April 19th: To The Citadel!

The steps to the Citadel are many many many and steep steep steep. 

We take the shady steps but summer has hit with highs near 80 and humidity at least 1000%.  It is a noteworthy trek but the views are absolutely awesome.  

At the top stands a gigantic stature of a lady holding a feather over her head as a symbol of peace between the cities of Buda on one side of the river Danube and Pest on the other.  The cities joined forces to combat a common enemy as the Turks and Muslims advanced.  It is a beautiful spot but we must head down and back up again to the castle district where much history and views await.  

After stumbling through a movie set we ascend a bunch more stairs to the top of the castle and home of the President.  Here we part as Jim and our new friend Rick and Tina, Krim and new friend Erika have an appointment with a Thai Massage said to be a whole new and improved message.  Clyde is headed out alone to explore the area.

The Matthias Church is a gothic beauty.  It was here in 1456 that Hungry was the only Christian outpost standing against the Islamic army as the Hapsburg army left in retreat.  The Pope Callixtus ordered bells to be rung every noon and the people of the church to pray.  Sure enough, another army came to the rescue and defeated the Sultans army.  The church also was the spot that young Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) was given the coronation as Queen of Hungry for her support of their cause.  The great composer Franz Lisit wrote the music.  Down the road stands Mary Magdalena Tower.  

We all meet in the lounge to share stories of the day and plan our dinner in town.  

The dinner was wonderful and the walk back passed by the giant ferriswheel and that is when the “Girls” decided to take a spin.  It was scary was all they said. We closed the lounge and headed to Ricks room for a drink and a rousing card game of “Bullshit” won by Tina.  What a fun day and evening!