How about a rewarding day at the spa? The Széchenyi thermal bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.
Cruising on the Danube began on a pleasant Octo- ber afternoon where I took delight in photographing the bridges that link Buda and Pest. My favourites are the Széchenyi Chain bridge, the Elisabeth bridge and the Szabadság Liberty/Freedom bridge. Te autumn co- lours of the lush Margaret Island park in the middle of the Danube were spectacular. Te cruise makes frequent stops within and just outside of the city, where you can get on and off at your leisure. Five hours later as the afternoon turned to dusk and dusk turned to evening, the city lights were already cast- ing their glow. Tey say Paris is the City of Lights, but when you’re cruising down the Danube and the Hungar- ian Parliament building, lit up in all its glory, comes into view, you have to wonder if the torch should be passed. Je suis désolée mes amis parisiens! Budapest is known as the spa capital of the world, thanks to 100 hot springs that bubble up throughout the city. Te water is supplied by two thermal springs. Te Hungarian bath culture started flourishing during the Turkish occupation in the 1500s, though it had begun with the Romans. Te Széchenyi thermal bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its location in Buda- pest’s city park really enhances the experience. Tis neo- baroque palace is enormous with three large outdoor pools and numerous smaller ones indoors. You can enjoy thermal pools, steam baths, plunge pools, fitness pools, and an assortment of spa treatments. I took the most de- light in the outdoor pools, especially while being sprayed by the high water pressure from the fountain, getting a wonderful “free” massage. While the Széchenyi bath is the most popular, the Gellért Spa is the most prestigious.
thehubwinnipeg.com
Budapest is known as the spa capital of the world.
Much like the river cruise, I started out in the afternoon and stayed well into the evening. A rewarding day at the spa can only be capped off by
one thing…more indulgence! I discovered early on that Hungarians love their meat and beverages. Pálinka, their traditional alcohol with fruit flavouring, is not only pres- ent at any and every occasion, it’s a cure-all. If you’re sick, before you decide to go to the doctor, drink pálinka. If your leg is broken, drink pálinka. If your heart is broken, drink pálinka! So I set out to try this intoxicating drink with my newfound Hungarian friends. One shot back and I could feel an extreme burning sensation which exceeded that of my beloved Courvoisier XO, though the mulberry flavour was delicious. “My goodness,” I exclaimed. Te actual percentage of alcohol – 60 per cent – was only re- vealed to me afterwards. And now for everyone’s favourite topic…culinary de- lights. Hungarians love to eat, so almost everywhere in
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