earle and I opted to buy tickets for the HopOn, Hop Off bust tour. We set out to pick up the tour at the New York Cafe.
We really wanted to go back to Castle Hill and try to get into Matthias Church, hoping that Tuesday morning was not a good time for weddings. We hopped off the bus at the base of the hill and wound our way up through stairs, elevators, and passages to the palace square and library.
Retracing some of our steps from Sunday, came to the church and were glad to find that we could go in. Someone remarked that he was getting tired of churches, but, to me, a church is a reflection of the time and so decorated that you can't not see them.
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| The high altar with the crowned blessed lady |
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| Replica of St. Stephen's crown |
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| Coronation chairs - the fleur d'lis reflects Cissy's French lineage |
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| Tomb of King Béla III (1172-1196) and his wife, Ann Chatillon |
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After the visit to the church it was time for some sustenance. We walked down the hill from the church square and found a nice little cafe that featured sandwiches and ice cream dishes.
With renewed energy, it was back to some sightseeing. We headed down from Castle Hill to HopOn to our bus via the funnicular. It was a really short ride, but one that we wanted to experience.
We decided that the next stop would be St. Stephen's Basilica. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in the skyline of Budapest and the most important church of the capital city. Constructed beginning in 1851, it is dedicated to the patron saint of Hungary. The inside was cavernous with so many chapels and statues.
What was even more impressive were the views of the city from the North Tower of the Basilica. Thank goodness there were 2 elevators and just minimum steps on this very warm day. We viewed both Matthias Church and the Dahany Synagogue's onion domes, as well as Parliament and the Hungarian Royal Post Savings bank with its tiled roof.
As we continued our HopOn bus route we were just enthralled by the architecture and beauty of the city. A few glimpses of that beauty are photographed here.
We got back to the hotel and changed for dinner. We needed to eat a bit early tonight because of the Folklore Show. So off around the corner and down the street to Lado Cafe. It was recommended by the program directors and later found out that it was a place that my friend Paola had gone when she was in Budapest. Some chicken Paprikash for Earle and me, Pork medallions for Barbara and Beef Stroganoff for Charles. We can't believe how cheaply one can eat here.
It was then off to the Hungarian Folklore Show. The auditorium was uncomfortably warm, as we have grown to expect, but the seats were excellent (1st row) and we enjoyed the performance.
A long day, but a fun one. We were glad that we decided to pass on the baths and explore Budapest on our own. We got to see things that were central to the life of this city that we would have otherwise missed.
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