Charming Budapest

We knew as soon as we got into Budapest, it was going to be special.  Our time here is limited, only tonight and all day tomorrow, leaving Sunday morning, so we want to make the most of it.  I really wanted to take the evening river boat cruise down the Danube.  We settled into our beautiful very large apartment.  We're off to find tickets for the boat cruise.  Tickets in hand, we stop for a quick dinner before heading to the boat.

Down to the docks, aboard the boat and we're off.

We took the 7pm to 9pm hoping to get some good sun pictures and some night pictures as well.  We were handed a sparkling wine when we got on and found a seat on the top for the best view.  And so it begins....

The spectacular Parliment Building is first to show up.  It's the picture you see in every travel brochure of Budapest.

Just across the river we saw the Royal Palace--spectacular in its own right.

Also on board this boat was a bachelorette party all dressed like flappers!

They were a group from Ireland and they were having a grand time.

We saw the Liberty Statue holding a palm frond.

Next came the Statue of St. Geradus.  He was born in Venice and converted thousands of Hungarians to Christianity.

We went under several bridges.  The Elizabeth Bridge,

the Chain Bridge

and the Liberty Bridge.

The last one was loaded with young people!  Apparently, they like to climb all over it.

We passed the Hungarian National Archives with its beautiful mosaic roof tops.

There were musicians on board for some delightful entertainment.

Tom asked them to play "Somewhere My Love"for me, and they did a lovely job.

We saw a fabulous sunset and returned to the dock.

On the way back to the apartment we saw the beautifully lighted St. Stephen's Church.

Like most large cities we've been in, people are out enjoying the good weather and pleasant evening.

As we walked back to the apartment, we both agreed Budapest was special.