December 18: Budapest, Hungary
Late last night we sailed into Budapest and the lights on the buildings were amazing.....just a few of the pics from last night to start our final 24 hours of the cruise:
I joined Dennis & Mary on the included Panoramic Tour of Budapest, highlighted by a visit to Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. Kim had debated about joining us because she had booked a hike and she was afraid of being out in the mid-20's for four hours, but she decided she really wanted to do it and off she went. The first hour and change we drove around the city and our guide pointed out some of the iconic sights of Budapest......
We departed the bus on Castle Hill and made the short walk up to the crest where we explored St. Mathias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. I continue to be amazed by how no tour/city is the same EVEN if we've been here before. Kim and I were on this exact tour three years ago and we were never told or given the opportunity to explore the upper levels of the cathedral, which I did with Dennis today.
The main boulevard - snow covered! - modeled after the Champs Elysee in Paris
One of many government buildings - so festive with the snow
Hero's Square
The famous Chain Bridge
Inside the cathedral - these flags were hung in 1867 for the coronation of the emperor and the originals are STILL there!
Fisherman's Bastion from below (top) and from the front of the church
The turrets of Fisherman's Bastion
Obviously I am a big fan of Fisherman's Bastion. I told Dennis & Mary today that of all the trips Kim and I have been on the top five memorable places were the Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Marksburg Castle (Germany), the Twelve Apostles (Australia), and Fisherman's Bastion. I must say that my MOST FAVORITE MOMENT of the trip occurred here today. While we were on the tour of Castle Hill we walked Fisherman's Bastion, then walked together into the church. The guide asked us to take a seat and as I was about to enter a pew my cute little wife came racing up with THE BIGGEST smile on her face, gave me a kiss and told me she was NOT cold! I had thought about her all morning and to see her so very happy was just great! As we were waiting for the bus to pick us up there was an overlook with several snow-covered pictures waiting to be taken....the best of the bunch I snapped was this one with the church framed in the snow.
Budapest Castle Hill City Hike
While we were on the included tour, Kim joined ten other brave souls who HIKED for four hours (actually more of a walk than an actual hike) from the ship to Castle Hill and back again.
The funicular up the hill which Kim took to get to the top of Castle Hill
The best photo of the day of the Parliament building (used in nearly ALL Viking Cruises television commercials)
Welcome to the Budapest Christmas Market
Sooooo many different venues with so much to choose from
But of course, a mug of gluhwein and a souvenir mug!
MANY outdoor cafes on the streets - all with heaters and EACH chair has it's own personal blanket!
One last Christmas Market selfie!
We all headed to bed earlier than usual because our shuttle bus to the airport departs at 3:30 am! We should land in Fort Lauderdale around 7:00 pm - another amazing adventure!
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