On the Boat in Budapest (booda-pesht)

We ate breakfast as we watched our bags being loaded in a large bus for an 8 hour trip to where the boat sat in waiting.  It was a smooth ride as the roads were in good shape.  They must invest in infrastructure! We left the Czech Rep., crossed thru a bit of Slovakia then entered Hungry. 


There were 2 stops, one brief bio break with free toilets and one lunch stop where you paid 1Euro, but got it back as a credit when you purchased lunch.  Theresa had a very hearty goulash (beef stew) and Kevin tried some salad items that did not taste as he expected.  We arrived at the port in Budapest at about 4pm local time.





Viking and other long river boats lined the shore and we were given permission to board the Magni and check in.  Our room was very nice and even had a small balcony fairly close to the waterline.  We unpacked our 2 suitcases each in short order for our 15 day journey on board.

The next priority was a tour of the boat.  There were 4 decks, the bottom was below water line cabins and crew, the next was (ours) at entry and water level as well as the main restaurant.   

The Third level was more cabins and most importantly the Lounge where there was always someone on duty to meet your beverage needs.  The top deck was outside and had a wheel house on a platform that could be raised and lowered as needed, in order to clear low bridges.  There was also another bar, lots of seating as well as a putting green and track.  With the temps predicted in the 40's F for most of our trip this deck would not be the primary destination for relaxing with said beverages.

All passengers were encouraged to attend a Welcome presentation in the lounge where the next days itinerary was reviewed.  The plan was for a combo Bus and walking tour that would consume the entire morning.

Per local COVID mandates no more than 25 folks can be on a group tour, so there were 4 buses that were used to conduct the tour.  All must wear FFP2 (KN95) masks while on transportation and indoors.

Budapest was originally 2 cities, Buda and Pest separated by the Danube river.  The Buda side was traditional and the Pest side was more modern.

The Bus part of the tour was all about the architecture which was a mix of all styles and were ordained with statues, gargoyles and art work.  The walking part of the tour surrounded the St. Stephen's Basilica.  A 180 degree view of the cities buildings as well as the river could be captured.  Tourist took their turn posing and doing selfies with the popular backdrop.  To see our pictures of Budapest and St. Stephens basilica  click here.  FOr more information about St. Stephens Basilica click here. 

Inside of the Basilica was equally as impressive with a massive main alter, spiral staircases to the church pulpit, statues, stained glass and works of art on every wall.

At the end of the walking tour the busses took us back to the ship for lunch  Then next, for us was an additional after noon excursion to the thermal spa!

The Széchenyi Baths was a massive structure that housed the 18 different spas(pools), 3 large outdoor and all the rest indoors.  Once you entered each person was given a wrist band that allowed entry to your own cabana where you could change into your suit and leave your clothes and such safely behind.  We elected to wallow in 2 of the outdoor large spas. 


We seemed to raised the mean age about 20-30 years as most of the bathers were 15-20 something!  As the clock ticked towards the end of a normal school or work day the number bathers expanded dramatically and there was little room for maintain any distancing.  One of the spas had circular walls, one inner and one outer,  that allowed a folks to get the water flowing like a lazy river just by everyone marching the same directions around the circle.  Kevin (the instigator) started the action going faster and faster.  After a few cycles around the current would just take you with out any effort.  The kids started joining in the fun, giggling and laughing.  

Our time was up in the spa and it was time to get back to the ship as it was scheduled to push off as soon as we returned.  

A quick shower for Theresa, while Kevin headed up to the wheel house to witness the impressive lights of Budapest just as the ship departed.  


Once the city lights were in the distance we settled into a relaxing dinner and the start of a 2 day river trip to Vienna, Austria.



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