definite must for taking thermal waters. We passed this time and, instead, took our group for a ride in one of the rowboats available for hire (that is, the parents took the kids, while Papa and Nana relaxed lakeside and enjoyed an espresso!). On a gorgeously sunny afternoon, we ventured to Castle Hill in Buda; it’s easy to stroll the pretty pedestrian friendly cobblestoned streets. Castle Hill is where Buda began and teems with historical importance. It is the home of the Royal Palace of King Béla IV and the gorgeous Mátyás Church dating from the 13th century, as well as other significant sites. The pale pink Fishermen’s Bastion today is a viewing terrace overlooking the neo-gothic Parliament Buildings on the Pest side and the vast expanse of Pest as it stretches beyond. For a picture perfect moment, our little ones stood enraptured by a classical violinist playing a mournful piece of traditional Hungarian music. So enthralled was our granddaughter that her most important purchase was a piece of violin sheet music she could take home with her to learn for herself! Our nostalgic visit to Hungary drew to a close with a day trip to the 12th century romantic village of Szentendre. This delightful spot, perched on a hillside overlooking the Danube bend, is only 45 minutes north of Budapest and easily reachable by car or public transport. It is a major centre of Hungarian cultural life, teeming with artists’ studios as well as The author, her husband, George, and their grandchildren, Manou and Rhys, on Fisherman’s Bastion overlook.
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MARCH 2012
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