Arrived!!

Pretty uneventful trip over.  The first two flights were on time.  About a 40 minute delay in Munich because it was snowing lightly and the flights were queued up for de-icing.  One can certainly get the aerobic workout walking the Munich airport!  It’s a lovely place but really big and I had to walk miles from where I de-planed to the gate for the connecting flight.  On the labyrinthine journey to my next gate I was delighted to pass a duty free shop where I picked up my Tanqueray for the week!  I went through passport control in Munich where no questions are asked and the passport is stamped and on you go. When I arrived in Budapest there was no passport control at all.  Hungary is now part of the European Union and the borders are fluid between EU countries.  It was odd to me to being going so freely between countries with no scrutiny!  Border patrol between the US and Canada is more rigorous than what I experienced today.  I was very glad my flight from Newark was on time because latecomers wouldn’t have a chance!  When they “boarded” the flight they loaded us all on a bus and we went what seemed like miles to the outer edges of the airport to board our plane.  If anyone arrived at the gate at the last minute they’d be toast with that system!!

My driver was awaiting me when I got to Budapest and we got into the city and my temporary hotel quickly and easily.  I checked into my room and then ventured out while it was still daylight to get cash, purchased my weekly metro card and then walked the neighborhood.  I wandered towards the river and caught the Liberty Bridge/Franz Joseph Bridge at sunset.  It was lovely.  And right on the banks of the river I stumbled into the Great Market Hall, which is fabulous.  An entire floor of foodstuffs – produce stalls, bakeries, patisseries, spices, butchers, delicatessans and all manner of food.  I indulged in an apple strudel – my first for this trip but by no means the last I’m sure!  Really delicious.  And sorry , Bonnie, no pictures!  I ate it too fast!  Truly the bakery stalls were mouth watering.  The second floor of the market has hundreds of vendors with Hungarian folk goods like embroidered clothing and linens, nesting dolls, painted eggs, icons, leather, jewelry, beautiful porcelain etc.  It took great restraint to buy nothing.  I kept up the mantra – “this is the first day, just LOOK!”  Once I get settled into my apartment I’ll be back to that market however.  I’ll stock my fridge from there if nothing else.  It was dark by the time the market was closing up, and having had very little sleep last night  I was ready to head back to the hotel to rest.  I’m going to go out to a local place for a light supper and go to bed early tonight.  Tomorrow I want to get out early to do some sight-seeing before my 3:00 rendez-vous with the landlord of my apartment who will escort me to the upgraded digs for the rest of the week!