Budapest Jun 14

Many said it is much like Prague. Couldn't see the resemblance. I like compact old towns with cobblestones, didn't see much here. But it was an enjoyable trip. Four full days and a well developed transportation system helped us to see and experience much at our own pace. Weather was great, three sunny days and only started to rain when we were leaving.

Lots of good foods in Budapest. Was lucky to have a colleague from here to give us the best recommendations.
Clockwise from top left: Courtyard at Pierrot, Wild Boar soup at Pesti Diszno, Goulash, another Goulash (Pierrot) and Pork Goulash (Pesti Diszno).

Watched an opera at the beautiful National Opera. Really interesting and enjoyed the 3 hours!

Top: National Parliament
Bottom: Royal Palace (now the National Muesum)

Places of worship
Left: Cathedrale and relic of St Stephen (my clearest relic to date)
Right: Grand Synagogue and interior.

Top:
Bottom: Szechenyi Bath. We went to another one called Gellert Bath. While both are highly recommended by guidebooks, I found the experience disappointing. Probably because it was crowded and i had been spoiled by the baths in Asia (Japan/Taiwan) that were more intimate and soothing.

Lisbon

Lisbon is charming. Good weather, charming old town, great food, trams, lots of places to see, etc - Mosaic boulevards, coastal palm trees, colourful moorish buildings, castles on top of hills...

It was meant to be a short trip with only 2 and a half days on the agenda. Owing to longer days, good weather, we had managed to cover quite a bit of places. In fact, it was probably amazing that we had covered so much. Alfama, Sintra, Cacais, Old town and Belem, with many key sites in each area.

From top left, clockwise: Hotel (Lavender coloured building) next to Roxio Square with Castle Jorge at top of hill, view next to Commercial Square, Commerical Square, Roxio Square

From top left, clockwise: Flea-market next to Pantheon (and bought my vintage copper egg poacher to fit my copper pot), tram 28 in Alfama, Alfama, Lisbon Cathedrale (i think).

Views from castle

Sites in Sintra, 1 hour train ride from Lisbon
From top left, clockwise: National Palace, Moorish Castle on top, National Palace interior, Moorish Castle views, Pena Palace

From top left, clockwise: Best Portugese egg tarts next to Jeronismo Monastery, some indoor Market-place with great atmosphere and food, coastline on the way to Cacais from Sintra

Belem

Portugese dining and cuisine