Few American tourists although I had a perfect evening with a couple from the forum and met an interesting individual from NYC. Oh, and my favorite travel blog writer was in town. Well, not exactly a travel blog, more of insights into this history and culture of Eastern Europe. Best of the Best.
More Russians than usual. And it seems more European youth than in past years. So the dress attire for European kids on holiday is shorts and t-shirts for the guys and for the girls ... well, as little as possible and not get arrested. This is sort of new too.
You can tell most of the tourism is city breaks as the town starts filling on Thursday and starts to empty on Sunday. Good clue on when to visit.
I have a neighbor from a bordering country that has been staying here the last 6 months and commented well on the quality of life for families. So much for families to do and so affordable. Nice to hear and might be worth thinking about if you travel with children. If anyone is interested i can out you in touch with her.
I'll keep adding to this as things come to mind and I have time.
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If you have been to Budapest but its been more than maybe 6 years you might be amazed at the infrastructure improvement. New parks, new museums, new public buildings, new theaters .... The improvements have been astounding; and not just public works, the amount of foreign capital coming in is pretty amazing. In some areas it seems as though every 10th building is being renovated. For such a poor country its amazing. And they have done it so far without taking away any of the old charm. Sitting at my breakfast table I can look out the window and see the pock marks around the top floor window across the street. Pock marks from gun fire; maybe '45, maybe '56.
I have a habit of liking to talk to local people about history and politics and with a bit of open mindedness it isn't hard to have a good conversation. You quickly learn there are no straight lines in any of this. Good insight for decision making at home.
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And this is as clever as it is unbelievable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XukLEaMbm9k
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I'm sort of a strange tourist as I enjoy the little things tge most. Things like every other day the sweep the streets and walks and once a week they wash the walks. Almost always clean despite the crumbling buildings off the tourist paths.
Also have been the victim of Eastern European hospitality with home cooked food deliveries several times a week. Not helping the diet.
A note, they take off shoes before entering homes here and throughout the region.