Last Day in Budapest

Since our time in Budapest was cut short, we rushed around in the morning to fit everything in before our flight back to Madrid.  We began with the Gellert Baths, a spa set on thermal springs that have healing properties.  The baths were beautiful with gorgeous tile and open ceilings, but the camera was left in the locker so I only got one picture. 

Post hot springs rest

We then hiked up to Budapest Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion.  The views were incredible, and the castle and the bastion were so pretty with the white buildings against the blue sky.  Budapest is a very pretty city.

Spot the passport!

After a rushed morning filled with a ton of walking, we made it to the airport and flew back to Madrid!

Prague and Bratislava

On our second to last day of the trip, we spent the morning in Prague, then took a seven hour bus ride back to Budapest.  We also made a little stop in Bratislava, thus increasing our countries visited checklist.

The morning was beautiful in Prague, so I went off by myself and wandered around the markets.

 Goodness gracious.. These were so delicious.  They were sweet rolls grilled over charcoal. So they had a glazed grilled taste that was incredible.  I must have had like 2-3 a day in Prague. Yum yum yum yum.

Then it was bus time headed to Budapest!  We stopped in Bratislava and had a look around.  It, well the bus station at least, was noticeably less developed.  But still pretty.  My pictures make it look depressing, so I borrowed a few of Evan's pictures.

Bus schedule

This is the bus timetable.  Tell me, what do the the crossed hammers and... mallets mean? I have no idea how this system works.

Here are Evan's pictures, which are much prettier than mine.  

Sunset with Bratislava Castle

Having so much fun in Bratislava! 

Prague, Day Two

On our second day in Prague, we woke up to sunshine!  We headed out to find some lookout tower, and the walk took us through some of the prettiest parts of Praha.  First up was the Charles Bridge, which was built in the 14th century.  It was so lively, with a bunch of painters and little vendors, and a ton of tourists.  The views from the bridge were gorgeous.

The gang!

 This is Prague's Love Locks wall, where couples attach their lock (symbolizing their everlasting love or something) with an inscription on it and toss the key into the nearby canal.

Just around the corner was the Lennon Wall.  Apparently during communist rule, students would graffiti Beatles lyrics and messages of love and peace.  Authorities didn't like it, but it continues to be a space to write inspirational messages, song lyrics, and "jEsSiCa WaS hErE" messages.  But really, it was neat.

Representing the 505? 

 We also saw the creepiest statues in existence.. They make an appearance in this Cracked article.

Look closely, this memorial was awesome.

We finally made it to the base of the mountain the lookout tower was on, and it just so happened to be a beautiful park.  Sydney and I decided to relax in the sun, and by relax I mean pass out and take a nap.

Next Helen and I climbed up to Prague Castle.  The views alone were worth the loooong hike up windy streets.

Proof of the castle

We ended up having a pretty terrible early evening full of fiascos with train/bus tickets, long walks in the cold, a realization that we were going to have to cut our time in Budapest short, and getting yelled at by a terrifying Czech metro worker and having to pay a 40 euro fine.  But we made the rest of the night wonderful to make up for it.  We went back to the hostel, played Uno, drank Czech beer, and made another visit to Burrito Loco!

Next up: Prague to Budapest

Prague, Day One

We began our first day in Prague with a free walking tour hosted by Keith from Santa Barbara.  It was actually pretty cool, a group of Praguians decided to put together a volunteer organization and host free walking tours for all of the tourists.  We saw all of Prague's main sights including the famous clock, the Old Town Square, and more!

Fun fact, the tower on the right is bigger than the one on the left to symbolize both male and female aspects

Counting all of the people he's hit? 

Franz Kafka's statue with an annoying tourist

 After the walking tour, we were all pretty hungry but the lovely Helen found our savior.  Burrito Loco, a Mexican place in Prague ended up being the best burrito I've had since I left Albuquerque.  I honestly can't talk about it because it'll just make me hungry again.  SO GOOD (and spicy!)  Later while talking with some of my friends from Leeds who went to Prague as well, we all realized we had each found Burrito Loco and made several trips to it.  Seems like we're all craving some good food!

Everyone enjoying Burrito Loco, some more than others

Post burrito heaven, we toured the Jewish Quarter, or Josefov.  The first Jewish settlements in the area were believed to be in the 10th century, so it has a lot of history surrounding it.   Unfortunately, at some point the city of Prague decided to model itself after Paris and destroyed many of the original buildings, so it doesn't quite look the same.  All six of the museums in the Quarter were really interesting so I'm glad we went.

We had a fun evening filled with a delicious dinner, cheap wine, an Irish pub (?), and rest for Day Two!  

PS- This is terrifying.