Budapest Hungary Sept 25
Today is our last day. A full day in Budapest followed by a 3:15 AM departure from the Magni on Sunday morning. In order to see the much hyped Budapest skyline, we were up by 6 AM-and greeted by fog. Luckily we did not arrive at Budapest until 8 AM and the fog had lifted.
We found this orientation tour the best of the group. It included driving extensive portions of the historic districts, Freedom Square, and of course finished with a church.
Both the west (Buda) side and the east (Pest) side of the Danube had beautiful structures to gaze upon. We took our fill of photos from the ship before disembarking for a three hour combined driving and walking tour of Budapest.
There had been discussion of which city we would enjoy the most, Vienna or Budapest. Our vote would be for Budapest.
Similar to our other tours, our guide informed us of the history of Hungary and making the formerly two cities of Buda and Pest the new capital of Budapest . Both former cities are attractive, lively, and undergoing many improvements to infrastructure and buildings.
After lunch we visited the Central Market, to us a super sized Reading Terminal in Philadelphia. Food stalls were jammed and the marketing of fresh food, souvenirs, and Hungarian made products went on fast and furious. We succumbed and purchased some postcards and a Christmas ornament for a ridiculously low price.
We wrapped up the trip with a group toast in the lounge, an excellent meal, and gazing at the skyline as it was lit at night.
Ed and Chris
Back in St. Paul
September 25, 2022
Chris Klejbuk and Ed Heimel travel adventure 
Loved that Central Market in Budapest.
Thank you so much for these notes. I ate up every word.
Happy re-entry.
Judy
Sent from my iPhone
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Cool
Beautiful photos and interesting summary. I’m pleased you are enjoying a traveling retirement—there is so much to see in this world!
In recently cleaning out my stuff I came across Christine’s business card from when she worked for PANPHA, and I was curious about where you two were and was able to track you down via the wonders of the internet. As previous pastor of St Joh’s Lutheran in Ambler I recall Ed’s faithful service as borough manager.
I was in the Twin Cities just two months ago when visiting relatives and friends.
God’s blessing on both of you and your travels!