18-Jun-2007 |
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Day 45 - Tuesday 14th June 2005Very hot today. We caught a tram outside the hotel, then walked across the "Chain Bridge" to Buda. I presume the bridge is named because the bridge cables look like gigantic bicycle chains. The local coppers were doing a roaring trade, they had a video camera set up and were pulling up numerous drivers for some infraction, I know not what. They would have been at home in Victoria. We then caught the funicular up to the castle at the top of the hill. Walked through broad old streets along the ridge to Matthias Church. The interior was spectacular, with all the columns and walls frescoed in a variety of patterns. A "falconer" was in the Fisherman's Bastion next door and for the price of 2 Euros, I was able to glove up and have his goshawk perch on my hand. Nice sharp beak it had too. We had a quick lunch then walked back to Pest and caught a 2 hour tour of the city in an open bus. It was a great way to see the Budapest, especially as it gave our feet a rest. When the tour finished we went to St. Stephens basilica. Extraordinary opulence, lined with marble and gold leaf decoration (apparently 44kgs of gold). Had a nice dinner at a riverside restaurant.
This site was last updated 18-06-07 |