Budapest

It was a beautiful day as we sailed into the port of Budapest. We were scheduled to dock at 7 am so I got up early to see the city as we arrived but, the ship was delayed in one of the locks during the night so we didn't  arrive until 10 am. Actually, it was a blessing in disguise because we sat up on the top deck with our coffee and enjoyed the scenery as we cruised down the Danube for the last time.

Buda is on the south side of the Danube and Pest (pronounced Pesht) is on the north. Buda is considered the "old town" while Pest is known as the busy, active "newer" city. Both are wonderful.
We enjoyed a bus and walking tour this morning and then we walked around Pest this afternoon.

The second largest Jewish Synagogue in the world is in Pest (the largest is in Manhattan) and has a lovely "Tree of Life" sculpture that looks like a weeping willow - the leaves at the ends of the branches are engraved with holocaust victims. The city streets are lined with shops and cafes and of course, as with all these European cities, there are huge government palaces and gorgeous cathedrals. Unfortunately, the other thing the cities all have in common is the destruction caused by World War II. It is amazing how well they have recovered and reconstructed but, damages are still evident.

The Mathias Cathedral in Buda is different in that it isn't decorated with marble and gold but, is painted throughout the interior and is named for a beloved king not a saint.

Thermal baths are very popular here and the main spa is located in a gorgeous old building. We did not bring bathing suits so we didn't pay to go inside.