Burger King - Budapest

Even Burger King is al fresco in Budapest, I must admit, I was kind of surprised, would still avoid eating there as so many good options exist.

Budapest studio apartment

Budapest is cheap by most standards, so instead of cramming into a hostel, we got ourselves a studio apartment for the week, I was happy with the deal, six nights/seven days for €117, now that is value.

First you have to negotiate the front door, a access code will get you as far as the courtyard. A corridor was extremely cool, on the warmer days, a cool breeze seemed to flow through, it was always welcoming.

Once access is gained to the courtyard, a lift can take you to each level, or the better option of stairs. I didn't find the apartment block to be as social as I would have thought, people were polite but mostly kept to themselves.

The view from our balcony, you had better have a head for heights, despite a strong railing, you wouldn't want to fall. The construction of the railing was tight, no chance of small pets fitting through and falling to their death.

The one bedroom studio apartment combined the living room with sleeping area. Above the main bed hass a wooden frame with stairs leading to a sub-level, a second bed for couples can be found there. We had a kitchen but ate our most evenings, the price was cheap enough, why not?

Embracing the backpacker mojo

Noriko is finally embracing the backpacker mojo, there are no airport pickups for us, plush hotel rooms or drinking in expensive bars, forget about eating in expensive restaurants every evening - we are on the road now. There is however, hanging out in parks along side the river in Prague, wandering the streets of Florence, canals of Venice, Roman ruins and strolling aloneside the river in Munich. Not too bad I think -all about enjoying the experience.

She is searching TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Hostels.com and Hostelworld.com for cheap accommodation deals seeking the best deals. We are eating cheaply, finding food in stores and eating down the park or on the run, restaurants every third or forth night, even a bottle of wine from time to time. No more tears, complaints and arguments - the time spent enjoying the cheap existence is right here, right now.

Hungarian hassles

An accommodation booking through Booking.com should be an easy transaction, boy did I get that one wrong. We were sent a map setting out directions of how to get to the property, followed that exactly and ended up outside a locked door leading into the courtyard of a series of apartments. No amount of pushing buttons and asking directions was useful, we were in a real bind. Whilst standing close to the doorway leading in, I was able to pick up an unsecured WiFi firing an email off to the owner, no reply was received.

We were supposed to receive an email giving us the address of the property, the map was incorrect. This email was also to spell out the codes to get in through the door and the location of the hidden door key. I harrassed this young French couple to help us, they tried but were none the wiser than us to where this property was or how to connect without a mobile phone.

Instead, we walked around trying to get the place organised, that was sinking fast and instead we tried to make a phone call using local payphones as we did not have a mobile phone account. Fortunately, this guy saw our frustration at the payphone not working and rang the number for us giving us the access codes, five hours later and we were in our studio apartment. If they send an email and receive no reply, it should be given that the mail was not received for any reason and a follow up is required.

Strangely, the property owner sent plenty of emails requiring cash payment, every one of those got through. What is the chance he really didn't send the mail as he forgot?

Leaving Vienna

Vienna is building a new train station, the old one is still operational and I guess for some time yet, waiting for the Budapest saw us at the old station which was a hassle as the new station is five minutes walk from our hostel.

Off to Budapest, this is the first time I had been, I had a stopover in the mid 90s at Budapest airline but was unable to get out of the airport, it interested me so much, I knew I had to return to see the legendary city. I hoped I wouldn't be disappointed, l must admit, I was with Vienna. Backpack on and ready to board in a few minutes, leaving Vienna for Budapest - great.

St Stephen's - Vienna

We had to move fast, the bells were ringing already at St Stephen's Cathedral, we we already in the old town of Vienna and we were not sure what was on display at the midday bell ring, this was a Sunday after all.

Much to my surprise, nothing huge happens with this church, it is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. But alas, at midday, there was no chance of us entering the church as the line was enormous, maybe later in the day.

Winter Palace

Wandering the streets of Vienna, I like to wander off track, Noriko has the map firmly grasped in her hands cross referencing every street on route to the next sightseeing place of interest.

You can imagine my joy when we wander past the winter palace of Prince Eugen and this wasn't displayed on the tourist map, we had to walk in for a look around.