We bade adieu to the beautiful Austria; the past week was a masterclass in tranquility. Inscribed into our hearts and memory forever; I reckon. But it was a week that was and for the now we keep going on our quest; firm on our march to another country, our “chariot” – a four wheeled automotive and our “passage” a passport with a schengen stamp on it.  It was a peaceful drive. A side trip to Bratislava is really recommended. Apart from that there are no sudden jaw wrenching dramatizations on offer, it was rather placid drive. 

But as we approached the the city of Budapest, the spectacular skyline of Hungary’s capital beckoned in a most enthralling way. You can see the mastery in the remarkable Roman architecture of the city as the area of “Pest” draws and it is tremendous. Culture and history emanating from each structure in its skyline. It is evident why the city has captivated the muse of innumerable art folks over time.

We had opted for a hotel that was off the central area and across the Danube and used public transport to get around. It was most convenient as we were away from the hustle of the tourist quarter but had the most magnificent views.

After checking in, we went across the Danube to District V. This is called the “inner city” and it houses some of the most legendary architectural feats you would see; every corner was just a stunning as the last. History and culture so tangible, it deeply reverberates in every cobble stoned street and every structure. Dusk drew in an amber light that reflected of the roofs; it was surreal. The city was shimmering. The legendary chain bridge sparkled under the lights.

We crossed over to our hotel, took our car and drove across the marvellous flood lit city and its adornments.

We drove to the Gellert hill in the Buda district. A vantage point that offers one of the most panoramic views of the Danube and the city.

The following day was supposed to be a very relaxed one for us but there was a dichotomy brewing. In the morning, we cruised the waterways of Danube and sailed past by umpteen architectural wonders of the city. After the cruise, we visited Szecheni baths. They are one of the largest thermal baths in this part of the world. The naturally mineralized thermal here sprouts out from two thermal was so crisp and refreshing.

In the evening we visited the famed New York Café. This ornate café, has long been a magnate for writers, poets editors and artists from all over the world. It is iconic and one of the most famous landmarks of this gorgeous city. Remarkable.

After our caffeine tanks tipped on the “full”, we continued with our day and made our way to the Fisherman’s Bastion. A magnificent Romanesque monument in the “Buda” side of the city that offers beautiful and unobstructed views of Danube and the “Pest” side of the city  

There used to be a castle here in medieval times which was protected by a guild of fisherman who lived in the settlement called the watertown that was under the walls of the bastion and hence the name. This area was later developed as a part of the Buda Castle district. Today, it is a world heritage site.

We walked down the stairs from the bastion to its base and made our way for a long leisurely stroll across the chain bridge and to the district V and the inner city. We came across a park with a giant ferris wheel where we spent better part of the evening, reminiscing about our beautiful summer holiday. Smiles all around

This was the last evening of our trip here and we were grappling with mixed and simultaneous feelings of joy and sadness. Trying to solve the riddle of “Why do vacations end so soon?”

All ends lead to new beginnings, I guess…