Day 48. Budapest, Hungary

Parliament building

Dad safely arrived last night, long trip for him, Nelson to Amsterdam via Singapore and Zurich, then Amsterdam where he spent the day before arriving here at 11 pm, making it over 48 hours of travel. Couple of drinks, so a late night. 

This morning we caught the Hop on- Hop off bus, we mostly just stayed on, but a good way to get a feel for the city. Budapest is beautiful, old buildings, the river Danube, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest became one combined city in 1873.

After lunch a cruise on the river. Then the rain started, pelted down unfortunately so time for a rest at the hotel.

We decided to partake in a Budapest tradition, 'taking the baths'. The Romans first built baths here so they could utilise the thermal springs. The New baths that were constructed during the Turkish period, around 1560, served both bathing and medicinal purposes. So, a big tradition Only recently are there mixed baths, previously there were days for men and days for women.

The dome ceiling

Dad and I found the Kiraly Medicinal Baths, dating back from 1560. I decided to drive, a mission in itself but went fine. We got to the address, a very nondescript door, so very surprised to find this was indeed the place! Oh my goodness. It was partly like stepping into the 16th century, and partly into what a mental institution must have felt like 60 years ago. White tiles everywhere, hoses, funny old wooden benches, high ceilings. All felt a bit foreign, but we followed the signs, went upstairs first to get changed, then a rabbit warren of changing rooms, cabins, bathrooms, up the stairs, down the stairs, until we finally found the baths. (Didn't help I had my glasses off, so blind as a bat). The baths were spectacular. The 'room' was perhaps 30 metres in diameter, with a high old dome with little glass insets to let in the light. The plaster around the room was seriously coming away. The water was about 40 degrees, a slight sulphur smell. Off the main bath were a couple of smaller ones, and tucked in a corner a sauna, close to 50 degrees, which we endured for about 5 min, followed by a quick plunge pool. A very unique experience to say the least.

The baths

Entrance to the Baths??