28 Nov 2009 (Sat): Hungary Day 1: Star Features
- Zoom zoom to Gatwick LOL Budapest at 6am.
- Reached at Hotel Castle around 3pm.
- Mooched around Christmas market. Was too crowded and went off to eat.
- Tried a traditional Hungary Meal. Very filling Goulash!
29 Nov 2009 (Sun): Hungary Day 2: Star Features.
- controlled Buffet Breakfast with no eggies
- Explored Buda Castle region today. Lots of interesting museums. The most interesting one we visited was the Hungarian National Gallery. Many lovely artworks. Was disappointed that some museum was shut for no reason. Gave the Budapest History Musuem a miss as it was near closing time and we decided that the Hungarian History Musuem would suffice.
- Bought 2006 Tokaji Furmint Dry for 6 euros to try.
- Wonderful view of Pest from the Buda side.
- Exhorbitant but huge serving of chicken sandwich.
- Fusion dinner at hotel restaurant. Ian had mackerel with tempura and vegetables and I had sea bream with crabs and spinach and cheese. Very interesting fusion but fantastic!
30 Nov 2009 (Mon): Hungary Day 3: Star Features
- Explored Parliament area and Danube River.
- Passed St Stephens Basilica.
- Had lunch at the Christmas market: Kürtöskalács , Pomposh and Gluhwein.
- Long stroll from one end of Vaci street to the other end, reaching the wet market.
- After that, an attempt to search for the “Vienna-like” café at Raday Street. But ended up in a Scottish-like café reeked of smoke! YEW!
- Tram ride around Budapest. Breathtaking night view!
- Had nice pizza for dinner at nearby by Mama Rossa.
1 Dec 2009 (Tue): Hungary Day 4: Star Features
- Liszt Musuem was the first stop. Was quite expensive for 3 rooms (800 florints). Had a hard time finding the museum, which we found the Academy of Liszt and The University of Fine Arts first.
- Musuem of Fine Arts was our 2nd stop. Lucky to have art of the Italian masters like Botticelli and Titan on loan. The building of the museum was magnificent. There is a nice hotspring and castle nearby too.
- Museli bars and Hungarian cake for lunch
- Quest for a shop that is supposed to sell exotic toys like yoyo. After braving the rain and tired legs, we found it at a corner, only to be disappointed by the collection and small size.
- On a tram ride back LOL Amused of the burger king and MACS and almost every tram stop.
- Rainy day and we had dinner at the hotel restaurant again. Again, delightful fusion and taste. I had pumpkin soup and grilled chicken. Ian had pumpkin soup and Tortillini.
2nd Dec 2009 (Wed): Hungary Day 5: Star Features
- 1st Stop: Hungarian History Musuem. Hungary seemed to be invaded by everyone : Romans, Ottomans, Austrians, Germans and Russians…
- Lunch at Raday Street but nothing impressive. Salty food.
- Wine tasting at a shop at Vaci street. Was good that we could try a variety of Tokaji and I bought 2 bottles of furmint dry and 1 bottle of Royal Tokaji (2007). Starting to develop some interest in wine cos we have been looking idiotic in front of wine sellers.
- Rest stop at Anna café for people-watching.
- State Opera house has nothing fascinating going on. But notice Louis Vuitton sits beside it.
- Tried taking some night shot but this canon not very good with it.
- Had Hungarian 21 for dinner. Intended to have some authentic Hungarian food. Ended with Schnitzel and Goulash. Ian had goose liver which was sinful but yummy.
3rd Dec 2009 (Thur): Hungary Day 6: Star Features
- 1st stop: Haydn Musuem. Manuscripts, handpumped organ etc… We were the only guests there! Hurhurhur
- Bump around in hotel.
- Quest to find a concerto shop. Found it but it sells mainly LP and is very tiny.
- Went to have lunch at Spinoza Café instead, known for the piano performance at nights. Cheap food but strange service.
- Feeling a bit tired, we headed back to hotel to rest. After a nap, we went to TGIF (at mammoth) for dinner. I had the saltiest salmon in my life. Ian had Cajun Chicken. We shared a mocha mudpie.
4th Dec 2009 (Fri): Hungary Day 7: Star Features
- Stroll at Citadel. Foggy Day
- Waited at Hungarian Airport for 2 hours. Boring Airport. *YAWN*
- Chinese takeaway for dinner. Chicken Chow Mian + Egg Fried Rice + Lemon Chicken
