Monday, May 19, 2008

Monday, May 19th

Hi again. This will be our last post until we arrive home. We have had a wonderful time visiting Prague and Budapest. It is a real education learning a little about the people and their customs.

Anita enjoys seeing all the beautiful hand-made lace pieces that are traditional here in Hungary. We have a picture attached.

Today we went to the Central Market again and took some more photos from high above the Buda side of the Danube River. It was another beautiful day and we have been blessed with the weather.

We have met some wonderful people in our travels, but it will certainly be nice to get back to the good ole USA, the best country in the world.

Hope you have enjoyed sharing our journey with us and we will see you all when we return.

All the best,

Marc and Anita

Sunday, May 18, 2008

May 17th & 18th in Budapest

Hi friends!

On Saturday, May 17th, we took the metro to the West End Shopping Center. It was interesting to note that the music being played throughout was all in English, with all the popular tunes being played, like "No One" by Alicia Keyes. It seems that the kids like the Tee Shirts with English on the front. Sometimes we percieve, and maybe rightly so, that we are not very liked in Europe and around the world, but the residents of these countries sure seem to like our culture.

The Hungarians that we have met from Budapest hae been very reserved and somewhat formal. They have a penchant for being sad and having the "blues," probably due to their difficult past. Their suicide rate is 60.1 per 100,000 people (UK 15.1, USA 21.7). They have a very low life expectancy, by European standards, of just over 68 years for men and almost 77 for women. Hungary is a highly cultured and educated society, with a literacy rate of over 99% among those 15 years and over. Their economy is slow growing, but many foreign countries pick Hungary for their factories because their workforce is considered flexible, skilled, highly educated, and realtively inexpensive. They are on course to be a world power in manufacturing consumer electronics.

The Thermal Spas here are world class and we ventured over to the Gellert Thermal Spa They have separate areas for men and women. We had a nice soaking and felt invirgorated. The water was 36C in one pool and 38C in another pool. After leaving, we walked up to the top of the Gellert Hill and had a nice overview of the city.

Today, May 18th, we went out for a delicious buffet breakfast, at a hotel nearby, since it was too early for the regular restaurants to be open. We then took the tram to the metro and went to the House of Terror, thus named, due to the Nazis and Communists, who used this residence to torture and kill hundreds, if not thousands of Hungarians, leading to the uprising in 1956. It was vey sad, but educational, since we have also been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC.

We then headed up the line to the Heroes' Square, where the statues commemorate the most important figures of one thousand years of Magyar (92% of which are Hungarians)
History. They also had the tomb for the Unknown soldier.

So, that was the day today and we are heading out for a bite to eat. Here are some pictures.

All the best,

Marc & Anita

Sorry for all the typos last time, managed to spell my name correctly this time, ha, ha.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Prague to Budapest! May 14th - May 16th....






Hi everyone. Well, the journey continues. We left Prague by train on Wednesday, may 14th at 7:30 am. We arrived 7 hours later in the heart of Budapest. It was a beautiful train ride through the countrysie and we travelled through the country of Slovakia before arriving here.
In 1873 the man known as "The Greatest Hungarian," Count Istvan Szechenyi, built the Chain Link Bridge (Szechenyi), which was the first permanent link between Buda on the West, and Pest on the Eastern side of the Danube. Although it is called Budapest, the two sides are very distinct, Buda being hilly and residential, and Pest flat and industrial.
Upon arrival, we took a Tram to the centre of Pest, walked around a little and then found a very nice Hungarian restaurant that served the traditional food of Goulash and noodles. We enjoyed it very much and were sitting next to a Mother and Son, who were from San Francisco. He was an attorney and we had a nice chat about travel locations around the world.
We made our way to our apt., which is centrally located in Pest. It is vey spacious, to say the least, and we are going to enjoy staying here for one week.
On Thursday, May 14th, our first full day, which was a sunny and mild one, we headed ove to the huge and famous Central Market, which was built in the late 1800's. What an amazing sight to behold! The first floor was all food, from poultry to vegetables, just like the beautiful open markets in Italy, and other countries, for that matter. We walked around and then went to the second flor, where they had all sorts of good, clothing, cultural items, eveything you would find in a Flea Market, like our Festival Flea Market. The place was immaculate and we enjoyed looking around. They also had areas for eating and drinking on the second floor and everyone was enjoying themselves.
After leaving, we headed to the famous Cafe Gerbeaud, in the center of Pest and had one of their famous pastries, called the Banana Omlet. It is not really an omlett, but that was the name. It was filled with whippd cream with the bananas on top. From there, we went to the Herend China store. Herend China is very famous here and we were fortunate to see a young lady actually hand painting on the china. It was fascinating.
Budapest is called the City of Spas. They have more than 30 Thermal Spa Springs here. The two most famous one are the Szecheny Bath and the Gellert Spa. We walked into the former and saw some huge pools, but we did not take a dip. We could not see the termal pools, as they were tucked within the huge building.
After having a nice lunch at an Italian Cafe, (we loe our pizza), we took a boat ride on the Danube. It was a beautiful day and we went unde the famous bridges and got accquainted with the buildings on the Buda and Pest side of the river. It was very nice and we enjoyed it.
Late that evening, we wen to a traditional Hungarian Folkcance and we enjoyed their style of dancing, music, and costumes of the region. On the way home, we walked along the Danube and then over the Chain Bridge. The lights were beautiful and the whole city was aglow.
Needless to say, we really had a busy day and were tired when we got back to the apt.
Today, Friday, May 16th we took it a little easier. We went by Tram to the bottom of Castle Hill on the Buda side of the River. They have a nice Funicular that took us to the top of the hill and we took some nice pictures. We walked into the Castle and then walked along the river. We returnd wo the Central Market again and purchased some postcards. We had a nice lunch and then returned to the apt.
About the apt. They have this instant hot water machine, as did our apt., in Prague. It works great and offers instant hot water. In Prague, our stove was powered by gas, but here, it is electric. We do have cable and are watching CNN. We were very sad to hear about the quake in China and the Cyclone in Myanmar.
So, it is around 7:15 here now, 1:15 pm your time. We are heading out to get a bite to eat. This Internet Cafe is very nice, right on a main venue and thee are people everywhere. We are fortunate to have come in May, as in the next few months, it will be more crowded and hot.
Here are a few pictures that we took, that you might enjoy.
All the best to eveyone and we will keep you informed.
Regards,
Mac & Anita

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

May13th, our last day in Prague



Yesterday, we went to a Monastery, where they have a small micro brewery and make different types of beer. It was interesting and we had a nice lunch.
The weather continues to be beautiful and we must mention that the majority of streets are made of cobblestone, so it is sometimes hard on our feet. Reminds us of the old days in Philadelphia.
There are many crystal and Garnet shops here, seems like one on each corner. The Garnets are mined here and are considered the best in the world. Today, I bought Anita a beautiful garnet ring, which she really likes. In addition, she enjoys seeing all the beautifully hand painted dolls and we have attached a picture.
We just finished having a nice lunch at an Italian Restaurant in the middle of Staromestske Plaza. There are many, many Italian restaurants here, since plenty of Italians visit or live here. The food is excellent.
It is also interesting that we have been using the internet in the back room of a Chinese restaurant. They have been very nice and accomodating.
Tomrorrow, we are heading to Budapest, Hungary and will check back in when we find another internet cafe.
All the best,

Marc & Anita

Sunday, May 11, 2008

May 10th & 11th

We went to the city centre's biggest shopping area called Wenceslas Square, made famous by the demonstration in 1989, called The "Velvet Revolution," which was the end of Communist Rule. In this square you can find high fashion and music megastores, in addition to people from all over the world having a good time.
Along our travels, we stopped at a very famoun beer Hall called U Fleku, which is the name of Prague's own brew. Had a traditional Czech lunch, as we listened to an accordian player. People were getting out of their taxis and the place got crowded and became a lively scene. Haven't been to a beer hall like this one since we were in Munich many years ago. Here is a picture.
Last night we went to the St. Climent Cathedral, which was build in the 18th century and is known for its excellent acoustics. We had the plesure of seeing a wonderful concert there. Prague is a city filled with music. Actually they spell Prague here Praha.
We are posting another picture of Anita and I on the Charles Bridge. It is very famous and only allows pedestrians. You can find musicians, artists, and see puppet shows while wandering along. The scenery is beautiful.
Happy Mother's Day to all and we wish you well.

Regards,
Marc & Anita

Friday, May 9, 2008

Friday, May 9, 2008



Another beautiful day in Prague. We went over to the Old Town and saw the Astronomical Clock. The clock was built in 1410 at the Old Town Hall. In 1490, it was improved upon by Master Hanus, producing the marvel that is on display today. Go to Google and put in Astronomical Clock and read all about the history of the clock, very interesting.
Our Nephew, Kris, is presently attending the Music School at NYU. He will be studying in Prague starting in Sept. We went today to see where he will be and it is a terrific location, right in the Old Town part of Prague. He will have an experience of a lifetime. Prague is a very musical city and there are concerts every night.
We then had lunch at a nice outdoor cafe right along the river by the Charles Bridge.
Later in the afternoon, we travelled by Funicular Railway to the top of Petrin Hill. This is a famous lookout and you can see all of Prague below. Here is a picture that we took from above. Also included is a street scene that you might like. There are many tourists here now, but nothing compared to June, July, & August, when it really be crowded and hot. We are lucky we came in May, as we hit the right weather. They say last week the weather was bad.
Here are the pics and I believe you will like them.
Best wishes,

Marc & Anita

Thursday, May 8, 2008

First Full day in Prague - May 8, 2008

Prague consists of four main towns. The Old Town is called Stare Mesto and was founded in 1230. The Old town consists the Rudolfinum Concert Hall. Charles University and an old Astronomical Clock include the main attractions. The New Town, Nove Mesto, is also on the same side of the Vltava River and is home to the National Museum and Wenceslas Square.
On the other side of the river is the Little Quarter, Mala Stana. This is where we are staying and is close to our embassy. It is also has the famous Charles bridge. The fourth town is called Hradcany or Prague Castle.
This morning, our landlord left us a basket of breakfast food at our door and it was very nice and it started our day on a nice note.
We began the day by crossing the Charles Bridge and going over to the Old Town, where there are a lot of shops and restaurants. There are so many restaurants and pubs here, you just can't imagine. The people are very proud of the fact that their beer is the best in the world. This is where Pilsner beer began.
We took the Metro, under the Vltava River over to the Prague Castle and had a wonderful time touring and seeing the sights, looking down on the beautiful city.
Here are a couple of photos that we took today, of the river and sights looking down on the city.
Weather has been perfect and we are really fortunate on that note.
Tomorrow, we are planing on taking a small cruise on the Vltava River.
Regards,

Marc & Anita

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

May 7, 2008 JUST ARRIVED

Hi all:

We left Miami on May 6th at 4:00 pm. We were on a 747 and the flight was very smooth. We had an 8 1/2 hour flight to Frankfurt. We then changed planes for a 45 minute flight to Prague.

The weather is beautiful and the temp. is in the high 60's.

Our apartment is right near the American Embassy. As the taxi driver was approaching the Embassy, he had to stop his car and the vehicle was thoroughly checked, as this is standard procedure since 9/11.

Our apartment is on the second floor and it is located in the middle of downtown. the woman who owns the apartment is very nice and we are looking forward to a wonderful week in Prague.

There are people here from all over the world and we found this nice Internet Cafe, that is located just before we begin to cross the Charles Bridge, which was built 600 years ago.

So, that is it for now

Friday, April 25, 2008

We are preparing to leave next week for Prague and Budapest. Will try to keep you up to date with our daily activities. Feel free to leave comments.
Thanks,

Marc & Anita