Final impressions

Today being the last full day in Budapest, we decided rather than set an itinerary, we'd just take in the city.  We had a late breakfast (we've been keeping rather different hours, getting and staying up late), and ventured out with a vague destination, but no real set plan.

It really was a day to gather our final impressions of this less well known and understood European capital (and for Ren to reach a tally of over 100 trams cited).  We headed to a shopping street, but basically just wandered around taking in the warp and weft of this city.  Shockingly, the kids have kept pace with our wanderings, though I'm sure the promise of daily ice cream has something to do with it. That, and today, Ren scored a coveted treasure - a Lionel Messi Barcelona jersey (I know, not very Hungarian, but really where are we going to find a cheap knock-off Barcelina jersey back home).

We walked the tourist track, and ventured off route to narrow quiet streets, discoved comforting squares and cooling parks.  Without a destination, we were really more willing to just let the city get under our skin and take us in, rather than hunt for its treasures or capture its images.  Of course, the fact that it was 37 with the humidex may have had something to do with our meandering.  

Dinner was at an empty restaurant not far from our apartment.  After all the work that the proprietor put in to draw us in, we decide we had to relent.  He was quite a character, telling us everything was "very fine" and that we would not leave hungry (I'm not sure that's possible after any Hungarian meal).  We sat at a sidewalk table while a huge plate of meat and deep fried cheese served on a bed of potatoes and rice was placed in front of us, and watched as he hovered over us amusingly (we were his only table).  The service was attentive and the food very Hungarian and tasty.  It kinda felt like we had dropped into someone's kitchen for dinner.  He also kept petting Ren's head, which is actually a common occurrence here (we've actually watched as strangers have done so while walking past and a couple of shop keepers).  Apparently, he has an irresistible head.  We left feeling very full and took one final stroll to take in Budapest at night with the art nouveau buildings glowing under soft lights.

So, final impressions....

Budapest has the charm and grace of Paris, but without the fuss.  The architecture impresses, the narrow lined charming streets sooth, the main thoroughfares with quaint shops and restaurants entice, the river inspires and the food delights.  While it may lack some of the pizazz of some of the larger capitals, it's more comfortable in its own skin, and makes it exceedingly accessible, walkable and welcoming, and really without the overblown prices.  This is a city with a complicated, and at times difficult history, and yet it charms easily.   It is comfortable with its past, the good and the ugly, and has come to terms with its complex history to make it part of its character and strength.  

The final shot tonight is a final goodnight to Budapest.