Greetings from our train to Vienna, where the cars are spacious and classy. As we sit in our seats, we prepare to continue our journey to Austria.
Yesterday was an early start. We began the day by walking across the Elizabeth Bridge to Buda. On the way, we could see the Liberation Monument, towering proudly on the cliff side. Once we crossed the bridge, we climbed up to St. Gellért Monument. He was sent from Italy to convert the pagan Magyars to Christianity. He was pushed off the hill that now bears his name, trapped in a sealed barrel, for attempting to convert Budapest citizens and the young prince. A century later a statue was erected of him.
After being refreshed by the cool wind of history, we made our way to the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. In the museum, there is a mass grave holding 2,000 of the 70,000 people who lived in the Budapest ghetto during World War II.
There is also the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial. Inside is the Tree of Life, a silver willow, each leaf bearing the name of hundreds of thousands of victims. The memorial also includes an arch and a plaque, dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg, who lost his life trying to save the Jewish people in Hungary.
After a calming experience in the Synagogue, we walked to Köleves, a buzzing restaurant, who’s menu is inspired by Jewish decor. I had Jewish baked beans and a goose leg. The baked beans seemed a little jazzed with paprika.
The day had gone by quickly, and soon it was time for dinner. We ate at that Italian restaurant again. The pizza was terribly bland and stringy, and the waiters were forgetting all kinds of things. Cups, spoons, even plates!
My parents decided it was high time we take an evening walk. We strolled up the Chain Bridge and were awe stricken when we saw Parliament, the church, the bridge, and the castle lit up.
Now we are off, on our way to Vienna, where the adventure should get even more exciting.
Until then,
Cyanjasmine11
Tranquil & Tumultuous Travels 