The Hapbsburg Dynasty dominated the Austro-Hungarian Empire for many years. The palace was just one of the many buildings built during their rule. We toured through countless rooms of pure dinnerware that ranged from porcelain and gold, to silver and bronze. The amount of pieces for one formal dinner was insane, and the fact that they had so many options to choose from, each set being designed by a famous artist of the time from across the European circuit. Pretty impressive to realize people actually eat off what we just display in china cabinets these days.
After the impressive and expensive sets of dining accessories we found our way to the Sisi museum which we unfortunately could not take pictures in. The museum highlights the life and personality of Sisi, wife of Franz Joseph I. A common girl that caught the eye of royalty stealing what was meant for her sister, she found herself in a world of “to-do’s” that she felt trapped in. Her emotional state varied throughout her life and bounced back and forth between rational and irrational behavior, from conservative court rulings to boisterous outspoken opinions. She was a lady of many colors to say the least. She’s most known for her long hair and well trimmed figure that was only 21” at age 50 after 4 children. She would sit in a chair 3-4 hours a day getting her hair brushed by servants; she put the time to good use and learned several different languages. She was a huge player in the agreements that helped free Hungary. She was obsessed with appearance and with high intensity exercising and strict dieting managed to age her body quickly. After her son’s suicide she fell into deep depression and found comfort in the riskiness of adventure which led her to common travel by sea and across Europe. Dressing only in black and avoiding any public viewings of her face she eventually found her tragic death, murder by knife. Just a commoner pushed into the life of royalty that felt confined with little escape but challenging life itself. Interesting story to say the least, Magen and I really liked her character. We also walked through a series of Imperial Apartments where the family stayed on a daily basis (couldn’t take pictures here either) but also pretty extravagant.
Afterwards we grabbed a lunch outside in the park in front of the Library, where a health expo was going on, we had some Chinese noodles with shrimp and curry sauce, pretty delic’! Then we ventured into the Hofburg Treasury, holding crowns, sashes, jewels, and all. The authentic crowns were an impressive sight to see, and to think that people actually used to wear those, but also lived a life where they came to expect that extravagance is just insane. An impressive collection that seemed a bit like a fairy tale. The best part though was the religious relics that came next. We witnessed a piece that’s believed to have come from the True Cross! Next to it was the spear believed to have struck the side of Christ, historians still debate but the spear was found outside of Jerusalem and had inscribed on it its past usage. Not sure if either is real or not but a pretty impressive presence and gateway to such an important part of what drives our religious beliefs today, I’m truly humbled! There was also a group of the following: a tooth from John the Baptist, a piece of Jesus’ loin cloth, a piece from the Last Supper tablecloth, and a piece of wood from Christ’s Manger. Truly an inspiring collection that I’m honored to have laid eyes upon, guess it just comes down to faith which I’m not having much trouble finding these days! Magen and I bet the Vatican would die to have many of these pieces, and are pretty sure they’ve tried attaining them. If you ever come to Vienna, Hofburg Treasury is a must see.
The next morning brought a comfortable train ride to Budapest, Hungary! After quickly finding our Red Bus Hostel, where the service desk recognized our last name and asked if we were Hungarian we told him Czech and he said pretty much the same thing haha, we ventured out into the city. Starting at the Parliament Building in Pest where some sort of conference was happening with Chinese diplomats, we watched a group of rowers pass by on the Danube (river separating Buda and Pest), and then crossed the Chain Bridge to Buda where we walked around Castle Hill. Magen and I are already both in love with the city. It’s a city that’s found its way back to life after two different periods of war torn tragedies. With an updated and polished rebuilding at the beginning of the millennia Budapest has managed to maintain a genuine character that can be found in every nook and cranny of its many streets. Every building has a personality of its own and no two look alike. The past is clearly evident on many of the unfurbished buildings while others have a new sparkle. Our hostel sits inside one of the buildings with a past, each stair and bent railing seems to tell a different part of its story, a truly unique place to continue our adventure. It’s been a bit confusing operating in the currency of Forints but just another exciting part of our wild travels. Pretty much they just multiply by two and take away the decimal.
Today we ventured around Pest focusing in particular around City Park. We treated ourselves to a morning soaking in the thermal healing baths that Rick Steves has made so famous. We rented all we needed and stepped out into a world of local Hungarians in speedos seeming to be in a ‘who has the biggest belly’ competition. There were 3 different pools, one for relaxing, the next for exercise, and the last for play. We soaked in the relaxation pool that’s heated and fed by the natural springs under the city. The waters remain untreated and, being rich in minerals, are known for healing the soul. Heal our souls and relax our minds it did, quite a Hungarian experience that I looked forward to and now can cross off the list! After carousing through several statues, limited street vendors, and various churches we found ourselves at a little café where we had some really good chicken, which seems to be few and far between here, the popular choices are fish and pork. We’re currently taking it easy in the hostel, having come on the weekend several places seem to be closed this overcast Sunday with a high of 70 degrees (so nice). We really wanted to witness the Great Market Hall but unfortunately that will have to wait for another day. We also wanted to see an opera, but from late June to late September it’s the season for outdoor music performances so no showtimes were listed. Maybe we can manage this at another stop soon.
This just in, 6000 forint fine for using the metro with an expired day ticket. Not our fault, the ticket stations were closed before we got on, the machine was out of order, the one shop open didn’t sell tickets, and it just happened to be ticket patrol day LOL! The older ladies patrolling were nice though and gave us an option to buy a Budapest card for cheaper, annoying, but all part of the adventure, Magen and I had a good laugh over the ‘tourist conspiracy’! Good times in Budapest.
Budapest is truly a unique city with a past life and a thriving present, which gives a sense of pride and lasting commitment inspiring to any traveler. So glad we made it a must on our list.
Next up, Prague, Czech Republic, and a little family ancestry hopefully, Bednar = Barrel Makers! Leaving in the morning on a 9:25 am train that should take around 7.25 hours. Super excited about our next stop where we will manage to remain stationery for 5 whole days!
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Excited about Praha, land of the Bednars!!!!!!!!!
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