Finally crossed the Danube and visited Buda.  Very different from Pest, hilly and full of trees, walks, and views.

Buda features the banished communist statues. The “Liberty Statue” remains in a place of honor. Seemed a good time for a “selfie”.

A great city for public transport. We’ve ridden subways, buses, trams, boats, a funicular and tomorrow a train. Yet we’ve done plenty of walking, yesterday’s pedometer said 10 miles. This mother and daughter were in the walking spirit.

Though the Opera House is famously opulent, we preferred the newly renovated Listz Academy’s Art Deco hall. No red velvet, instead black panels with gold painted designs and stained glass reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. This is the second floor lobby. The concert we attended featured concertos for two pianos with full orchestra. Magnificent in every way.

Beer bikes, powered by the beer guzzling riders that slowed down cars behind them on busy streets, shout “pedal” when traffic lights turn green. Of the three we’ve seen the one with only women was the loudest and they were having the best time.

The streets are filled with young people socializing, drinking, and sadly all smoking late into the night. The vibe is very upbeat. Last night we walked through the Palinka Festival “Of The Hungarian Spirit”. (We think that means “spirits”.)

Szia to Hungary (means “hello”/”goodbye” in Hungarian like “ciao” in Italian)