I'm sure many
of you are familiar with all the features we have in 'The Knowledge'
magazine, but we mustn't forget all our new readers, so for all
the newies let me just explain a little about 'Rachel's Rendezvous'.
This feature involves me, Rachel, taking part in an activity of
some sort or maybe a job role and telling all you guys about the
experience I had. This feature has been part of 'The Knowledge'
for just over a year now, so I can certainly say I've had my fair
share of taking part in some fantastic and sometimes quite adventurous
activities. This month, I am not taking part in an activity per
say but would like to tell you about, and share my thoughts on,
places to go on a summer holiday or just a haven to get away to
for a while and relax. The country in question is Hungary, one
that I am sure many of you probably wouldn't have thought initially
to go to for a holiday, but an absolutely beautiful country that
deserves a visit.
In 'Rachel's Rendezvous' I found myself in the city of Budapest.
I know city breaks and holidays may seem costly, but not this
one. You can fly to Budapest with Ryan Air from Leeds at exceptionally
low prices, especially if you're lucky enough to purchase a flight
when the airline is having a sale, which they do quite often.
Flights to Budapest can cost as little as £19.99.
Budapest is in Eastern Europe and has not yet joined the European
Union. The currency is in Florins and prices have not yet shot
through the roof due to the Euro. In-fact the pound is so strong
over there that you feel like royalty.
Now, more about Budapest; the scenery is stunning and the city
oozes with culture and history. If you are a fan of outstanding
architecture, Budapest is for you. It feels like you have travelled
back in time when walking the streets and squares of Buda and
Pest. That's right, the River Danube divides the city into two,
Buda in the hills and Pest on the plain. There are a number of
bridges over the Danube most famously the Elizabeth Bridge and
the Liberty Bridge connecting Buda to Pest and Pest to Buda. Over
looking the Danube is 'The Liberty Statue'. On a nice day it is
great to walk up to the statue, stalls are set up along the winding
road that takes you there selling some unusual Hungarian Souvenirs,
and the views are truly sensational. You can look out and see
the whole of Buda and Pest and the statue is breath-taking. Alongside
the River Danube is the Parliament Buildings, and again I have
never seen architect like it in my life, the building is magnificently
detailed. Have you ever seen something that you are so taken aback
by that you really are lost for words? You can try your very best
to describe it but your most elaborate description still does
not do it justice. Just check out the photos on this page, the
views are amazing but still when you see it yourself, through
your own eyes it's even better. The Matthias Church is yet another
truly impressive building, the roof is a mesmerizing array of
colourful tiles. The church is Neo-Gothic and an absolute work
of art inside and out. As well as all the sight seeing, Budapest
is a bustling city with great cafes and restaurants to sample
traditional Hungarian cuisine. Alongside traditional cuisine the
city is famously known for its traditional thermal waters, 'Gellert
Baths' where still to this day visitors can enjoy a relaxing dip.
And finally, I am going to end on the Basilica, need I say more.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Budapest and cannot wait to go back
to Hungry again to re-cap on all the fascinating and beautiful
places I had seen. If you have a few spare pennies in your back
pocket and need to get away, take my advice and go to Budapest.
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