Hungary
Our first destination in Hungary was the town of Eger. After arriving and checking into the Hotel
Minaret, we met for a group dinner and had a traditional Hungarian meal at Sörözö Étterem.
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The next morning we explored the town, including the indoor market, where we bought some fruit. We went to an organ concert in the basilica. Both the church and the music were awe-inspiring.
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Later that morning we visited Általános Iskolaa, a school in Recsk, and had fun interacting with students. They practiced their English with us, and we had lunch in their cafeteria. Next we stopped at the site of the gulag (forced labor camp). Our visit was even more meaningful when our assistant guide, Etelka, pointed out her uncle’s name on the memorial plaque.
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We then visited Kohari Pince Winery in Egerszalók where owners István and Ibolya Kohari gave us a tour. We learned about the region’s famous wines and were offered several kinds to taste. We enjoyed the beautiful outdoor setting and spectacular views of the countryside, with Toni playing his violin and Etelka wearing her Hungarian outfit.
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The following day we left for Budapest, the largest city in central Europe. Our driver dropped us off on the Buda side of the city and a local guide took us on a walking tour around Castle Hill and down into the Taban district. We stopped for an ice cream (Steve) and an iced coffee (Sandi) at the Ruzzwurm Café, one of the oldest traditional cafés in Budapest, open since 1827.
In the evening we went on a narrated boat ride on the Danube River which made for a truly magical night!
On our second day in Budapest, we went to the Széchenyi Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe, housed in a beautiful yellow 1913 Neo-Baroque building. The water is supplied by two thermal springs. There were 15 indoor baths and 3 large outdoor pools. Carol and Sandi found themselves, much by accident, participating in a water aerobics class being taught in Hungarian!
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After our refreshing time at the Baths, we walked to Heroes Square to see the statues of the leaders of the seven tribes who founded Hungary in the 9th century. In the afternoon we had time to walk down Váci utca, Budapest’s famous pedestrian shopping avenue, and visit Central Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Budapest, and the perfect place to purchase some paprika to take home. In the evening we went to a performance of a professional Hungarian folk dancing group. The dancers were dressed in a variety of colorful, traditional costumes and were accompanied by musicians. It was held in Duna Palota (Danube Palace), an elegant and ornate building that was built in a Neo-Baroque style between 1883 and 1885.
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