Retro vagyok

In 2014, the Hungarian government put up a monument under the cover of darkness that protestors believe is an attempt at erasing history.  I found this shocking and it's my overriding memory from today. It was also created, apparently, without any public communication or liaison. I think I will blip the writing with the monument as the backdrop (you might be able to read the English translation in the extra). It seems there is no attempt to remove the protesting display - maybe out of concern for what it might trigger?

The day has been excellent. We started at the Rudas thermal spa first thing and headed for the rooftop baths. We spent maybe a couple of hours relaxing weary legs before heading for lunch at a very cool second hand bookshop-cafe in the Jewish quarter. 

After dropping our spa stuff at the hotel, we took the metro to a quiet urban area, north of the parliament building and enjoyed the tranquil walk through beautiful Hungarian flats - it felt the real side of Hungary which was nice to find. We then wandered down its many shop/cafe street and happened upon the most fantastic Turkish cafe with fresh ginger tea and mint lemonade, on top of delicious food. 

We took in the sites of the gothic parliament building and the view across the Danube to Fisherman’s Bastion where we were yesterday. On to St Stephen’s Basilica where there was an unexpected Christmas market. We found a hand-carved Hungarian (asked in Hungarian to check) Christmas egg-Santa and a small picture. 

I think one of the best feelings I’ve had here is using my exceptionally limited knowledge of the language to connect with a few locals. One guy asked if my mother was Hungarian - he was most surprised when I told him it was six weeks on Duolingo! I can’t believe how long it took me to start learning Spanish after years of visiting. Thank you Duolingo!

Nearly forgot to explain the title. I am Retro! Duo taught me to say ‘I am Péter’ but this is way more accurate! We visited the fantastic interactive retro museum and discovered a fair few bits of memorabilia were in our history! Commodore 64 (and tape deck), metal pump action spinning tops and my favourite Mario’s cement factory to name but a few! Great fun!

We had an impromptu visit to an art shop run by the artists and chatted to the Hungarian running it today. She told us a bit about herself - firstly, she didn’t realise she was an artist! She’d managed a Domino’s in London for a few years but didn’t like it because it was non-stop and nobody had time to talk (I encouraged Yorkshire next time, of course!) She also said if she weren't Hungarian, she wouldn't try to to learn the language! (To be honest, I think I have reached my limit!)

We managed to fit in another great coffee shop near the hotel which was full of students, we think, with laptops. 
Time for tea!

Excellent food and great service and in comparison to last night, ridiculously cheap! Bed early for me - Rich has gone for another roam.