May 7 – Beauty in Budapest

I have heard many times that Budapest is the prettiest capital city in Europe. As we sailed in this morning, I had to agree this divided city of bridges is very beautiful. We had a glorious day with sunshine and mild weather, sailing under the many bridges. But on each side the buildings were so mixed and many unusual: a very modern building shaped like a fish, attached to an old 19th century warehouse; a castle on a hill with a magnificent cathedral; or the Parliament building across the river. It really was a bit of sensory overload this morning during breakfast.

During our morning city tour we saw many more amazing beautiful buildings, but this city has a very painful past. Our guide was a hoot, sharing many stories of the history, with a bit of humor. After telling of the turbulent times of WWII we drove through what was once the area occupied by Russia after they liberated the city...and forgot to go home for 40 years. There was quite a bit of what appeared to be unusual traffic while we tried to drive by the large Jewish synagogue, so our driver took us down what looked like an alley. I think we all sucked in our breath so our bus would fit between cars and pedestrians in that alley/street. He was by far the best driver during these past few weeks.

I knew there was a story of murder on the Danube during the war, but didn't remember the details. Well today we drove past one of the Holocaust memorials along the river. It was a long display of shoes that made my throat constrict as she told us the story. A few weeks before the city was liberated, the Jewish population was lined up along the banks of the Danube and told to step out of their shoes. Then they were shot and pushed into the river. She said the reason they know of this horrifying story is because some of the mothers, anticipating what was to come, had pushed their children into the river to keep them from being shot. So, there were a few children who survived this genocide to tell. Anyway, the reminder of this event is depicted in a long row of shoes along the bank of the river in all sizes of men, women and children.

Our ship is parked on the Buda side where the mountains rise into the sky and beautiful buildings up and on top of the hills. My hotel for tomorrow is on the Pest side, which is the main city, both new and old. So much of this city was destroyed during the many bombs during the war, as were many other cities we saw on this trip, but it all seems to work together. There are many museums, cafes and pedestrian walking streets, and lovely boulevards.

Back at the ship this afternoon we were treated to a traditional Hungarian folk song and dance team. The musicians were a delight, as were the dancers. Some of the singers were fun and there was another opera singer performing. She was dressed beautifully, but her voice was way too big for this tiny boat.

Tonight was our Captain's Farewell Dinner, which meant another formal evening. On our playful evening in Durnstein earlier this week, one of the girls in "our group" had decided that she wanted to see what my hair would look like straight and doll me up with her fancy new flat-iron. Today was the day for this make-over of mine, so about 5pm I went up to have her do my hair and her roommate did my make-up. Well, she was surprised to notice my hair did not want to go straight, so she let it curve to its natural wave. I have to admit, this current haircut was perfect for what she was doing and it really looked great. With the make-up touches they made, I looked like a new person. 

In fact, I received glowing approval from my table mates and even some special comments from some of the other passengers I had gotten chummy with this week. I felt like a movie star. Of course by the time I get home I'm going to feel like a zombie, but that's another story. For now, I am Cinderella. My pumpkin does not expire until 1pm tomorrow. I was delighted to find out I can stay onboard tomorrow and enjoy breakfast and a light lunch before I get off and head for my hotel. Of course, I have to give up my room at 8:30am, but the lounges will be a delightful way to spend the morning before disembarking.

 I still need to get packed, so I will say goodnight for now!

Teresa

European River Cruise Vacation Part 1

European River Cruise Vacation Part 2

European River Cruise Vacation Part 3

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