From 'B' to 'B'

Yesterday we left Berlin and flew to Budapest so the blog title could have been "From A to B" referencing changing locations or even using the B's because both cities start with that letter. But, no, the 'B's stand for big to bigger (much!) in terms of our apartment. More about that in a bit.

Our last days in Berlin were spent trying to squeeze in some of the things still on our "to do" list. We went  to Fassbender & Rausch, the famous chocolate store, for a drink (in my case, dark hot chocolate infused with orange essence) and a very decadent pastry. In stark contrast to that, we went to the now permanent exhibit at the Typography of Terror which chronicles the Nazi rise to power and how they controlled the population using terror.  Chilling!  We also met up with Sandy and Don Taylor, friends from Victoria, and help orient them to the city for their brief visit. I confess there was also some food and wine involved. Then, early (very) yesterday, we all took the short flight to Budapest.

Our driver dropped us on a pretty, narrow street lined on both sides with every sort of restaurant you could imagine. Clearly, we won't starve here!  We met up with the apartment manager who opened an old wooden door, led us through a garbage bin-lined courtyard which had seen better days - the courtyard not the bins, took us up 4 floors in a creaky elevator, then led us along the hallway overlooking the courtyard below to a pretty white, plant-lined doorway. Things were looking up. Then, he opened the door. WOW!  The flat is massive (2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) and an enormous living room and dining area plus two small balconies, at least 14 foot ceilings, and palatial. The owner is Italian which probably explains the amazing and very modern plumbing fixtures. It will take our entire time here to figure out all the lighting fixture options, especially the multi-colour changing ones over the shower and bath!  All this and a housekeeper for €130 a night!  We did well again!  Here are some photos to give you an idea.  The first one is the kitchen area. In the next blog, I'll focus on Budapest and share some reasons why I find this such a fabulous city. Although, I might not like it as much today as, unlike yesterday which was warm and sunny, it is pouring rain. Now, I have to go and find Nawal and see what she'd like to do today. I know she is around here somewhere!