Budapest, Hungary



Statue of Little Princess
on the Danube River



"What do I pack to wear in Hungary, Megan"?

"Just pack black, Mom. The women don't wear much color or makeup. Tell Dad, 'No white tennis shoes!"

We flew from the land of bling and Mary Kay into somber, rainy Budapest at 1:00 o'clock in the morning. An Uzi-packing guard in Customs did not fill me with warm fuzzy feelings.(I've seen too many spy movies.) In fact, I carefully avoided eye-contact and stood submissively in the correct line until summoned. Obedience was rewarded with admission to the country. Our daughter, Megan, and her husband, Ben, whom we had not seen in 10 months, greeted us with joyful hugs. Ben served as our translator for the entire trip. I am so proud of his fearless communication in language he's only heard for 10 months. He made arrangements for a van to take us and our six pieces of luggage to the hotel. I had reduced expectations of a luxury stay, but the Courtyard by Marriott was surprisingly lovely.

We finally got to pat the baby bump
which we now know to be our first
grandson, Grant Arthur.

Our children stopped by the hotel earlier to
leave this beautiful bouquet of flowers.

After five hours of much needed sleep, Ben took us to purchase our Travel Card and introduced us to the public transportation system. A tram dropped us off about a block from their flat.
  

This lovely breakfast greeted us on the porch. Megan made breakfast pockets from my Jailhouse Roll recipe. Stuffed with her homemade sausage, scrambled eggs and cheese, they were delicious. A perfect way to start our vacation.

 
The next order of business was to open three suitcases of goodies we brought for them which included, among other things, baby clothes, Snickerdoodle coffee, and ranch-style beans for Ben.

For the next seven days we enjoyed perfect weather and were able to see these tourist destinations:

 

Church in the Rock survived
bombing during WWII



St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica

 

Door of St. Stephen's Basilica

 

Church at Vajdahunyad Castle

 

Fountain on Castle Hill



There was plenty of time for rest and reflection



We were just minding our own business, having a
mother/daughter chat when the gypsy violinist
began playing behind me. Yes, I bought the CD
so he would go away.



Beautiful outdoor cafe on Castle Hill



Heroes' Square



Restaurant on Castle Hill.
It should be on top of a cake,
don't you think?



St. Stephen's Basilica from Castle Hill





Gellert Hotel



Freedom Bridge destroyed during
WWII and reopened in 1946.

There was plenty of eating and drinking as well. We wanted to try everything.


A 3 o'clock Latte kept me going!



I had to try the Goulash. It was luscious.



Ben and Ralph at one of the many
outdoor cafes at which we ate.




Gelarto Rosa
We chose Dark Chocolate
and Raspberry. Delicious! 



Kurtoskalacs/Chimney Cake
Yeast dough wound onto wooden cylinder
and grilled over an open fire. Cinnamon
and sugar carmelized on the outside
Yummy!

We had more serious moments as well. The House of Terror left a lasting impression on me. Andrassy ut 60 was the most feared address in Budapest for decades. Both Nazi's and Communists utilized this building for the interrogation and execution of citizens suspected of disloyalty. A shadow army of informers betrayed family and friends for infractions as innocuous as failing to clap loudly at an assembly. It helped me understand the reserve of the Hungarian people. The last Soviet soldier left Hungary in 1991, so only the youngest generation knows life without fear of reprisal.


Now a must-see museum in Budapest

 Hungary has a high suicide rate. The Freedom Bridge pictured above is the site of many suicides. Ben and Megan (click here to read more about their ministry) work to bring hope to those whose spirits have been crushed. Along with other endeavors, they are supporting Trey and Denise Shaw, IMB missionaries, plant a church in the Forum. Sunday service is often preceded by a meal, so much of their ministry is simply cooking and cleaning up. (Hungarians do not use paper goods as often as we do).


Trey & Denise Shaw
Megan & Ben Naylor
at the Forum



Church meets behind these doors.




Dinner at the Forum.

 To end on a lighter note, let me share the most unusual birthday present I've ever had, a pedicure by Dr. Fish!

Yup, Fish!



It took a little getting use to,
but my feet have never been softer!

I'm planning to get another one when I go back in January for Baby Grant's birth.
I thank God for the blessing of children who are obedient to Him and the opportunity to see the world.