Budapest

Practically since my arrival in this part of the world, people have been telling me that I should go to Budapest. Last weekend, I finally made that journey up the Danube.

For me, heaven would look something like the baths at Hotel Gellert in Budapest. (At least part of heaven, another part would look like a library.) They are lovely—two large soaking pools in a room with beautifully tiled walls and a skylight. My guidebook likens it to taking a bath in a cathedral. And there is a steam room, saunas, a swimming pool, showers and other things tucked away in nooks & crannies. And the people watching is good, a mix of tourists and locals of all ages. The locker-room floor is even heated. Glorious.

In short, I had a good weekend in Budapest. It’s a pretty city, a good place to visit. The prevalence of English and the crowds of tourists were a bit overwhelming. I can’t imagine what the place is like in the summer. (I won’t have to imagine, as I will probably be heading back in a few months.) There is falafel there, too, which is most welcome.

As is my custom, I tried some of the local junk food. My favorite was rolls of lemon-flavored cheese dipped in chocolate. Delicious. Another contender was fried bread dough topped with garlic, cheese, and sour cream. Also delicious.