Budapest
We visited Budapest for 8 days in September 2007. Instead of giving you a chronological view of our
trip, I've decided to break the city down into parts. Click the links for more images in each
category.
Architecture: The varied architecture of the city ranges from
the stately to the whimsical. We pose in front of the building you just can't get away from (it's so
big!): the Parliament. There was a contest to design this building. The 2nd and 3rd place buildings
are just behind it. I guess they couldn't pass up on those grand buildings. On the right is part of
the Fishermen's Bastion. Sorry, I don't know why it's called that, but it looks like a fantasy
castle.
Nature & Panoramas: Sitting astride the Danube means that Budapest is perfect for panorama and nature photography. Margaret Island is 2-mile long park in
the middle of the city. They have flowers there! On the right is the city (Buda on the left, Pest on
the right) taken from the Citadel, where the Statue of Freedom is.
People & History: The people and history of Budapest
an interesting mix: wonderfully friendly people and a slightly terrifying history of being caught in
the middle of wars and occupations. On the left is the celebration on the last day of the national
wine festival (do we plan these things right or what?). On the right is 60 Andrassy Ut, the House of
Terror, where both the Nazi and Soviet secret police based their operations, and executed hundreds
in the basement. Visiting this museum was a very powerful experience, especially when you walk out
onto the street and realize that anyone over the age of about 20 has living memories of the most recent
occupation.
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Bridges & Churches: Budapest is famous for its bridges and
churches - especially the Chain Bridge. On the right is the interior of St. Matthias Church,
which is seriously ornate inside and out.