Eleventh Entry: Cluj to Budapest

How appropriate that we would leave Romania on such a dismal day! Our days there were light-hearted and filled with sunshine. The dreariness of the day matched our feelings. Marinel drove us to Cluj for our train to Budapest.

However, the gloom of the day made this stop perfect! Hotel Dracula for coffee and a show. Being led down dark stairs by candlelight, we were told about the Count. The candle light was extinguished, the coffin opened, and the desk clerk jumped out! Exiting via the dark staircase, a hand grazed our thighs. We all thought it was each other, but No!!! Someone else was in on the scare...and this one REALLY surprised us!

As we arrived in Cluj, who was on Romanian radio, but Iz singing his beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Rural views from the train included gypsy camps and wildlife.

JP and I arrived late in Budapest at night, but we had to find something to eat. Just a couple of blocks away, we found a nice little eatery that we would visit more than once.

We began our wanderings around the city with stops that included St. Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion and just lots of walking around. JP had asked a friend from his high school days and her husband to join us as they live in Germany. We wandered until their arrival later our first day. I was amazed at what an upscale city Budapest has become although it was beautiful and vibrant on my first trip.

(My previous visit to Budapest was 18 June 1985-a day trip from Vienna. I did recall the beauty of the city, but my journal reflects more of my fellow tourists and their personalities, not being allowed to take pictures along the border, hidden Russian barracks among the trees near the border, our guide continually reminding us that we were on a schedule, two of the men in our group writing their postcards as they walked, and the guard trying to pronounce my name when they returned passports to us. Some one in the crowd commented, "Those American names!" We did have a delicious meal in The Hungarian Restaurant on Lenin Place, a noodle soup, cabbage salad, pork with noodles and sauce, and chocolate cake.)

War Memorial

The delightful couple who met us...

so sorry that the hotel insisted that she take my worn out shoes home with her! I left them by the trashcan just IN CASE someone would want them! I think they felt badly that they had removed my bed and had to bring in another one for the last night. They just didn't know that we were an aunt/nephew traveling together.

"Shoes on the Danube Promenade"
A memorial to those who were shot into the river during the 1940's
60 pairs of iron shoes stretching for about 40 meters

Fisherman's Bastion
JP and I ate a lovely lunch outdoors at this lovely restaurant Halaszbastya

Interior of St. Matthias Church
Beautiful details and stained glass

The 'Hop On-Hop Off' bus ticket included a Danube cruise, goulash soup, and a beer. We cruised at dusk to watch the city light up.

 JP had a great idea when he came up with this trip. I wonder where his great ideas will take us next..........