Day 12: Buda-Pest-Buda-Pest-Buda-Pest

 

Today: THB and DB said goodbye to the Esprit, leaving the ship at a comfortable 9am, placing our 4 bags along the wall  just outside 306. THB managed to leave his "wallet" jammed in the cabin safe and the cleaning crew found it and it was delivered to him on the bus before we left. 

THB had not noticed it missing because now when traveling he just takes a few pieces of the local currency, a copy of his passport, and his I-phone (and uses the VISA card loaded on the phone). Lowers the risk of pick-pocketing and the currency and passport copy are zippered away 

PHEW!

Next up: a bus ride to Budapest with local guides. Now THB is suffering from a local guide using the in-bus mic and talking non-stop and very Loudly. THB turns off his hearing aids, barely helps. By the time we get to Buda-side, THB's head is banging. At the first stop, a big plaza, THB isn't using the headphone any more. 

Back on the bus, more crisscrossing around PestBuda and ending up at the Parliament building. DB goes off on what she reports as great tour and THB heads to the cafe to close his eyes and listen to his current audiobook (a historical saga set in the mid 1400s with lots of traveling in exotic locations).

5 pics by DB

a famous memorial where the last 60 Jews were murdered in Budapest in early 1945. Empty shoes...very poignant

Buffet lunch tor the Tauck'ers and THB and DB sit with people that we haven't met before. Ah-ha...one guy sits down and THB finds out he also has essential tremors (and, poor guy, Parkinson's). How's that for male bonding. 

Our room is ready at the Al Habtoor Palace and we unpack. 

View from  our  room

really good hotel room art

 Dinner at Goli, not easy to find the name...and the meal is terrific!! THB estimates the cost at around $140 (THB cannot access his BofA account, so can't get the accuurate charge amt yet)

Chocolate Mousse for dessert (pics not in order)

lamb riblets

swimming in oil (great dipping sauce for bread)

DB washing peas cooked in charcoal

Freekeh salad

smashed potato

brewski, lemon and spices drink

mini cup of lukewarm tea 

DB makes rezzie using Open Table at around 4:30. When we arrive the menu has been personalized

Pics around town...Buda? Pest?

new type of "cone" ... a chimney cake