Veszprém to Budapest

Well were back in Budapest but this time on the outskirts of town at a lovely little boutique hotel.  There are three small villages in close proximity known as the Danube Bend.  The circuit started at Szentendre, then we made the 45 minute trip to Visegrad, which was a total waste of time and then circling back to probably the most interesting of the three, Esztergom.  Szentendre was a neat little village with the typical cathedrals, crumbling walls, lots of the usual restaurants and shops.  Not really well maintained but nice just the same.  Visegrad was a total waste of time & gas.  You drive up the mountain for about 15 minutes, get to the top where they rip you off for parking, then you make the 15 minute, steep walk to the top and your right back in the tourist trap zone.  Disgusted, we about faced and called it a good work out and back to the car.  The parking lot attendant took one look at my face and new I was on to the gig and wave us through.  The last stop was Esztergom and it was definitely the icing on the cake.  Perched on the top of a mountain, from the front you think your looking at Capital Hill.  There is a great walk to the lower village that runs along the Danube.  A nice walking path along the river and some great views from the bottom. One thing I have discovered, if your wanting to tour castles in Europe, nothing comes even close to the castles of France.  I guess that is why we may sound so critical of castles in most other countries because France would be a very tough act to follow.

 Overall, it was another great day.  Life is tough traveling Europe for 4 months!!!  If it sounds like I am complaining from time to time, KICK ME IN THE ASS!!  Life is great!

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