The Juliska, the Juliska....

from Buda Buda Pest, she has a heart of paprika,

that doesn't let her sleep...

Quite poor, what came to our mind about Budapest before we set off on November 7th. Of course, still 'I often think of Piroschka', the German kitsch classic from the 50s, currently autumn 2016 and Viktor Orban.

Day 1, Berlin 1:00 PM

The journey here is going well, but we constantly worry about home, because five minutes before leaving disaster: a blockage in the house. Call the caretaker, leave the key, rely on others, hope and pray, get on the 171 bus.

Day 1, Budapest 4:20 PM

The flight is short, after a good hour and we have arrived. It is 4:20 PM and already almost dark. Bus 200 E is ready to take us to the subway. Everything goes quickly and we quickly found the hotel. Thoughts of Berlin fade away.

Everything stowed away and settled in and off we go into the city. First eat something, because our last meal was breakfast.

Day 1, Budapest 6:00 PM

We find a restaurant to our liking, or rather we are found by someone inviting us in. Eating and drinking for two hours, costs 20 euros per person, or mouth, and everything of the finest quality.

Day 1, Budapest 8:00 PM

Afterwards we find a great shopping street with illuminated Christmas decorations. Among them is an umbrella, a great idea and very nice to look at. We later realize that we caught the test evening. Today the electricity is on, the rest of the week is dark. Lucky kids. Finally, we take a ride on the Ferris wheel and can see the whole city in the glow of lights. Aaas, ohhs, and Huis the whole ride, simply great.

Day 2, Budapest 9:00 AM

November 8th, Jürgen's birthday. Of course, breakfast in a Viennese coffeehouse, at least it looks like one. The choice of cakes is enormous, each piece of cake is individually wrapped in the showcase. But the choice of coffee is not Viennese. Instead of Einspänner or Melange, there is Americano and Cappuccino.

Day 2, Budapest 10:30 AM

Then we continue to explore the city. Up the hill and the first hike is undertaken. Well, a hill, not really a mountain, fenced off with a barrier and the old Buda lies like its own place. (or is it Pest?).

Everywhere very beautiful old or newly built old houses. Even the Matthias Church has been spruced up, with a very beautifully shining, artistically designed roof in great colors. A feast for the eyes for some or an eyesore for others.

The small park with breathtaking views and the Disney-like turrets on the city walls complete the excursion. Everyone should definitely visit, it's worth it even if it's partly kitschy.

Day 2, Budapest 1:30 PM

But now off to the birthday lunch with a fire-breathing cake at the end, everything turned out well. Afterwards we have to rest and not eat anything for 24 hours. We take a digestive walk before we sink tired into bed. Not tired enough. The night is accompanied by a mix of music and noise, and we are prevented from falling asleep.

Days 3 and 4. Whatever

Budapest is a city like almost any other large city in Europe. All the chain stores that you find in Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg are also here. Piroschka can't be seen anywhere, except in the folklore section of the beautiful market hall, hidden under mountains of embroidered tablecloths.

We also don't meet Viktor Orban, only many people in camouflage. Fashion or worldview? We naturally can't find out. We stay on the surface, also because we don't understand the language at all. Nowhere has it seemed so foreign to us before.

McDonald's at the East Station is really the most beautiful one we have ever seen. But that's because of the architects around 1900, who certainly didn't dream that American meatballs would be sold here. The buildings in the shopping streets are nicely spruced up and next to them quite dilapidated. Riding the tram is great. You see a lot and get around. It's even free for people aged 65 and over.

The subway line 1 is even older. It has existed for 130 years and was the first on the European continent, just 30 years after London. The stations are all uniform and lovingly restored. On each platform there is a ticket inspector who counts the tickets.

The Parliament is impressive with 250 meters length and 185 meters width, 600 rooms and 2 km of stairs, illuminated at night, hard to beat.

We have explored what can be done in four days and come to the conclusion, good food, nice people, it's worth it, everything is fine.

Day 4, Berlin 5:00 PM

It's going well again, :-)