5 Days in Romania

I solo travelled to Romania around end of 2019, visiting Timisoara and Cluj Napoca.

Purpose of travel: Literally nothing to do in my annual leave. Saw some cheap flight tickets to Romania. Haven't been to Romania. Might as well.

Day 1: Arriving in Timisoara

I took Wizz Air from Sheffield/Doncaster Airport, 3 hours flight to Timisoara. Timisoara is the unofficial capital city for the historical region of Banat. Banat is now divided between Northern Serbia and Western Romania. For travelling between airport and city center, I forgot to put in the promo code for the local cab hailing app, oh well, it cost me around 70 lei (around GBP12) to get to the city from airport. Bus cost 4.50 lei. Oh well, I've been spending extravagantly, which is what I'm planning to do. So far, I don't see any Asian looking face around Timisoara. I feel a bit out of place. Which also means, I am visiting less touristic place of the country. Timisoara still have Christmas market after Christmas, which is totally unexpected. I bought the Romanian version of garlic bread - actually quite nice.

Day 2: Exploring Timisoara

It was rather cold throughout the day. I'm actually a bit surprised by the cold weather. Guess this is more of a Central European climate as opposed to balkan heat. Anyhow, the walking tour which was supposed to happen did not happen, so I did my own thing, and went inside the Romanian Orthodox Church. The church is well decorated. I get to witness everyday Romanians doing their rituals of praying, very different from the free form worship of charismatic christians. Going inside the church is free of charge. I also tried to go to the Museum of Communist Consumers, but I think google map mislead me, and I did not find it. Oh well. Then, I bought some food from the Christmas market. I bought an assortment of meat + potato. I ate outside, in the freezing weather. Then, I went to the Bega shopping centre. I don't think it is qualified to be called a shopping centre, nothing much inside. I tried to go to the post office to send some Timisoara postcards, but it's closed today, due to Christmas/New Year holidays. Next, I go to the National Museum of Banat. It was supposed to be housed at the fortress at the city centre. But since the fortress has been going though renovation works for the past couple of years as I understand, the museum is now housed temporary in a bastion. Nothing much inside, except for an exhibition about the life of a 19th century Banat resident. I was expecting to learn about the national identity of Banats, but I was disappointed. Next, I went to the art museum. The art museum is located in a Baroque-styled palace. Very nice building. As far as I understand, this building was built during the Hapsburg empire, and sought to replicate Parisian architecture. I went back for a rest at the hostel. The benefit of staying in a centrally located hostel is that I can go back to the hostel anytime. For dinner, I went out the Christmas market again, this time I bought Romanian food (the way I describe it bluntly): Romanian "kebab", Romanian sauerkraut stuffed inside a bell pepper, and Romanian cabbage rolls. These are Romanian food, as per google search. Overall, I had a good time exploring Timisoara. I'm glad I travelled alone, as I can do whatever, eat whenever, and rest whenever. The downside is that I could not share this experience with anyone, and I do not possess any pictures of myself and the city. 

Day 3: Arriving in Cluj Napoca

Did not have a great start this morning as I overslept. Luckily I still managed to make it to the Timisoara Nord train station. The distance between Timisoara and Cluj Napoca is actually not that far. But due to the crappy rail system of Romania in which no high speed rail link exist between the two cities, the journey took more than 6 hours. I slept all the way. Cluj napoca is less touristic than I expected. The Christmas market is very nice! However, I am very surprised by the lack of hostel options. I have to stay in a hotel for 3 nights. Good for privacy, but not so good for the budget. I was very tired as I couldn't sleep all night yesterday. So I slept most of the afternoon. I managed to get out of my room and take a walk around the city. The union square is very beautiful. As this is still within Christmas market period, the square is full of stores, ice skating rings, and christmas decorations. I went to the Transylvania National Museum. Sadly it was closed for renovation, except for the temporal exhibition of Romanian Revolutions 1989 (30th year anniversary special), which is quite ok. Then, I walked up to the fortress hill. I must say it is very under-developed. So much potential here. Cluj Napoca has a lot to learn from cities like Prague and Lisbon. The hotel on top of the fortress hill seems old and run down. I had Hungarian food as my lunch, bought from the Christmas market. Hungarian culture is the identity of Transylvania. Thus, it was held tightly. Then, I went to the Romanian orthodox church, observing the Romanians doing their rituals. I'm surprised I don't have to pay entry fees. It was very cold today, mostly below freezing point. I had a good time exploring Cluj Napoca, although I hoped for more old town stuff, as seen in many European cities. 

Day 4: Turda Salt Mine

Started off my day with an average complimentary breakfast from Hotel Meteor. It's complimentary, so I'm not supposed to complain. Anyhow, I went off and took Alis bus from Cluj Napoca to a small town named Turda, 30 minutes from Cluj Napoca by bus. From my perspective, I think Romanians love their mini-express-bus because the trains are crap. The trip from Cluj Napoca to Turda is 5 lei. From Turda, there is bus 17 which travels from town centre to the salt mine, every 1 hour 20 min. I waited for an hour for this bus, the whole time thinking about how nice would it be to drive in Romania, able to come and go as wished instead of waiting for a bus, wasting all my time. Anyhow, the bus did not come, so I took a cab, cost me 13 lei. Not too bad. The salt mine entry costs 40 lei. I must say I did not regret coming to this salt mine. Inside the salt mine, there are ferry's wheel, mini bowling, table tennis, boating, and much more. Very interesting mine. I went back to Turda town using the bus. Then I took Alis bus back to Cluj Napoca from Turda. For some reasons I was very tired and slept all the way. Bought some souvenirs and some food from the Christmas market and thus concluded my day. It was a rather relaxing day, though I must say I am a bit frustrated by the time used in waiting for transport in Romania.  

Day 5: Turda Gorge

I was supposed to visit Corvin Castle via early morning train to Deva today, but I overslept and ended  up visiting Turda again. This time, I decided to go for a hike. I went to Turda using Alis Bus, and then took a cab to Turda Gorge. This is where all the interesting stuff happened. When the cab driver dropped me off at the hiking trail entry of Turda Gorge, there was not a single soul around. Apparently now it is off season (can't blame them), and usually around Spring/Summer more people will be around. No stores are open. The cab driver was worried for me and thus walked for the first 5 minutes with me and then he left his phone number before heading back to Turda. Note: Turda Gorge is around 20 minutes drive from Turda city centre. I thought the hotel at Turda Gorge will be in operation so I can ask them to call a cab, but no. And no taxi stands / taxis are found in Turda Gorge. I knew I'm screwed. To make matters worst, there were 3 stray dogs which kept barking from the moment I stepped out of the cab. I started to have thoughts: the stray dogs must have be very hungry and will probably eat me alive. There will be news of chinese tourists being attacked in Turda Gorge. Who will be dumb enough to take a hike during winter? And hence, I walked along the trail, with my steps quicker as I sensed the 3 stray dogs are following me behind and barking. I thought I'm screwed and this whole thing was a mistake. Anyhow, the scenery is gorgeous. The half frozen river, snow covered forest grounds, and imposing rocks makes this a very wonderful scenery. I enjoyed it very much. To my surprise, the stray dogs managed to catch up with me. I thought I will be dead. So I stood still, and not looking in the eyes of the dogs, as recommended by google search results of "how to deal with stray dogs". To my surprise, the dogs did not bite nor bark. They actually wag their tail and sat in front of me. At that instance, I understood one thing. The stray dogs survived by the mercy of the hikers who may or may not hand out food. Thus, it was in the best interest of the dogs to be friendly. I'm so happy. At that time, I saw two more hikers, and I'm very relieved, knowing that I will not die alone in this countryside. I turned back after hiking for an hour or so. On the direction back, I met even more hikers. Thus, I'm not a lunatic for hiking at this time of the year. Then, I was thinking of calling cab. I just realised those cab drivers do not understand english, how the heck am I suppose to call the cab to tell them where I am? Then. a second miracle happen. I asked a group of elderly (probably hungarians) who were hiking around, requesting them to help me call a cab to Turda. They don't understand my english, and I don't understand their hungarian/romanian. And to my surprise, they offered to get me to the main road where I can take a bus / taxi to Turda. Wow! So they dropped me off at the bus stop at the main road, so kind of them! What a miracle! Then, at the bus stop, apparently the bus is late. Thus, the two ladies who were waiting there hailed a cab, and I joined in. The cab dropped us off at Turda city centre. I paid one-eighth of the price for the journey from Turda Gorge to Turda city centre which would otherwise cost me if I took a cab. What a miracle! Later, I visited the Turda historical museum. I was the only visitor that time. It was small but ok. Then, I went back to Cluj Napoca using Alis bus. The post offices in Cluj Napoca are closed and hence I could not send any postcards from Romania. After a long rest in the hotel, I went to the Unirii city square again, this time, to see the new year eve celebrations. There are live shows which I had no idea what the singers were singing, except for Dance Monkey by Tones and I, which quickly became my favourite EDM song. There were crowds of people. Then, the whole crowd moved to the city square in front of the metropolitan orthodox church. The fireworks was awesome. It was a great experience to spend new year in Romania. 

Day 6: Leaving Romania

Flight at 0640 from Cluj Napoca to Birmingham, UK. Thus conclude the awesome and spontaneous trip to Romania. 

Slight regret of not visiting Corvin's castle, Sibiu, Brasov, and Bucharest whilst in Romania. Oh well, might not be next time but at least I can tell everyone how Romania (Transylvania) is like. 

7 Days travelling in Portugal (with £300 budget)

20 June (Wed) – Day 1

Flight a bit delayed but otherwise ok. Talked to a lady named Lorraine, sitting next to me. Apparently she has a daughter and son in Uni of Reading and Loughborough respectively. Daughter is doing law, just finished 2^nd year. Son is doing PhD in System engineering or something. She keep talking what her son did and very proud of her son’s achievement. She is so proud of her children. I kind of manipulated my speech to keep heaping praises to her children, because I think that’s what she wants to hear.

She is on an all-girls trip. Very typical British loh. These British tourists all flocking to Portugal, like expatriate. Exploiting the cheap accommodation and food.

I got asked a bit more question at the Portuguese custom. Probably because the officer afraid I jump airplane. Faro nice airport, small. I managed to catch the 2115 bus 15 just in time. The hostel 1878 is ok, very comfortable. Maybe because the position of my bed, I struggle to get Wifi from where I’m sleeping. The weather is ok. 18 celcius is ok with just t-shirt, surprisingly.

I walked through a night life area of the Faro town, just to get instant noodle because I super hungry.

I cooked the instant noodle. Ate with the receptionist. I brought more stuff than usual for this trip. 

21 June (Thur) – Day 2

Went to do and see all the touristic sites in Faro old town. Managed to finish the sights by 11.30am

By far the highlight is to go to the local market and buy groceries for lunch and dinner. I love their fresh fish market. Cooked something like potato dumpling or something for lunch. Then I went to the beach. I’m surprised how open they are regarding toplessness. I’m the only Chinese person around. Watched the world cup match between France and Peru at a local restaurant at the beach. Cooked dinner and then do nothing.

22 June (Fri) – Day 3

Went to Lisbon from Faro Took a bus to airport to wait for blablacar Ricardo. Ate Portugal egg tart at bus station. Waited for Ricardo at airport gas station. Ricardo can’t really speak English. In the car met a Finnish woman who is divorced. She got 3 children. 2 son 1 daughter. All working in Finland. She travelled around Europe because she is retired, has pension and nothing to do. She has been travelling around Spain and Portugal. She speaks Finnish, Russian, German, English and Spanish. Also met a gentleman from the car who helped me to get a metro ticket when in Lisbon. He’s born in Brazil, worked in Iceland. He’s been to Bristol. He said if got time please go to cascais. He said he love Edinburgh. Then I finally found my way to the Airbnb place. It’s freaking hilly in Lisbon. And the Airbnb place is not near metro station. There’s a bus stop but the bus is not frequent. Whilst waiting for João, I watched Nigeria World Cup match with Sadeek, who kindly let me into the place. The Airbnb place is shared with two other long term tenants from Africa. At night they snore very loud, can’t sleep. Not a pleasant experience. Very hot as well, and smelly place. The bathroom and kitchen is dirty, so I didn’t feel like staying in the place. I went out immediately after meeting with João. Lisbon is hot when I was there. I put on sunscreen. I went out around 7pm. Surprisingly I managed to do most sights in the night. I managed to go to Santa luzia viewing point, very nice. Then walked or rather climbed pathetically to Sao Jorge castle. Oh I used the famous old fashioned tram. Not my first time as I’ve done it in Budapest. So crowded and overrated. Then I went to seaside. Got a nice square. Just watched the final minutes of Serbia vs Switzerland which is projected on a big screen in the city square. Saw some enthusiastic Swiss fans who are so happy that Switzerland won the match. Took some pictures along the esplanade. The transportation using bus is not the best as I’ve spend a significant time waiting for bus. Then I went to the area under the famous suspension bridge. Very classy area with lots of restaurants. Then I went to downtown area to have McDonald dinner because I’m on budget and I don’t feel like cooking in the Airbnb place.

23 June (sat) – Day 4

Went up to an elevated area to have a good view of Lisbon city. Very nice area. Then went to Belem and took those touristic pictures of monuments. It’s freaking hot. It’s the Saint John festival and there’s beer and sardines. And also decorations are everywhere, very nice. Guess I’m lucky to come to Portugal at midsummer. Took a ferry across to the other side of Lisbon. Then took a bus to the beach in Costa da caparica. It’s funny. Lisbon is hot and sunny, but just the other side of Lisbon it’s cloudy, windy and cool. This area is full of nice trees, suitable for picnic. I thought the beach will be hot and sunny, but it’s super cold. I didn’t stay long at the beach. Went back to Lisbon. Too bad the ferry doesn’t have a viewing deck. Then I went to alfama area. Very nice old place with lots of pearls ready for the Saint John festival. Also the flea market, very nice. The Lisbon cathedral is nice. Because I didn’t sleep much yesterday night due to loud snoring, I went back around 7pm after dinner at kebab place. I was freaking tired. I think I’ve walked 18 km today. The shittiest thing is that there’s no bus going to my accommodation place. So I had to walk uphill all the way back. Super tired. If I have more energy, I would have stay longer at city square or alfama area because the festival is going on and there’s lots of dancing. Too bad. I was very very tired.

24 June (Sun) – Day 5

I woke up 4am, to catch 2 buses to the train station where blablacar Pedro picked me up around 7.30am to go to Porto. I slept most of the journey. Back was painful because of my fishing sleeping position. Got andante tour 3 ticket at main train station in Porto. Check in time was 3pm. I reached Porto around 10.30am. I’m carrying a heavy bag. Porto is super hilly. I walked like mad and very tired. I went to Sao Bento area. Looked at the church nearby, very nice. The Mac Donald’s in this area is very beautiful, in fact one of the prettiest macdonald in the world haha. To kill time, I spent like 2 hours in the macdonald. Checked into the hostel. Okay so I brought my laptop for this trip just for the sole purpose of sorting out CCF SU development plan document. Glad it’s done. I’ve also recorded a short video for teacher Zoe Chong to encourage BK students. It’s very awkward but haha oh well. At last, I get to explore Porto. Damn Porto is very pretty, I love Porto more than Lisbon. Probably because the weather in Porto is cooling and cloudy, also the place I stay is more comfortable and very near to metro station. The cathedral, bridge and the riverside area is very beautiful. Bright some groceries to cook in the hostel.

Met a Russian guy called Max from Russia for east. This is the first time I met someone from Russian Far East. Very interesting guy. He hates Putin. He just came from France. It’s his first time in Europe. Helped him with google translate app. Then I slept. The bathroom and kitchen is small. But ok la. It’s far better than the place in Lisbon. Because I cheapskate hahaha that’s why I didn’t enjoy Lisbon accommodation. Oh and I met two Christian girls who cooked in the kitchen. They said prayer before eating. I was ashamed of myself. Am I living the Christian life ? I’m happy to be in Porto to forget about the world, the upcoming shitty experience. It’s a nice escape. I just need some time to relax and not think about life.

25 June (Mon) – Day 6

I woke up nice and sunshine. Breakfast by the hostel is similar to the one in Faro. Bread, ham, some corn flakes and coffee. Very standard. I then went to the Sao Bento train station. The train station is very beautiful, the walls are decorated with pictures of Portugal’s transportation history. Then I went to the livroria bookstore, but sadly it’s not opened yet and there’s a very long queue like wth. So I went to Guimaraes earlier than expected at 1020. Lol I think I made a mistake of going to Guimaraes today. Like wtf what should be the highlight of the day – cable car, was closed today for maintenance. So disappointed!! So I tried brainlessly to climb up the hill, but halfway I was dishearten because some residential dogs barked relentless at me. At the end I must’ve walked/climbed like 5km without achieving anything. There’s no bus or uber to the top of the hill, wth man. Then I walked along the old town of Guimaraes, up to the castle. This town is definitely beautiful. The flower garden lining up to a church is very beautiful. It’s quite deserted loh when I go there. I decided not to go into the castle although I’ve allocated $$ for it. This is because it’s basically a square box. So, with no $$ spent on attractions, somehow I stumbled upon a restaurant which has EUR 5 menu. Wow what a bargain. With EUR 5, I got bread, soup, orange juice, rice & pork with clamps. Wow so cheap, it’s definitely the highlight of my day in Guimaraes!! I smartass go and eat some bread before deciding to go for lunch at a restaurant. By 3pm, after I finished the lunch, I was very full, couldn’t even finish the pork.  This fullness forced my shit to go to the anus. So I took a dump at the train station. Overall I didn’t do much at Guimaraes. I think the main let down was that the cable car is not working today, sad man.

Heading back to Porto, I went to the other side of Porto across the river to the wine cellar area. If I’m a big fan of wine, I’ll be super excited. But since I’m not, I’m not that excited, too bad. But this area is very touristic and beautiful. Just to make good use of my transport card, I took metro and bus to a beautiful garden. Too bad it’s closing at 9pm. When I got there it’s already 8.20pm. So I rushed everything. Not much to do and since I’m dead tired I didn’t explore 100% of the place. Besides the main building is under maintenance so can’t go in anyway if I went there in the day. Then I went to a supermarket in a shopping center to buy sardines and instant noodle. Nice dinner. Since I was very full from lunch, I ate my dinner around 11pm! lol. Nice dinner, nobody is using the kitchen, nice. Throughout the day I was all worrying about my life. I’m glad I have this escape.

26 June (Tue) – Day 7

Woke up around 9am because I can. Ate breakfast slowly then checked out around 10.30am. Left my luggage at the hostel, very friendly staff who allowed me to do that. Actually I have nothing planned for today. I think I’ve seen enough of Porto and should’ve fly off back to UK yesterday night. But oh well. I should’ve think of day trip from Porto. Since I have nothing to do in Porto, my “kill-time” mode is turned on. First I went to the Livroria Lello bookstore. Apparently I need to pay €5 and no bags allowed. So being a cheapskate and seeing the long queue, I decided not to go. Not going to this bookstore is like not being in Porto at all. Oh well. Then I went to buy some souvenirs. I went to a souvenir shop which is owned by not a Bangladeshi! Very rare indeed. Most souvenir shops are operated by Bangladeshi people haha. Anyhow this Portuguese owner’s souvenir shop prices are cheaper. So I spent €5 to buy 3 postcards, 2 cork bookmark, 1 fridge magnet and 1 keychain for family members, as requested. Then I went to the Clerigos church to attend a free organ concert for 30min. Not bad. Then I went to take buses just to make good use of my Andante Tour 3 transport card. The Porto wine museum is closed. Sad. Porto is hilly, so I walked up the hill to the palace garden. Ate lunch there (5 croissants). Then I went back to downtown. Doing nothing. Then I bought an orange juice from Trindade shopping center. Then I killed time at a nearby Catholic Church. Somehow at 4pm there’s a 30min service. I basically attended a church service by accident, experiencing Portuguese Catholic Church service. Lol. Then I went to ate some Portuguese pastry. I get to try the fish-covered-cheese and a bun with fried pork. It’s all €3. I love Porto. I think Portugal is famous for its pastry. I finally tried the Portuguese food on my last day in Portugal. I officially exceeded my £300 budget, for a tea time. Not bad. Then I start heading to airport. Flight delayed 1 hour. Reach Bristol bus station around 1.20am. Waited for 1 hour for bus. Shit man. Wish I have a car. Reached home 3am. Shit. At least there’s bus, thank God.

7 Days in Hungary

Introduction
I travelled alone to Hungary in Mid-March 2017. I chose Hungary as my travel destination largely due to the fact that Hungary is comparatively cheaper than Western European destinations. Overall, I think Hungary is a great European tourist destination which definitely worth a visit.

The places visited in Hungary for this trip

Day 1 - Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is the "sea" of Hungary. Since Hungary is a landlocked country, Hungarians definitely appreciated the existence of a big freshwater lake in the country. Lake Balaton is mainly a summer vacation destination. Hence, my visit to Lake Balaton is not in the usual tourist season.

Started my trip rather differently as I decided to head to Lake Balaton first instead of staying in Budapest for the first few days. I stayed overnight at Budapest airport, before getting the 200E bus from airport to the city around 4.30am.

I took the 7.35am train from Budapest Deli station to Szántód, arriving around 9am. I took a walk around the village, a 2.2 km walk from the train station to the ferry point towards Tihany. At the sight of Lake Balaton, my first thought was that the lake is greenish in colour.

View of Lake Balaton from Szántód

I left Szántód around 11am for Keszthely, arriving around 1pm. Keszthely is located at the western tip of Lake Balaton. Keszthely is the main town of around Lake Balaton region.

Festetics Palace in Keszthely

It was enjoyable walking around Keszthely. Since it's not the main tourist season, the town and lake shore were relatively quiet.

Our Lady of Hungary Church in Keszthely town centre

Lake Balaton shore in Keszthely 

Day 2 - Pécs

Woke up early to catch a train towards Pécs from Keszthely. My train journey transferred at the town of Nagykanizsa. I decided to take a look around Nagykanizsa, a medium-sized city at the crossroad between Croatia and Austria/Hungary. It was an opportunity to see a Hungarian town without too much touristic elements, observing the everyday life of the citizens.

Town Hall of Nagykanizsa at the town square

I left Nagykanzsa for Pécs around 11am, reaching Pécs around 1.45pm. Once arriving at Pécs, I realized I'm at one of the most beautiful cities of Hungary. Pécs is rich in history, with various monuments and buildings dating back to the periods of Hungarian, Ottoman and Habsburg Empires. This city is quite international as well, mainly due to the presence of University of Pécs, enrolling students from all over the world.   

Cathedral of Pécs

Hungarian Bishop's Palace

Love Padlocks in Pécs

Mosque of Pasha Qasim at the background and the Holy Trinity Statue. Mosque of Pasha Qasim is a fine example of Ottoman Turks architecture, built during the Ottoman period of Hungary. Today it functions as a Catholic church.

John Hunyadi Statue at Széchenyi square (town square) 

Synagogue in Pécs

Calvary Hill near Pécs town centre

The view from Calvary Hill. The towers of cathedral can be clearly observed

I left Pécs around 7pm for Budapest. The beautiful sights in Pécs is the reason it remains as one of the top tourist destinations in Hungary.


Day 3 - Budapest

I reckon it might be worth getting the Budapest Card, which offers discounts on attractions and free public transport. My visits in Budapest is closely related to the offers available from Budapest Card. I visited the Hungarian National Museum, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungary National Gallery, Budapest History Museum for free using Budapest Card. Overall, I think these attractions are very informative, particularly useful to learn thoroughly about the identity of the Hungarians.  

Hungarian National Museum

Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music

Chain Bridge across the Danube River, connecting Buda and Pest. Chain Bridge is the iconic sight of the city.

Hungary National Gallery - containing amazing works from Hungarian artists.

Monument in Buda Castle District dedicated to King Matthias

Budapest History Museum - presenting the history of Budapest stretching way back to the stone age

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I decided to visit one of the ruin pubs in Budapest for the evening. Ruin pubs are a major part of Budapest's night life, which contributes to Budapest's uniqueness and identify. The ruin pub which I visited is Szimpla Kert, located in the historical Jewish quarter of the city, not far from the hostel which I'm staying (Maverick City Lodge). It was a nice experience spending the night in Szimpla Kert ruin pub.

Live music in the Szimpla Kert ruin pub

Unique decorations in Szimpla Kert

Day 4 - Budapest

The second day in Budapest, I joined the Budapest Card walking tour of both Buda and Pest side of the city. Being tired after the walking tours (I basically walked for more than 7 hours), I went to Lukacs Bath for a relaxing time in the thermal bath. Thermal baths are popular in Budapest, and definitely a must-do whilst visiting the city. 

Today (March 15) is a national holiday, which is the date of the start of Hungarian Revolution of 1848/1849. Buda Castle district hosts various stalls, performances and activities for the visitors. As one can imagine, the area was extra crowded with local Hungarian families and foreign tourists.   

St Stephen Basilica - The largest church in Budapest

Monument erected during the communist era

The Parliament Building

Stalls around Buda Castle District, in conjunction of the national holiday

Live performance around Buda Castle District - Hungarian Folk Dance

Traditional Music

Chimney Cake Stall - Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) is a Hungarian dessert

Church of St Mattias at Buda Castle District

Fisherman's Bastion

View from Fisherman's Bastion

Steps to Fisherman's Bastion

Lukacs Bath - Tram stops right at the entrance of the bath

Leisure Pool of Lukacs Bath -  Lukacs Bath was originally mainly used by the locals. The inclusion of free entry by Budapest Card ushered more international tourists to the bath.  

Parliament Building as seen from Batthyany Ter Metro station

I went to Café Astoria for dinner. According to the tour guide, Hungarians generally love eating in Italian restaurants, and that Hungarian food restaurants are mainly for tourists. Café Astoria is a mixture of both. Budapest Card offers 30% off for the food here. I would rate the food at 4/5, quite good.

After dinner, I visited another ruin pub, Fogashaz. It's one of the most popular ruin pubs in the city. The atmosphere was amazing, and the live music was great.

Live music at Fogashaz ruin pub

Fogashaz ruin pub is a complex with separate bars and dance floors

Day 5 - Danube Bend & Folk Dance Cruise

I joined Danube Bend Tour organized by cityrama, costing around 50 GBP. The tour covers Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre. I think the tour is worth every penny and would recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to have a day trip out of Budapest. The tour starts at 9am and ends around 5pm. Due to the fact that it's not summer yet, the trip from Szentendre to back to Budapest was on bus instead of boat. Boat transport will be used in months of April to October.

Esztergom Basilica - The largest church in Hungary

View from Esztergom Basilica

View of Esztergom Basilica from the Slovakian side across Danube River

View of Danube Bend, near Visegrad

Beef Goulash - Traditional Hungarian Cuisine, available at restaurants near Visegrad (not included in the tour price)

Szentendre - An artist's town, not far from Budapest. This place is rather touristic, filled with souvenir shops.

The evening was allocated for River Cruise with Folk Dance Performance. The price of this programme is around 25-30 GBP. Viewing the city from the river at night was an unforgettable experience, and the energetic Hungarian Folk Dance performance was one of the highlights of the trip.

View of Buda Castle District from River Cruise

Chain Bridge at night, as viewed from River Cruise

The Parliament Building at night - picture taken during River Cruise

Live music performance during River Cruise

Hungarian Folk Dance performance during River Cruise

Day 6 - Eger & Budapest Operetta

Woke up early to catch the 7am train from Budapest to Eger. Eger is the town famous for Hungarian wine, known as Bull's Blood. There are also many interesting sights in Eger worth visiting.

Eger Basilica

Eger Basilica - Front View

Fresh Market in Eger - a lot of local produces can be found here

Minaret - An Ottoman Turks structure

There's even a Beatles Museum here

Eger Castle - Entrance

View from Eger Castle

Eger Castle - 3 crosses

Town Square within Eger castle - I saw many local Hungarian families visiting Eger castle, but not many international tourists on that day

Dobo Square (Town Square)

Valley of Beautiful Woman - No beautiful girls here, but beautiful stalls/huts selling the best wines

Valley of Beautiful Woman - more stalls/huts

In the evening, I went to watch a musical play, "Marie Antoinette" at the Budapest Operetta-Theatre. I sat at row 4 (and hence quite near to the stage) and the ticket price is less than 10 GBP, which was great! The show was amazing. Although the dialogues and songs were in Hungarian, English subtitles were provided. The actors, actresses, costumes, lightings, music were all brilliant!  

Budapest Operetta-Theatre

"Marie Antoinette" show

Day 7 - Budapest

On the last day in Budapest, I decided to take a walk at the Heroes' Square area. Day 7 of my trip was characterized by heavy rain, which was a bit discouraging. Nevertheless, I made it there, though soaking wet. It was a shame I didn't get to look at the statues closely and thoroughly at Heroes' Square due to the heavy rain.

Hungarian Agricultural Museum - also known as Vajdahunyad Castle, Built in 1896 for the Hungarian Millennial Exhibition, and later became permanent feature of the city.

Building within Vajdahunyad Castle

There's a section of the museum dedicated to horses in Hungary

Heroes Square - picture taken during a heavy rain

My Hungarian trip ends when I got to the airport around 2pm. The airport is modern and comfortable.

Budapest T2 Airport Terminal

Conclusion
Hungary is a nice place to visit. Although I don't think I'll be back in the near future, the memories made during the visit is worth a lifetime keep.