Lordy am I Hungary! Yeah! Everyone loves a terrible pun, but
here we were, in the capital of Hungary. Having heard a thousand good things
about Budapest, we were quite excited to check out this fine city full of
history and culture. Whilst it is pretty I would suggest that Prague is the
prettier of the two cities and there are many similarities that can be drawn
between the two, but in terms of partying Budapest takes the cake. Separated by
the Danube, the city is divided into Buda and Pest. Pest is the business and
wealthy district whilst Buda is the party side of town and where you will
consume food in modern and indie bars and cafes.
Staying at David Hostelhoff party hostel, we knew immediately
this was going to be a fun few days. And fun was most definitely had! The first
night out was spent on the party river cruise where I had to admire the
breathtaking beauty of the city through one eye after Em almost blinded me with
a premature opening of her champagne. Plenty of new friends were made on this
rather enjoyable cruise and stumble home.
Feeling the need for a lot of fresh air we spent the next
day embarking a slow meander around the art filled streets of Budapest whilst
sampling some delicious food. Being in Hungary we knew we had to sample the
many Hungarian baths within the city. Deciding on the cheapest one, only later
discovering we were the only non-locals in the place, a whole day was dedicated
to relaxing whilst avoiding looking at the many large boned Hungarians floating
past you in the whirlpool. Without our knowledge we joined a Hungarian
hydrotherapy class whilst gently floating in the 35 degree pool. Well believe
me, you haven’t done hydrotherapy until you’ve done it without understanding a
word the instructor is saying and following the 65 year old Hungarian woman in
front of you. Enjoyable is an understatement.
Organising an impromptu pub crawl with two Finnish, three
English and four Australians was our final night in this fine city. And what a
pub crawl it was! The ruin bars are world renowned and for good reason. They
are old communist buildings that were left to disrepair until the mid-2000’s
when some young adventurous folk decided it would make a great bar. They weren’t
wrong. Graffiti strewn walls, caved in walls, strange murals and sculptures
adoring all corners makes this one of the greatest places I have ever visited.
The crawl part of pub crawl became literal at about 4.30 in the morning whilst
trying to get home as the sun made its way into the sky over this outstanding
city.
P.S. whilst in Budapest we had a crack at the Exit Point
game, which is a simple concept of being locked in a room and having to work
out clues and problems as you try to get out within an hour. Sort of like Saw,
but no one loses their legs. It. Was. Awesome. We decided to coerce three
English girls and one Aussie lad into joining us through in the Alice in
Wonderland themed room. Ridiculous amounts were fun and we almost made it out.
Two locks to go when the time ran out. If you ever get the chance to do one of
these make sure you do. You won’t regret it!
Well central Europe you have been exceptional. Cheap.
Exciting. Eye opening. One surprise after the next was discovered and I thank
you. Old friends and new, but the time has come to disappear west and finally
go for a surf.
