Budapest, Day 19

I journeyed to Gellert Baths in Gellert-hegy, and was determined to put away my anxiety about being able to successfully navigate myself through the procedures of bathing in a thermal bath. First, I paid and was given what looked like a watch to wear on my wrist, but it had no watch face, instead it was a rounded surface. Next, I had to find the entrance, and that took a few tries and asking questions. Then, it was finding the rental desk on how to rent a locker and towels. I successfully completed this by following some people who appeared to know what they were doing. I was feeling quite confident after navigating locker rentals... and then I accidentally walked into the men's locker room. NOTHING IS LABELED!!!! I had no idea where to go, in what direction the different pools were - I was so confused! I managed to find a locker assistant, get a locker, and change into my bathing costume. I first entered the 30C inside thermal bath that sits in this gorgeous room (and it was also the only photo I was able to take).

I then asked if there were other thermal baths and gave up trying to find them when I again walked into another part of the men's locker room! I ended up on the outside deck, and found the sauna. It was so very hot that I didn't last very long and was sweating profusely when I left. I headed over to the 26C wave pool. I wondered why there were railings all along the sides of the pool. The waves began, gently at first, and then increased in tensity. I soon found out why the railings are needed - the waves get so large that if you don't hold on, you will go under or go crashing backwards into someone else. The waves were stronger and bigger than ones I've experienced at the beach. I couldn't believe that all these parents would although their small children in such a turbulent pool.

After about half an hour of being beaten by waves, I found an outside thermal pool. It was a lovely 30C, and I sat soaking for close to an hour, feeling very relaxed and refreshed, and so not wanting to do anything else for the rest of the day. When I got back to the hotel, I did some research on Gellert baths and discovered that there were an additional 13 indoor thermal baths (some single sex only) that I never managed to find. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to come back.

I ventured across the street to Szikla-templom (Cave Church) which dates to 1256 and was founded by monks of the Pauline order. Masses are still today conducted by Pauline monks in pure white robes. The church was literally built into the side of a cave. It was fascinating to look inside. Szikla-templom wins my favourite church of Budapest award for sure.

I then headed up to Margit-sziget - there was a whole lot of pedestrian traffic on Margit hid that made things quite claustrophobic. I was able to find what I wanted to see: the Millenial Monument, Hajos Alfred Pool,  ruins of a late 13th century Franciscan church and a Japanese Garden.

And then I started getting a little creative with the camera and got some great shots.

And guess where I ate tonight? Yes, Bombay Express - I had some delicious yellow dal and basmati rice. There was a butt grabbing incident by two overweight unattractive men. I turned around and said "That's not very polite at all. One of these days, after doing that, you're going to get punched in the face and you'll think of me." What I really would have liked to have said was "I'm very sorry that you're so fat and ugly that you have to resort to inappropriately groping at women because you can't get laid." I didn't want KC to get a phone call from the police that I had been arrested!

This trip has been an absolutely amazing experience, and I'm so glad that I was able to do this. Who knows what the future will hold for me, but I certainly plan on traveling the world to experience other cultures. I felt so at home in Budapest once I felt comfortable navigating the city. Someone asked me why I wasn't going to Prague instead. I'm glad I did, because I feel that Budapest is a beautiful old city which enthusiastically supports the arts and culture, and has a great energy and vibe. I am so glad I came, and I can't believe how many different things I visited and what I've done in such a short timeframe. I do hope to get back to Budapest one of these days for a second go at the baths, and to visit some more museums that I just didn't have the time to visit.

I am ready to go home. I miss my cats, I miss my bed, and I miss my friends. I'm so excited that my parents will be meeting me at the airport tomorrow evening. That is such a blessing.

Well, thank you readers, for reading my blog and participating when you could or had something interesting to say. It has certainly been invaluable to me in not feeling so homesick.