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Italiano (Italian)
The chapter on what to do in Budapest would be rich. I would start with what you should never do, especially if you are alone and on a weekend.
Of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire I had seen quite a lot, especially Vienna where I had been several times and Prague. While I completely missed Hungary. It was very inspiring to me, although, of the many reports I received, the one I had most in my head was the one from my parents, who were thrilled to have found an excellent Italian restaurant where they made perfect amatriciana.
I went there alone in late August 2022.
I planned to see it well over a long weekend. Including something special like the pinball museumand a half-day at the spa.
I arrive cooked like a salami
The best option to use as little vacation time as possible was to leave very early in the morning from Bergamo, where I arrived the night before. I had hoped to be able to sleep in the airport, which I discovered was rather noisy at night, unlike others where it is possible to rest.
When I landed I was as if dazed and decidedly lackluster, and the excitement of discovering the city was not enough to arouse me as much as it should have.
Like any rookie, within 10 minutes I managed to get both my ATM and credit card blocked.
I was aware that I almost didn’t need the cash and to eat some Kurtoskalacs (typical dessert I am crazy about that is also easily found in Prague, born in Transylvania), At a kiosk I could have even changed only 20 euros. But I headed to the first ATM where by mispronouncing the code 3 times in a row, my card was blocked. Fortunately, the bank had just opened. I covered myself with ridicule by trying to explain myself in my sleepy and even more ineffective English than usual.
Leaving there I immediately stopped at another counter, fortunately not one of those built into the walls of a bank but isolated. After three attempts I blocked the credit card but at least spit it back at me.
To my not sufficient detriment, I must say that I had recently changed both papers and having had to learn them together, I was getting confused about the 2 codes.
After the danger averted, I see everything on the agenda about what to do in Budapest
Still having the card in my hand and luckily still being Friday, I was able to call my bank in Italy; after a few calls they unblocked it for me. I had only booked the bnb (still unpaid), I was with a few euros. So I had seriously risked finding myself penniless for 3 days. The adrenaline from the narrow escape aroused me just enough to change the famous 20 euros; head to the bnb, pay for the room and have a nice nap.
I regenerated myself after eating the first Làngos (delicious and deep-fried). Then I spent the rest of the little tour without any emotions except those related to the beautiful city, which confirmed my expectations.
I went to see everything I had planned. The top is the riverfront promenade, with the parliament (pictured here) and the bridges over the Danube. Unfortunately, the Chain Bridge was under renovation and I could not admire it at its best.
Home Together Traveling in Eastern Europe, Behind the Wall
Next stop Trip to Bulgaria, by now I’m taking the beating
Trips taken, travel stories divided by continent
Countries visited in my travel stories
Anecdotes, divided by type in travel narratives
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