Budapest stretches languidly along the heart of the Carpathian basin; a grand aristocrat fallen on hard times, she still shows glimpses of the beautiful young girl she used to be. The green Buda hills are the emerald crown on her regal head. The sparkling Danube River, a diamond choker gracing her slender neck, joins her two sides. Eyes twinkling, she gently looks over at Pest.
Mineral Baths and Culture
The old palaces, the ragged bodice of her once opulent gown, show years of neglect. With her serene gaze she smooths away the decaying folds of her robe, and is grateful to see decades of tarnish fall from the jewelled fabric, now glittering, and restored to its former dazzling glory. The hot mineral springs, and thermal baths, are tears of sadness reminding her of all that was lost, although she cannot stay sad for long. She is rejuvenated, and her vivacious nature infects young, and old. A skillful lover, she entices you to her warm embrace, and seduces you with her beauty. A born coquette, she displays all the delights of her opulent world, the theatre, opera, and ballet, in a never-ending social swirl.
Daytime activities
An indefatigable, and generous hostess, she plies her guests with gastronomical delights, and invites you to sample her abundant delicacies in grand market halls, turn of the century cafés, medieval cellars, and gourmet restaurants. Later, she leads you down tree-lined boulevards, mesmerising you with a harmonious selection of eclectic architectural styles. Proud of her heritage, she guides you past Roman ruins, famous landmarks, and monuments; as a cultured sophisticate she shows off ancient treasures in her stately museums. In a more sparkling and frivolous mood, she skips through craft markets, past side walk stalls, lingering in speciality stores, and will even tease you into buying a souvenir or two.
Seasons
According to her discerning tastes she dresses, as required by etiquette, appropriate to the occasion, and the season. In winter, a time of open fires, and roasting chestnuts, she adorns herself in brilliant whites with sparkling crystals dripping from her facades. Her spring colours are hand picked from the rainbow palette of abundant seasonal blooms decorating city parks, and suburban gardens, not to be outdone by the lush verdant many hued greens of the summer hills, and the rich topaz, and amber shades of autumn
In the Night
Budapest has many facets, from tranquil mornings of genteel activities, the excited flurry of daytime outings to her wild, and sensuous spirit that emerges with the birth of the night. With unrestrained passion, she lets down her hair, kicks off her shoes, and dares you to join her in the wild sounds of gypsy violins, and a blazing csárdás dance. Red wine flows through her veins, and fiery paprika flames her heart. Her vibrant spirit will haunt your soul long after you leave, keeping you a prisoner of her eternal charms.
Erika Gösi - I was born in Hungary, but I have lived abroad all my life where I was fortunate to have experienced many wonders of Africa and Australia, ...
