And Now The Chain Bridge

From Wikipedia:  The Chain Bridge (Hungarian: Lánchíd) is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.

It is anchored on the Pest side of the river to Roosevelt Square, adjacent to the Gresham Palace and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and on the Buda side to Adam Clark Square, near the Zero Kilometer Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular, leading to Buda Castle.

The bridge has the name of István Széchenyi, a major supporter of its construction, attached to it, but is most commonly known as the Chain Bridge. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world's engineering wonders.^{[citation needed]} 

It has asserted an enormous significance in the country's economic, social and cultural life, much as the Brooklyn Bridge has in New York and America. Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance, have elevated the Chain Bridge to a high stature in Europe. It became a symbol of advancement, national awakening, and the linkage between East and West.

The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. At the time, its center span of 202 metres (663 ft) was one of the largest in the world. The lions at each of the abutments were smaller reproductions of the famous Trafalgar Square lions by Edward Lutyens added in 1852. The bridge was given its current name in 1898.

Chain, Chain, Chain

Budapest Views

Almost my view from my room.  Actually I see the Chain Bridge from my room and the Parliament Building is on the left.  Stll, great view from my room.

 Church Steeples

A seal on the way to the Castle District on the Buda side.

A view of the Pest side from the Buda Castle.

A statue on the castle grounds with a little dusting of snow.

The weather was inclement and the Castle Museum is closed on Monday so I went to the Thermal Baths and had a chocolate (not sweet) massage.   They say it is good for the skin.

Goin' To The Castle

Sitting at breakfast in Budapest with a view of the Danube and the Parliament Building which is castle-like.  I have the same view from my room.  Since no one without a high power binocular can see me, I had the curtains opened and could see the river, the Parliament building, the Chain Bridge all lit up and spectacular like a fairytale picture.  

Just got diverted and was speaking my lousy French to a woman who inquired about Internet connection.  It does not work so well in the room but seems to work fine downstairs in the lobby area and breakfast room. 

Speaking of breakfast, it was terrific.  Unfortunately I am gaining weight because I found my jeans uncomfortable the other day.  Even though I decided to watch it, it is difficult with bacon and eggs, cheeses, cold cuts, sour cherries and all kinds of bread and pastry etc. 

Last night I went to a restaurant named Duck funnily enough on a street which is also named  Duck in Hungarian.  It wasn't bad, with red cabbage and potato, but the restaurant was a little pretentious and quite empty.  It was Sunday night so maybe that's why.  Also it cost the equivalent of $45.

I am going to the Castle today.  I will send pictures later.

Judy

Bumping Up Against Winter

It is old and lovely here in Budapest with castles and churches.  After weeks enjoying much milder -- even tropical -- temperatures, it will be 21 degrees today with light snow.  So, out with the long underwear.  Will send pictures soon.

Love,

Judy

Final Finale Along The Bosporus, Or Goodbye Istanbul

Sunday -- I really hate to leave Turkey.  I returned to Istanbul for one more half day.  I loved my small, comfortable hotel room where the wifi worked and my flat screen TV had CNN and the BBC.  It also had a very clean bathtub, a luxury I have not had for a while.  My other hotel in Turkey had a bathtub but there was no way I would have used it.

Having no tours and always thinking of food, I took a tram -- which turned out to be really easy -- to a popular area on the Bosporus with a bridge, many people fishing and many fish restaurants. Each restaurant has a hawker outside who justs wants to talk to you for a minute. In fact all over one is approached by someone who wants to start a conversation and wants to sell you something.

My last tourist destination was the Grand Baazar.  [Ed. Note:  See previous post.]  I succumbed to a beautiful pair of handmade white gold and gold earrings.  The big items in Turkey are carpets, which I purchased and are being shipped, jewelry which I am wearing, and leather which I did not buy.  You end up paying half of what they ask.  It is off season so maybe I got better deals. One never knows really how well one did. 

Anyway I am sad to be leaving the land of the Sultans and Mosques.  The Ottoman Empire was great which is evident in Istanbul.   I hope to return here next year from Florence on my way to Israel. Time will tell if I will be able to.

I am on the plane on my way to Budapest. I am now going to the lands of the churches.

Next post from Hungary.

Why It's Called A Grand Bazaar