THE HALF MARATHON - Sunday, September 5, 2010
It was a sunny but cold and windy morning. The city came alive with runners converging upon the Varosliget (the City Park) which is where the race began and ended. Varosliget was once a marshland and served as a royal hunting ground but later it was cleared and planted. It was also the site for the millenium celebrations in 1896 and also includes the very majestic and magnificient "Hero's Square". The route for the Half Marathon took us through some of the most beautiful sections of the City. I just wished it was warmer.
THE POST-RACE DIP IN THE SZECHENYI BATHS
http://gallery.me.com/deepakghosh#100844&bgcolor=black&view=carouseljs&sel=0
This "spa" has the hottest thermal baths in Budapest and the added attraction of magnificent Neo-Baroque architecture. Considered as the bathing complex in Europe, it comprises of indoor and outdoor swimming and thermal pools. The water is also deemed to have therapeutic qualities.
MEALS AT NEPFENYES ETTEREM (A VEGAN RESTAURANT)
I dined here every night. A little gem of a vegan restaurant with very friendly English-speaking and well-informed staff. The food was fresh and delicious and presented very well. Surprisingly, vegan food was very cheap in Budapest. I made friends with the restaurant staff and invited them over to NYC.
HERO'S SQUARE (DAY AND NIGHT)
Here lies the Millenium Monument which was built to commemorate Hungary's millenium celebrations in 1896.
At the center of the monument is a 120 feet high Corinthian Column upon which stands the Archangel Gabriel holding St Istvan's crown and apostolic cross. These objects signify Hungary's conversion to Christianity under the rule of King Istvan. The column is embraced by two curved colonades featuring statues of some great Hungarians.
THE METRO NETWORK OF BUDAPEST
The M1, M2 and M3 lines service the city. Compared to NYC Subway, they appeared as little "toy trains". Ha! Budapest is serviced by trams, metro and buses. The Metro service halts at around 11:30pm and resumes in the morning.
LUNCH AT HUMMUS BAR
A hole in the wall eatery serving very fresh, cheap middle-eastern, Israeli food. I loved the food there. It brought back memories of Tel Aviv. The staff is friendly and speak English and have the menu available in English.
THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE
This is the largest synagogue in Europe. Built in Byzantine-Moorish style by the Viennese architect Ludwig Forster between 1854-9. Can accommodate 3000 worshippers. Stunning from both inside and outside and very appealing to the eye during day and night times.
THE HOUSE OF TERROR MUSEUM
The museum is located in the former headquarters of the secret police of both the Nazis and the Communist governments. It records the grim events and practices of the "double occupation" of Hungary at the end of the WWII
RANDOM SNAPSHOTS
These include the Charles Bridge over the Danube, the Castle District, the Basilica, the Opera House, and other random snapshots during a romp about the City.
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