Budapest
Day 2
We learned of one middle-aged man’s
frustration with the unequal treatment of natives and refugees. The government
and private donors provide meals and stipends to the refugees that exceed the
opportunities given to their own citizens who must work hard for their modest
quality of life. He believes all should receive equal benefits and the
expectation of work, not handouts. His retired mother is paid 64 euros/mo but
they do get subsidized health care at 2 euros/visit.
Today
we transferred from our boat in Pest and checked into the Buda Budapest Hilton. To their credit, they reveal part of
an ancient building (church?) right outside the bar. It is like peeling back a
banana skin? Imagine sipping your Hungarian Merlot to a background of “Frosty
The Snowman.” Christmas is celebrated in such a big way here in Eastern Europe.
It’s a marvelous place for someone like me who loves these decorations. The
lobby contains a gingerbread village replete with adorable Hungarian children
reaching out to touch the yummy stuff.
We
walked down the many stone steps to the base of the Buda Hill, crossed the
Chain Bridge, and then followed the river path to the amazing, neogothic,
imposing Parliament. It was chilly outside. We were smiling when we spotted the
underground entrance. We were frowning when we learned we must wait until
exactly noon, the time of our tour, before approaching the entrance gate. So
regimented and so efficient. After passing through security, we joined our
guide, a diminutive woman with a megaphone voice. This is the third largest
legislative building in the world. Like Matthias Church nearby, the decorations
are detailed, but never superfluous. Dreamy shades of blue and green accented
with gold designs. It reminded me of precious leather-bound book ornamentation.
High ceilings and deep staircases enhance the grandeur. After hearing the rocky
history of Hungary’s St. Stephen’s crown, I appreciated its place of honor
here. Two guards with swords keep watch around the clock. There is no coronation
without a crown, so during the wars, it joined stained glass windows and other
precious objects in the cellars beneath the town. During WWII it rested at Fort
Knox- who knew? You can find pictures of it on Google. Wars have been waged
over it.
Gratefully,
there is a charming wooden funicular at the base of the hill to transport us
back up to our hotel in Buda.
Tonight
we had the privilege of dining with three Hungarian doctors who have been
Fellows in Mike’s lab and Tissue Bank over the years. The first was in 1975 in
Bethesda and the other two in Seattle. These Two have been guests at our home in
Edmonds. It was wonderful being together with stories of the past and catching
up with the present! We hugged, then stuffed ourselves with a delicious meal at
Var a Speitz right across from our hotel. The streets are cold and quiet this
Sunday evening. The Christmas decorations are delightful. As in Nuremberg and
Vienna, the locals lament the lack of snow during the holiday season. Frankly
(Scroogely?) I prefer the sure footing as we traipse about.
I
hope to snag an appointment at a spa tomorrow. We have a penchant for landing
in a place on Monday when all the museums are closed. I signed up for a spa
visit offered by our Viking ship, but it was cancelled due to faint interest.
We have a free day tomorrow before a 3:30 am wake up to get our plane on
Tuesday morning for our flight to Paris connecting to Seattle.
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