Budapest

Yet another city tour. Off on our Viking bus with our tour guide Otto. Our first stop was Heros Square where Otto explained Hungary’s history. For much of the time, their country has been ruled by others, from invaders, monarchies, to Austria and the Communists. As traveling so often does, it reminded me how lucky we are in the US.

Seven important leaders in Hungary's history. The first was St. Stephan. — Seven important leaders in Hungary’s history. The first was St. Stephan.

Fishermen's Bastion in the Castle area — Fishermen’s Bastion in the Castle area

This is our view from our cabin window. We are docked right near the Parliment building and the Chain Bridge.

After lunch, we went on an option excursion to a horse farm about a half hour from the city.
I think all of us were expecting some sort of rodeo. In reality it was more of a walk back in time to yesteryear in Hungary. Horseman were dressed in costumes of old and showed their skills with whips, archery, and racing. The emerald green fields were quite a contrast to the scenes of Budapest in the morning.

Terry, Sharon, Malcolm, Dori and Frank on our carriage ride around the farm.

Horsemen showing their skills of holding a draft of beer while racing and keeping it from spilling. It actually was just Coke.

The shoes were bronze. Someone added a flower.

When we got back to our boat, we walked along the Danube to the Holocaust Shoe Memorial along the river walk. This was to remember all of the Jews who were shot and fell into the Danube. A very poignant reminder.

We ended our cruise with our final supper. Judy and Lauren would be leaving early the next morning. We have one more day in Budapest before our fight home. An ending to a fun filled and adventuresome week.