Budapest

Monday, February 13 we woke up and loaded the bus. The bus ride took around 6-8 hours to get to our next destination, Budapest. When we arrived we checked into the Kings Hotel. Let me say it was not the nicest of places but it worked. An hour after we checked in we took a bus tour of the city. At first I wasn’t too impressed with what Budapest had to offer but then went to the Buda Castle where the royal family lived and boy was I amazed. The view from atop to castle were breathtaking. We were able to see the parliament building and the bridge across the Danube River all lit up. It was certainly another ah-ha moment for me. I think sometimes it is really easy to forget about the world beauty when you see it up close, all the trash and graffiti, but when you step back and look at it from afar it is one of a kind.

The tour ended in the main shopping area where we had dinner. The place sort of reminded me of Pannera Bread but with pizzas and that sort of food. After dinner the whole group of JMU students went out to a bar called Szimpla. It was very artsy and had an array of eclectic furniture. You were also able to write on the walls. I liked it because it was a very relaxing atmosphere compared to the load crazy places we had been going.

JMU College of Business was Here!



Szimpla

 The next day we took another walking/bus tour of Budapest. Sites that we saw included the Parliament building, the Szent Istvan-Bazilika, which is the largest church in Budapest, and Heroes Square. For lunch we were treated to a buffet. It was delicious and they had all different types of food. After lunch free time began and some girls and I went shopping.



Parliment




Szent Istvan-Bazilika




My Roomate and I in Heroes Park

After a long day of shopping we came back to the hotel put on our bathing suit and went to the Budapest Baths. The hot spring water is drawn from underground and emptied into pools. It is traditional for people to meet and relax in the baths and most Hungarians think that the baths have healing powers. Some insurance providers even cover the cost of using the baths. After relaxing in the baths for a few hours I was sufficiently pruney and went back to the hotel for a good night of rest.

Our last day in Budapest was a half day. We woke up and listed to a speech from a member of the Hungarian Stock Exchange. Then we loaded the bus and were off the Vienna, Austria. Finally here's a fun fact: Budapest is actually 2 cities, Buda and Pest! You learn something new every day.