Budapest is one of the most beautiful and underestimated cities in Europe I've said before. The creative, vibrant city is the capital of Hungary and home to one of the largest populations of international students, and for good reason. Budapest is super affordable. I still couldn't believe how easy my wallet got off. The daily cost of living, and the prices of rents and food, gas astounded me. I surmise the likes of which we will never see here again in the states. And with so many students, we met many interesting people daily and had conversations with. Warbucks is currently friends with two Italian students. They even invited us to one of their parties one night...it felt like a mini–United Nations of the next generation!!!! The two of them along with a guy from Ireland were my host two days when Warbucks had business to tend too. They definitely gave me a good tour of daily life and took me to some pubs the one day. Good times. Must of their cultural events also like the ballet, opera, symphony, theatre and art events are all affordable so everyone can enjoy them, not to mention, daily transportation passes are at unheard of prices. Here in the states, it is almost an arm and a leg to go see the opera, ballet or Broadway show. Some days if you have no itinerary...just walk the streets like we did...there is always something of interest and beauty to be seen.
Stunning design in the metro station
This is one of Budapest's most moving memorials...Shoes on the Danube. Sculptors Gyula Pauer and Can Togay created a moving memorial that sits on the edge of the Danube River. Passerby will see over 60 pairs of rusted period shoes cast out of iron. Different sizes and style reflect how nobody was spared by the Arrow Party, a sympathetic to the Nazi regime. Between 1944-45 the fascist party seized power in Budapest. Thousands of Jews were then confined in the city's ghetto, and later, thousands were executed on the banks of the Danube. Before being put to death , they were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and tossed into the river. A chilling memorial.
Some of the "other" nice street scenes!!!! WOOF!
The things he could have showed me. I'm terrible Muriel.
