Just another day in Budapest

Yesterday, we left our hotel for the Uniworld cruise ship, the S.S. Maria Theresa, named after the mother of Marie Antoinette. The ship has been described as “the love child that might result from a liaison between Liberace and Marie Antoinette”. Actually, it is very tasteful gaudiness. Everyone needs a little sparkle, and there are mirrors everywhere. The color theme is blue, so easy on the eyes. One day when we are in a great wifi area, I will be able to post pictures. Meanwhile, if you have access to me or Bobby on Facebook, you will see a few images there. I don’t know why posting on Facebook is so easy, and on the blog is impossible.

Dinner last evening was fabulous, especially the dessert which was Chocolate. Peanut Butter. Bacon. Bar. With caramel sauce. And popcorn ice cream. Imagine kettle corn ice cream. It was wonderful.

The room has plenty of storage. Amazing, since the size of the room is not great. We do have a small balcony for viewing the world going by. We are meeting many wonderful people; seems like half are from California! But also some from South Africa, Taiwan, Singapore, etc.

Last evening, the Captain repositioned the ship so that we could view Parliament, churches, and bridges that are totally lit at night. It was breathtaking.

The weather has been perfect! In the 70’s. This morning a guide took us on a “do as the locals do” walking tour. We also traveled by subway (very new and modern) and tram (streetcar). We visited the great food market, and saw paprika peppers, etc. Small farmers bring their produce here to sell. Just like your local farmer’s market. Speaking of paprika, we have had it in soup, beef, chicken and relish dishes. We are liking it!

Our guide is very interested in architecture, and there were a lot of beautiful buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. When communism and nazism ruled, most of the construction was quite ugly. The older buildings are now being restored.

Tonight is the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner, which is a dressy affair, with an even more fancy dinner. Looking forward to seeing what is offered.

A surprise thunderstorm came in this afternoon, catching some of the walking tours by surprise. No rain had been predicted.

From the time I write this until the time I get a notice in my email, as you do, it is about 24 hours.

About 30 minutes ago, we started sailing from Budapest to Bratislava, Slovakia, which is our next stop. See you tomorrow.

Comments are encouraged, as that lets me know this actually reaching you. Thanks!