| Round 3 - Budapest, Hungary (2003-06-09 -> 2003-06-18) |
I didn't have any expectations what so ever about this trip to Budapest. But it turned out to be
one of the best ones of them all!!!
There was no direct flight there so we went through Frankfurt (as I said, got very used to that airport!)
and landed at night. Very late as matter of fact but the hotel lobby promised to be open when we got there.
And then they shows us our rooms which was by far the worst accomodations ever! And the heatwave was just
starting so the first thing we did next morning was ask for new rooms. And they obliged and gave us
new rooms with AC but they were still terrible rooms. As a matter of fact, as far as hotels goes this
was probably the worst ones. Even the ones in africa were way better than this. The service mentality was
nowhere to be found and we had the most interesting arguments with the bartender that we actually
had to convince to get back to work because the bar was suppose to be open till 11pm but she always wanted to go
home after 9. But we wouldn't have any of that, we wanted to sit out there and have a few Drehers.
Work-wise it was actually the least fun I've had since they people at the embassy thought we were in the way
and the ambassador didn't really make us feel welcommed at all. And we also had a glitch in the systems that made
the job harder but nothing I couldn't manage.
There were plenty of restaurants to try out, we just went to the octagon (I think it was actually called the Octagon)
and just went "this way" and always found somewhere to eat and we were never disappointed! Especially not at the
indian resaurant we ended up at. The weather was awesome, we had timed it just right for the summer to start down
there and I actually got sunburnt. But it was just too good a feeling sitting by the Danube a warm day with a cold
beer in my hand and just relaxing!
During the weekend we took the train up to a little town calle Szentendre. It was this very little town
that only lived on it's tourism. So many tourists there but it was quite nice and enjoyable, good food
and again - sitting by the Danube and enjoying a beer in the sun, man that was nice. We also did some
shopping and took one of the bus tours around town to see more of it. I tried watching the F1 race but couldn't
find it anywhere on any station. As a matter of fact, it was the only place I went to that I couldn't see
my F1. I know it's lame, but it was one of those things that annoyed me a bit. But then I went out instead and enjoyed
the beautiful park (with a dedication to Olof Palme!!).
After finishing up the work I got into a cab and wanted to go the airport but I saw how
terrible the timing was with the traffic so I got a bit worried. The driver then took a completely
different road and into an industrial area and was severly speeding. I was kinda expecting him to pull
over somewhere and rob me blind but he knew exactly what he was doing and got me there in plenty of time.
The next funny thing that happened was as I was waiting for the plane to arrive at the assigned gate.
But somewhere the pilot took a wrong turn and parked at the gate next to it. And apprently they thought it
was easier to make 100+ people to move 30 meters than moving the plane. It was quite funny to see people
so confused!
Even though the hotel sucked, the work at the embassy blew and I didn't get any F1 race this was still
one of the best trips I ever did and have the best memories from!
Click here for the image gallery!
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