After two fast-paced weeks of traveling, today was our chance to slow down and savor the beauty of Budapest. With no alarms set, we enjoyed a relaxed morning before heading out to explore some of the city’s highlights using Budapest’s bus system for the first time. The day took us from lively Christmas markets to a solemn memorial, with plenty of history and delicious Hungarian food along the way.
Morning in Budapest
We started the day at a leisurely pace, enjoying breakfast before getting ready for our outing. The plan was to take the #72 bus from right outside our hotel to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the nearby Christmas Market.
Our First Bus Adventure
In true traveler fashion, our first attempt at navigating Budapest’s bus system didn’t go quite as planned. We accidentally hopped on the northbound bus instead of the southbound one. But instead of stressing, we decided to turn the detour into an impromptu city tour! The #72 bus loops around, so eventually, we found ourselves heading in the right direction and arrived at St. Stephen’s Basilica.
St. Stephen’s Basilica and Christmas Market
The St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, was an awe-inspiring sight. Its grand dome, intricate details, and impressive size make it a must-see.
The adjacent Christmas Market was bustling with activity, and we took our time strolling through the stalls. At one stall, we admired some handmade products and asked the vendor about her work. Using a Google Translate app, she and Rob exchanged messages. When Rob shared that his paternal grandparents were from Hungary, her face lit up. “So you are 50% Hungarian!” she typed, smiling warmly. Moments like this remind us how travel connects us across cultures.
Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
After leaving the market, we walked down toward the Danube River to visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial.
This somber memorial features 60 pairs of iron shoes lined up along the riverbank, representing the lives lost during a dark chapter in Hungarian history. In 1944-45, members of the fascist Arrow Cross militia forced thousands of Jews to remove their shoes before shooting them into the river.
Standing there, with the river flowing quietly, was a poignant moment. The simplicity of the memorial speaks volumes about the tragedy it commemorates.
Exploring the Parliament and More of the Market
From the memorial, we continued walking along the river to the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the largest and most iconic buildings in Europe. Its neo-Gothic design is breathtaking, with intricate details that make it a photographer’s dream. Walking around the massive structure gave us a sense of its scale and importance.
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Just another store on a street
Afterward, we headed back to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Christmas Market for lunch. We tried two traditional Hungarian dishes:
- Cabbage Rolls: Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory filling of meat and rice, served in a flavorful tomato sauce. One of the foods that Rob grew up with.
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| One of the greeters at the food stand |
- Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): A sweet pastry made by wrapping dough around a spit, baking it, and coating it with sugar and cinnamon. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely delicious!
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| Decorating fresh cookies |
Back to the Hotel
After a full day of exploring, we hopped back on the bus (southbound this time!) and returned to the hotel. The day was a perfect mix of sightseeing, reflection, and enjoying the local flavors of Budapest.
Reflections on the Day
Taking time to slow down and explore Budapest at a relaxed pace was just what we needed. From connecting with locals at the Christmas Market to reflecting on history at the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial, the day reminded us of the city’s depth and beauty. And of course, the delicious Hungarian food was a highlight!
This blog post was created collaboratively with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, which helped to structure and draft the narrative based on the day’s events.
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