Budapest exuding grandeur and elegance

Arrived in the morning via IC rail. Its a night train so i arranged sleeper cabin. The most privacy you can get is 3 beds. So good thing i still have my earplugs. The korean guy below is snoring heavily. The guy on top is quiet but i know he is in such a bad luck having two fat asians inside. Lol. I do snore too i reckon.

Soon as i arrived i walked  2km from budapest kelleti banhof to danubius gellert hotel. Bit hot that day and i had to drag my luggage. Quite a stretch and luckily the hotel checked me in early at 10am. But the catch is, the room is fugly. No aircondition just fan. No fridge, no free water, no toothpaste, no razor. I reckon its a maids quarter. I saw the other rooms look like much grand than what they give me. But ni qualms at least they check me in.

First agenda is to swim and enjog thermal pools, sauna and outdoor pool. Robe, towels, slippers, swim wear, swimming cap are all needed. They gellert baths just amazing. It is also within my hotel.

I slept a bit after. Reminded me of swim class at uni. Sleep at Philosophy class after the Swimming class. 1.5 hr powernap is all that i need to conquer the next super hurdle which is climbing the Gellert Hill under heat and slight humidity. But no pain no gain. I did see the best ever view of any european city has to offer. Budapest after seeing the view is now part of the top5 elite cities in my list (next to Paris of course). Then off to the Buda Castle which is an iconic symbol of hungary. Followed by the surpise that is Mattias Cathedral and Fisherman Batton. Its a big WOW! Lastly cross the London Tower lookalike. Followed by the Pest side (soundslike pesticide). Saw Shoes in Danube to commemorate Jews who were killed by Arrowcross militia men.  Then Hungarian parliament which is another icon, prayed at Stephen Cathedral. Then off to home seeing a beautiful sunset.

PS, try Hungarian Sausage from up the hill. Super good, i swear. However though that bread is.

Prague and its magic

It is my first time in Czech Republic. So it means that I only explored Prague. Well there is so much to see in this city. One day is just not enough. For a tight schedule it is still possible. It meant that comfort is the price you have to pay..

I arrived close to sunset via Transavia (low-cost carrier under KLM). I took an uber to the hotel and immediately started looking for the bridges. Just in time, i was lucky to capture the Prague sunset, which offers various array of colours as the sun sets.

Next day I only have the whole morning and afternoon. So just before midday I went to see the Old Town Square as well as the famed Astronomical Tower. It was a miss for me, the cuckoo didnt even come out. Or should it really not? But it was boring. It occurs every hour.

Then I got lost, I  just cant find Charles Bridge. Took me almost an hour walking. Next time I really need to stop and recalibrate as much as I can. It was jampacked witg tourist and i did use my Osmo to capture the moment. I eventually caved in and bought the chimney cakes. Kurtosh with strawberries and cream.

John Lennon wall. I thought  some of the spray paint was artistic and some are just full vandals. Verdict, do not stop there. Go straight to the castle. Because it is super exhausting to go there. I had to buy meds cos of my stupid cough, cold and slight feverish. Blame it on changing weather and fatigue... on the top, you can see Prague city landscape. Lots of gothic architectures and I am just enjoying every spectacle.

I called it an early night to recuperate. Prague beer is a must. I always think that it heals my sickie feeling. My favourite is Kozel and Pilsner Urquell. It did lessen thr mucous (eww!).

PS, my hotel was super amazing. Royal Court, location amenities price everything is perfect. It should be rated higher.

Paris, eternal love

I travel to Paris not only because it still is my top favourite city in the world but also to feed my cultural heart. There is always a surprise that awaits.

I really need to learn french. So much to see. So many museums and art nouveau which makes it even more inspiring.

The place I stayed is basic but lacking of practical needs for travellers. I stayed in L'Ouest Hotel. I need fridge and complimentary bottled water. Is it too much to ask? To be fair, the location is excellent. Next to Opera and few minutes walk to Champs Elysees.

The highlight for me is the Arc du Triomphe rooftop. The view of Paris is just mind-blowing. I also commend Musee Rodin for beautiful work of art through his sculptures.

Shopping and eating. Living it like a Parisien. I got my cup full again.