Adventure 19: Budapest

Budapest for me, was one of the most vibrant and fun cities I've been to. We happened to be staying in a great area for nightlife, which helped, but the whole place seemed like it was one big party.

Our visit didn't start off to well. We caught the right number bus, but in the wrong direction, ending up in some random neighbourhood outside the centre. So we crossed the street and jumped on without a ticket. Bad move. We got busted almost straight away by a ticket inspector. Lucky for us, we held out and insisted they call the police when they tried to bargain a rate for the 'fine' with us. They pretended to call them and we were stuck in a bit of a stalemate, not knowing what to do, when we got saved by a friendly accomodation tout. pheew! 80 euros saved.

Our hostel was a converted apartment and very, very, 'cozy'. We were lucky to have a really fun aussie couple staying there who we hung out with a lot going to warehouse, cellar and rooftop bars all over the city. A perfect way to spend a week of 40 degree heat.

One of the biggest highlights of Budapest (especially in that type of heat) are the baths. Thermal and fresh water pools that have been in Budapest since the Romans wandered through. We spent two afternoons splashing around and trying out all the different saunas and plunge pools all the way from 80 degrees (sauna) to 18 degrees (the coldest plunge pool). We emerged both times wrinked, happy, and ready for some amayingly good Israeli falafel that was just across the street from the hostel. Quite possibly the best falafel in the world - even better than Rowda in Newtown.

I was so sad to leave this city - I'll definitely be back.

Photos to come probably in London. We're in Berlin at the moment, staying in a really cool district, 30 degrees every day, too many fun things to do, see, buy here!