August 17, 2022
Having been foiled by global warming and a low Danube that prompted Uniworld Cruises to cancel their riverboat cruise just days before they were to board, our travellers thought that on their last full day in Budapest, they would book a 2-hour river cruise to check out the river levels themselves. Hop on-Hop Off Tours offered just such a tour and it came with a bus tour around the city. The bus tour was sort of disappointing because it returned our travellers to everywhere they walked to in the previous three days but the boat tour was a fun and really novel way to see the sights. The commentary provided over earpieces was very upbeat and informative and the boat itself was comfortable and spacious.
The boat left from a dock not far from the parliament buildings and traveled upriver to Margaret Island. You could get off there and explore the massive city green space but Gym and his dear companion, chose not to do that because they would have to catch the next boat to continue the journey downriver and that would disrupt their schedule for the rest of they day. So, they stayed onboard and the boat turned around and travelled several kilometres downstream to check out much of the city that our travellers had not seen yet (see the pics for more detail). Apparently boat traffic was light because freight boats were not using the river and there was plenty of room to maneuver. Gym could have driven the tour boat that day. He had pictures to take though and his dear wife may not have appreciated the captain turning over the wheel. After a while, the boat turned around again and returned to the starting point.
After disembarking, Gym and Mrs. Gym walked to the Budapest Market. Gym was told that this was the place to buy Paprika so he was going to load up. Not knowing what to expect Gym was very impressed with the very clean and well organized multi-level space. There was no litter, no fishy smell and the display cases were beautifully arranged. Gym rushed up to the first Paprika counter that he saw and bought a trunk load of Paprika. Later as they made their way into the interior of the stalls Mrs Gym noticed that Paprika counter were discounting the same same products and Gym was scolded for being a lousy shopper. Live and learn, Gym always says. On the way back to the hotel, Mrs. Gym bought a handmade dress for Audrey, the beloved granddaughter. It was only 18 euros, a "heck of a deal", Mrs. Gym quipped. Later, arriving at the hotel lounge tired and thirsty, our travellers scored a couple of cocktails and celebrated a successful day of touring and shopping.
<pics to follow>
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