Tom`s travels: Budapest (25-30/08/2018)

Ania and I had gotten accepted to participate in a workshop taking place in Budapest, Hungary. So after booking our flights, we flew, each from his own city, meeting up at the airport in Budapest. We had booked an accommodation between the airport and the city center, and after reaching it, we checked in and left our luggage. Then, taking one of the city buses, headed towards the center, reaching the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. We had considered several options regarding which hot springs to visit, and as Ania had previously been in the city and tried one already, we decided to head the ones aforementioned. Considered as the largest medicinal bath in Europe, the building on the location was built in 1913 in a beautiful Neo-baroque style. After paying the hefty price in, we headed to the lockers to change in our swimsuits. We then entered the complex and toured a bit figuring out the expanse of all its rooms and pools. There were many to choose from ranging in sizes and in temperatures, from 18° to 38° degrees. We decided to head to the main outdoor pool first and rested there a while enjoying the hot water and the splendid architecture and the light show which started after sunset. Then after a few rounds in the indoor pools, we were ready to head out to the city after several hours of relaxation. Once outside, we passed by and checked out the impressive Vajdahunyad Castle built in 1896 for the Millenial Exhibition which celebrated 1000 years of Hungary. It was built to represent several structures of the Kingdom, particularly referencing Hunyad Castle, now part of Romania. We admired the eclectic and cool architecture and then walked through Hosok Tere, or heroes' square, one of the largest in the city and featuring the Millenium Monument at its center surrounded by the seven chieftains of the Magyars and other national leaders. From there we decided to look for a place for dinner and then headed back to our accommodation.

The following day, as we still had time before our workshop, we decided to head to the city center and check out the Hungarian National Museum, founded in 1802, which represents the history, art, and archaeology of the country. The collection was impressive and featured the objects from the first peoples of Pannonia, passing through the middle ages, and up to modern times. Particularly interesting was the Monomachus Crown, an 11th-century byzantine piece featuring emperor Constantine IX Monomachus and Empress Zoe. After the visit to the museum, we decided to have lunch nearby and found out a place called Hummusbar where we had typical middle eastern dishes. From there it was time to head to the hostel to check in and meet the rest of the workshop's participants. After meeting and greeting and being divided among the rooms, we headed for our first day of the workshop. After hours of introduction, we then headed out altogether to have dinner in the city center's Jewish neighborhood. From there we then all decided to head to one of the many bars of the city, opting for the famous Szimpla Ruin Pub, one of Ania's favorites.
The next morning, after an early wake up we all headed to the workshop's location to start the day. We were based in the Andrassy University, a German-speaking private university based in Budapest, with a beautiful neoclassical building right behind the national museum. After lunch, at the nearby place called Muzikum (which would be the venue of most of our lunched), we then had a tour organized by the Hungarian students participating in the workshop who showed us around the city. We were shown the Dohány Street Synagogue, built in the mid 19th century in the Moorish Revival style, and the largest in Europe. We then passed a wall which used to mark the entrance to the Jewish ghetto and the names of all those who had been deported and killed during WWII. After heading back and finishing the day with a few more training, we decided to head out after dinner and explore more of the city. We first passed by the Basilica of St Stephen, which, even though the main church of the city, it is just co-cathedral as the main seat is in the city of Esztergom, 50km to the northwest. Then, continuing on we reached a square where a monument, erected by Victor Orban's administration (Hungary's prime minister), showing the German occupation of Hungary during WWII. Right in front of it through a temporary fence had been erected by indignant citizen's who believed the monument to be a false representation of history as it showed Hungary as completely innocent during those events in history. The citizen's had in fact protested and attached objects, letters, testimonies and so forth of the Hungarian government's collaboration with the Nazis at the time. We stood there and discussed a while before then heading on and reaching the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the best-known landmarks in the country. Built-in 1902 it features an impressive Neo-gothic structure which gave an impressive sight at night. We then walked along the Danube river, which divides the city into two: Buda on one side and Pest on the other. We reached the famous landmark of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, built in 1849, which was the first bridge to cross the Danube in this area. It was time to go, so after relaxing on the riverside while enjoying a beer, we all headed back to our hostel.
The day after was full of activities which meant we only had time to spare after dinner. This time we decided to cross the Danube and reached the side of Buda. After climbing the hill which characterizes the old town, we entered the premises of the castle, which used to be the residence of the kings of Hungary. Originally built during the 13th century it was then rebuilt during the 18th century in the Baroque style. It was later refurbished due to the injuries of time in a Baroque revival which can be easily spotted during daytime. However, at night it looked impressive and we had the whole complex to ourselves. We then continued along the top of the hill and reached an opening where the Matthias church is located. Originally built in the Romanesque style during the 11th century it was then replaced by a 14th-century gothic structure later refurbished in the neogothic style during the 19th century. As it was late it was closed however we still admired it from the outside and also enjoyed the view over the city from the Fisherman's bastion, behind it. This neogothic and neo-romanesque terrace, built at the end of the 19th century, is one of the city's most famous landmarks, and the view alone makes you understand why. It was then time to head back to the city center to have a few beers before finally heading to our hostel ready for the upcoming day.
The following morning, after our usual breakfast at a place called Nika next to our accommodation, we headed to the university for the workshops. For lunchtime, we had a longer break in order to work on our presentations, so after doing my part I decided to quickly go around town, to at least see a bit of the city center during the daytime. I first entered St Stephen's Basilica, which we had just passed the previous day, and marveled at its neoclassical interior and immense cupola. Then I walked past the Parliament building once again and along the Danube to the chain bridge. From there I walked through the old town streets stopping to check out the church of St Michael of Belvaros with a nice Baroque interior. I then finished the tour by entering the large Central Market which hosted food stall at the ground floor and tourist shops at the top one and was full of people. Then I headed back to the university to finish our presentation.
The last and final day was mostly dedicated to preparing for our presentations, which we gave on the same night with a winner being declared and having been granted a fund to support the implementation of the project presented. It was a fun night and we concluded by going out for dinner and having a few drinks altogether.
The following day, many people had left or were in the process of leaving, and those still remaining had to join together once more to discuss points which could be improved, suggestions in general and future prospects. Then it was the turn of Ania and me to head to the airport and take our flight in the direction of Hannover and then back to Ania's house in Hamburg.