A Train To Budapest
After four wonderful days in Prague, we hopped on a train bound for Budapest. The ride was just over six hours long through parts of Slovakia as well as the Czech Republic and Hungary.
We arrived at the Hotel Boscolo just in time for a delicious dinner at the restaurant just off the opulent lobby.
The next morning, we explored the city starting with St. Stephen Cathedral and the Christmas markets in front of the cathedral.
Dad spotted this awesome bike on our walk.
A walk across the chain bridge.
On our way to meet some friends of my parents who happened to be in the city at the same time, we took a walk up the Danube River. It. Was. Freezing. But after we started walking, we didn’t even notice! The sun was shining, the scenery was breathtaking, and the company — the best.
That night (and the following night) we had a night cap at the hotel cigar bar. It’s actually not a cigar bar anymore but still a very cool ambiance.
On our last full day, we went up to the old part of the city — the Buda part of Budapest. This was my favorite part of the city. It’s also where the seat of government is as well as the national art gallery, where we were able to spend most of the afternoon.
After the gallery, we stopped for a visit in Matthias Church. The architecture and decoration were really unique. Every inch was painted with colorful filigree. I especially loved this corkscrew window and stained glass. That night my mom and I got the chance to experience a Budapest spa — something the city is well known for. I wasn’t able to take pictures but this was such a great way to end the trip. The women at the spa were so friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. My mom and I don’t really do that sort of thing often, but getting to do it together at the end of a once in a lifetime trip was perfect.