Pastry & Paprika: What Budapest is Made Of!

You probably weren't aware of this, but Budapest is a huge exporter of paprika...and they use it in everything - plus it is for sale in every market! Fortunately, it tastes good on just about everything, including the gyros we have been eating. Also, for those of you that don't know me well, I looooovvvvveeee sweets...and there are lots here! Yesterday we went to the markethalle for breakfast, and instead of bread or something, we got 2 pieces of cake - they were terrific! Marzipan, whipped cream, chocolate...all homeade and cheaper than one dollar for 2! I was in heaven!

After our unhealthy breakfast yesterday, we headed all over, and, at the end of the day, had clocked just over 21 miles on my pedometer! We went to the top of Citadella Hill, and then to Buda Castle, where we saw the Fisherman's Bastion (which looks like a little castle itself) and St. Matthias' Church, which is one of the most photographed roofs in Budapest - it is covered in little multi-colored mosaic tiles. We also went to the Parliament, which is enormous!!

Since Budapest is pretty cheap, last night we went out in Ferenciek Terrace, which is lined with little al fresco dining cafes. We had a Hungarian meal at Cafe Europa - we had Hungarian cheeses, salad, and goulash! It was delicious. What is super cute about all these cafés is that they have a fleece blanket on all the chairs in case you get chilly while eating outside. After dinner we walked down by the river and saw all the castles and monuments lit up - beautiful!

So....today we got up and headed to the Turkish baths...we went to Széchenyi Bath, although there are 3 others in Budapest. It was awesome! The inside had all these saunas and hot tubs, and then outside was 3 huge pools with all sorts of whirlpools, fountains, etc. I LOVED it - I would have stayed for 6 more hours if Justin and I weren't turning into prunes. Then we walked over to Vajdahunyad Castle, which was lovely to look at, and then saw Heroes' Square, dedicated to those who freed Hungary after WWII, as well as an 'Iron Curtain' Memorial. We've just returned from Margit Island, which is in the middle of the Danube and very pretty - a great site for running, lounging by the water of playing in the fountains.

I am sad to leave Budapest - I love it here, but we must head to Croatia tomorrow!
XOXOX~ C &J