One of my favourite memories from my trip with Mena and Trevor last May was sitting on the bar terrace at Fisherman's Bastion sipping wine and listening to a gypsy band. So, when I found out I was going to be back in Budapest almost the same time this year, I naturally wanted to go back. This time, along with Nawal, I was joined by Sandy and Don Taylor and some of their tour group. Situated on Castle Hill on the Buda side of the Danube, the terrace provides stunning views of the Hungarian Parliament Buildings and Pest. So, I couldn't wait to go back. The first hint that the experience wasn't going to be quite that same was when I received an email from the restaurant saying our table reservations were being moved inside because of predicted poor weather conditions. Well, who knew how bad they would be! Below are two photos from the terrace: the first, taken last year; the second, taken through a window during a thunder and lightning storm and seriously pouring rain! Certainly not what I'd hoped for!
Unlike last year when I had only a one day visit here, however, this time I have 6 days to explore this city. So, we've shopped along Vaci utca, walked around the impressive Hosok Tere (Heroe's Square), and perused the stalls in the market hall. We still have an awful lot more to explore during the four remaining days here.
And, then there is the problem (no, actually, MY problem) with zeroes! The Hungarian currency is reminiscent of the old Italian lira. It has lots of zeroes. 20,000 Ft (forints) are worth about $100 CAD. However, I keep miscounting the zeroes and think the conversion is $20. So, over the last couple of days, when I've been taking money out of ATMs, my request is sometimes rejected saying I've already reached my daily limit. It turns out that I've been taking out ten times the $25 I thought I was getting!!! I now have more Fts than I know what to do with. Stupid me!
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