The Net Dog Blog

After lunch, we crossed the Danube River from Buda into Pest (seriously) to enjoy the thermal baths at the Gellert Hotel. Once I got over wearing a modesty flap (apparently most men wore swimming trunks... a fact Blake neglected to tell me until we got there) I was able to soak away my troubles in the warm, therapeutic waters despite being forced to see very fat, wet, naked, old men. Ewwww.

Next, we hiked up Gellert Hill (which I would have classified as a mountain more than a hill) to the Citadel, a 19th century fortress from which you can enjoy a view of practically all of Budapest.

Sunday morning, we took a taxi to Hero Square which is home to several statues of ancient Hungarian kings and military leaders. We also visited the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian National Museum, but the best place we visited was the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

It was an old zoo but the animals were healthy (according to Blake). I was very surprised that people were allowed to feed the animals. Giraffes and zebras were eating right out of peoples' hands. My favorites were the flamingos and a family of otters. The otters were so small and incredibly cute. Afterwards, we walked to the City Park where we had a cocktail. I was dead on my feet at that point so we grabbed a taxi and headed back to the hotel. There is so much more to see in Budapest and I hope I get the chance to go back soon. In the meantime, I'm looking for a really good goulash soup recipe. I think I'm going through the DT's.