Budapest has become in these days one of those cities that I wish I could stay longer to fully visit it. I am really enjoying it a lot, and beside Tallinn, in Estonia - where we spent only a day- , this has been the only city that I regret not staying longer.
I don't remember feeling this way 11 years ago, when I visited Budapest for the first time. Perhaps this is a city for more mature people (please do not read old people). I guess I am (hopefully) a more experienced person and I can understand better the history, and world and human politics. But this mix between art and politics that fascinates me.
I wish I could visit more museums, listen to Gypsy music, watch more political movies and hang out on their cafes and bars.
But we have only a day in Budapest, tomorrow. I hope we will enjoy it, but before, let me tell you a little bit about today.
We decided to take the hop in hop off bus for about 20 euros, because of the bad weather. It was miserable outside: rain, wind and cold. Urrrggghh. Not good at all.
This tour takes you around the city, stopping at the major attractions and letting people get off of get in, if they wish.
One of the first stops was at the Heroes Square. The millennial monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin.
One of the first stops was at the Heroes Square. The millennial monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin.
The grey building is the House of Terror, which was home to the torture chambers and interrogation rooms of the Soviet manipulated Hungarian Communists. 
And the other photo, is the Art Gallery, still at the Heroes Square.
My parents almost turned into penguins! It was really cold for them.
And the other photo, is the Art Gallery, still at the Heroes Square.
My parents almost turned into penguins! It was really cold for them.
This is where Lenin's statue used to be before the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Today, there is just the base for the statue that was put down by the protesters at that time. 
A nice view of the Danube river from the Citadel Restaurant.
For 6 euros, the funicular can take you up to the Castle District. Perfect for a day like today!
The view from the Castle District.
HOSPITAL IN THE ROCKS
FROM http://www.hospitalintherock.com/
Much more than a mere museum or bunker, this exhibition illustrates in the original surroundings the ambiance of the tragic final days of World War II, and later, the chill and naïveté of the early days of the Cold War. Few other exhibition brings you so close to the true feeling of that era.Towards the end of World War II (December ’44 until February ’45), the Soviet troops encircled Budapest and its final defence area, the Castle District. There, within its walls and beneath, the last functioning Military Hospital, treating thousands of soldiers and civilians. Under dire - even eerie - conditions, stretched perhaps 4 times beyond its capacity doctors and nurses struggled heroically with the wounds and infections to save as many lifes as possible. It then again saw active service during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.Later, in the Cold War era, authorities extended the hospital to serve as an atomic bunker, installing facilities that could help those inside to survive a nuclear attack. Classified as “Top Secret”, one can still see the up-to-date machinery of the early ‘60s; all of which have been preserved and can still function today.To recreate the feeling, the exhibition displays much of the original and contemporary artifiacts in diaoramas with over 70 wax figures, further bringing to life the sights that one might have seen when the Hospital and shelter were operational.Welcome to the largest waxwork exhibition in Central Europe.
This is the Hungarian Parliament. It is the second biggest of Europe, only behind the House of Commons in London, England.
A nice view of the Danube river from the Citadel Restaurant.
For 6 euros, the funicular can take you up to the Castle District. Perfect for a day like today!
The view from the Castle District.
They call it the Castle District because it is a complex of many buildings what are used today as libraries, coffee shops, museums, etc.
It is nice to just walk around and see the different buildings.
HOSPITAL IN THE ROCKS
The Hospital in the Rocks was the highlight of the tour. Very hard to find, this place is part of the many caves of the Budapest Castle. It was used during the Second World War as a hospital and although had the capacity to attend about 150 people, it served up to 700 patients at once. Even the Germans would come to this hospital for surgeries and treatments.
After the war, it was just a lab, until the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, when it turned to a hospital again.
In the 60s, the soviets turned it into a nuclear bunker until the fall of the regime in the 80s. It is incredible inside. Really worth visiting! Mike had seen a documentary about it and told me about this place. I am glad he did.
The good thing is that most of the machines, including x-rays and water and air filters in case there is an attack, are still working. The guide of the museum said that the hospital underground can be reactivated in two days if necessary.
It is not allowed to take pictures inside, but if you are interested, I am posting the hospital's website bellow.
It is not allowed to take pictures inside, but if you are interested, I am posting the hospital's website bellow.
FROM http://www.hospitalintherock.com/
Much more than a mere museum or bunker, this exhibition illustrates in the original surroundings the ambiance of the tragic final days of World War II, and later, the chill and naïveté of the early days of the Cold War. Few other exhibition brings you so close to the true feeling of that era.Towards the end of World War II (December ’44 until February ’45), the Soviet troops encircled Budapest and its final defence area, the Castle District. There, within its walls and beneath, the last functioning Military Hospital, treating thousands of soldiers and civilians. Under dire - even eerie - conditions, stretched perhaps 4 times beyond its capacity doctors and nurses struggled heroically with the wounds and infections to save as many lifes as possible. It then again saw active service during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.Later, in the Cold War era, authorities extended the hospital to serve as an atomic bunker, installing facilities that could help those inside to survive a nuclear attack. Classified as “Top Secret”, one can still see the up-to-date machinery of the early ‘60s; all of which have been preserved and can still function today.To recreate the feeling, the exhibition displays much of the original and contemporary artifiacts in diaoramas with over 70 wax figures, further bringing to life the sights that one might have seen when the Hospital and shelter were operational.Welcome to the largest waxwork exhibition in Central Europe.
This is the Hungarian Parliament. It is the second biggest of Europe, only behind the House of Commons in London, England.
CHILDREN OF GLORY
If you have been following my blog, you might have noticed that the Cold War was my favourite part of history. Not because I like it, but for some reason, I find it extremely fascinating, maybe because I still remember as a child the end of this period.
Well, being here feels great because you see history right in front of you, and there are always chances to learn something more.
Since the topic today seemed to be Hungarian Revolution, I took the opportunity to watch the movie Szabadsag, Szerelem or Children of Glory, in English.
Although some Hungarians say i"t is too Hollywood", it shows a beautiful and romantic picture of that event. I am not sure if this movie was distributed outside of Hungary, but if you ever come across it, I suggest you to watch. I really enjoyed it.
After the session,I stayed for a Q&A with one of the actress of the movie. It was nice to hear (thankfully in English) about the feelings of the audience, both Hungarians and foreigners. Interesting...
More about the movie: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/mar/16/drama.periodandhistorical
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