Derek who i met yesterday is actually named Dirk. I got that wrong at first. He is traveling in his car and was heading to Budapest next, which was my next stop too. So guess what happened?
Exactly.
We started early from Vienna around 8 am, if i remember correctly. Took the metro to the parking garage where he left his car and headed to Budapest. Got breakfast at a gas station. Yogurt and nuts. Sitting on the sideway overlooking a field and a wind farm. The journey to Budapest was about the 3 hours. We spoke about this and that. The time passed quickly. The scenerey was interesting. Mountains again for a lot of it. Green mountains.
Interestingly the river Danube runs all the way from Vienna through Bratislava and Budapest. It has always done that. I learnt about it today. Even more interestingly, it is the second longest river in Europe. Not only does it run through these three cities, it in fact runs through 10 countries. Starting in Donauesschingen in the German Black Forest. Hence the name Donau or the anglicized Danube. It then runs through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. Eventually falling into the Black Sea. Only the river Nile runs through more number of countries. 11.
Are you itching about the longest river in Europe? Volga. Never heard of it? Me neither. Runs through Russia. Never been. Would like to go.
Dirk and i started the evening walking through downtown Pest, which is also where we are staying. The area is very lively. Lots of bars, cafes, restaurants and a youthful vibe and energy. Ground floors of many old buildings have been refurbished and repainted into rugged, industrial style looking cool cafes with funny writings about — oh coffee — what would life be with you.
The river bisects Budapest into Buda and Pest. We started walking along the riverside on the Pest side and crossed over to the Buda side. The view is breathtkaking on both sides. In different ways. The Hungarian Parliament is the most imposing structure on the river front in Pest. The eyes naturally gravitate to it if you are walking on the Buda riverside, looking over to Pest.
In Buda, we spotted some people dancing up top on a victory arch type of structure. Had to climb a few stairs over a hill. People were dancing Tango. Others were having a picnic. The Chain Bridge with the two lions, the river and an iconic dome shaped building that i don’t the name of formed the backdrop. Very atmospheric.
Now it’s time to try the local drink Fröccs — wine and soda with the local delicacy Langosh —deep fried dough topped with garlic, sourcream and cheese. So gourmet.
