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Use Firefox to see my blog, it works better then Internet Explore.
Thanks a lot.
Marcia

Wishing you a wonderful 2014

Mid-night on New Year's Eve is a moment that we should close our eyes and think of all the beneficial things we wish and want for us, our families and friends on the New Year that is starting.
So, mid-night I want to wish you "ALL" not just abundance in healthy, protection, money and lots of it but happiness in to the heart.
It is the Happiness, the unforgettable moments that we live, the only thing we take with us. Don't you agree?
Happy New Year

Marcia

Places to go in Budapest, Hungary

You won't run out of things to do in Budapest. It is filled with lively restaurants, fascinating museums, exciting people and lots of shopping to distract you. Take a dip in one of the city's famous baths; savor the local cuisine; check out some of the cool, funky shops featuring homegrown designs; walk across the Chain Bridge or just sit, relax and people-watch at one of the great downtown cafes.


Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge became one of the best known landmarks of Budapest. The bridge straddles the Danube between Széchenyi Square on the Pest side and Clark Ádám Square in Buda.
It offers one of the city's most beautiful views with the mighty Danube flowing below you, it is beautiful.
The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known bridge of the Hungarian Capital.


This union of cities makes it one of the most symbolic buildings of Budapest; hence, it is the most widely known bridge of all of Hungary. Proposed by Count István Széchenyi, one of the leading figures in 18th century Hungary, work began in 1839.

An English engineer, William Tierney Clark prepared the plans and a Scottish engineer, Adam Clark, supervised the construction over the next ten years. At the Buda end of the bridge, the Place has been named for Adam Clark.

Gellert Hill 

After you have explored the Chain Bridge, take a walk further back in time as you stroll up to the top of "Gellert Hill" for a wonderful view of Budapest. Named after a Catholic missionary bishop who was invited to Hungary around 1000 AD to help convert Hungarians to Christianity; but was killed on the hill as pagans who didn't want to convert, rolled him down the hill in a wooden barrel. As you can see from the photo, it wasn't a short trip down that hill. Today, a St. Gellert monument and its fountain representing his martyrdom can be found on the Northeastern slope of the hill facing the Elisabeth bridge.

The Citadel

While you view Gellert Hill and its fountains, be sure to visit the Citadel, built in 1851 by the Habsbergs to demonstrate their control of the Hungarians and The mighty Danube. Equipped with 60 cannons, it was used as threat rather than a working fortification. After the reconciliation with the Habsburgs the Hungarians wanted to demolish the buildings; but, it remained and was converted to a tourist center in the 20th Century. There you will find amazing displays of the history of Hungary and Budapest.

Budapest's Parliament Building

My EU readers should  bring your passport for a free tour of Budapest's Parliament Building.
Guided tours of the Parliament are available when the National Assembly is not in session and takes 45 minutes. In addition to the history, the tour guide will address the architectural elements such as the main entrance, stairs, hall, lobbies, the old House of Lords as well as the  the Hungarian Crown Jewels (see below). Tours are held in several languages. Admission is HUF 1,750 for EU citizens (HUF 3,500 for non-EU citizens), and the ticket office is at gate "X". That is approximately $16.00 using current conversion.
Some of the best views of the Parliament are not up close, but from the Danube (take a Danube cruise) or from across the river, especially from Batthyány Square, which is only one stop by subway from Kossuth square on the M2 line.

The Holy Crown

Here is a little travel secret!
The US was a protector of the Hungarian Crown Jewels for the people of Hungary. They had a history of being lost or stolen many times. However, after World War II, they were transported to Western Europe and eventually given to the American Army for safekeeping from the Soviet Union. For much of the Cold War, the Crown Jewels were held at the United States Bullion Depository (Fort Knox, Kentucky) alongside the bulk of America's gold reserves. They were eventually returned to Hungary under the presidency of Jimmy Carter in 1978.

St. Stephen's Basilica

St.Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. It's free to enter the church and there is only a nominal fee of HUF 500 to go up to the observation deck.

The building was planned and built in 1851 by József Hild in classical style and continued by Miklós Ybl, who added a neo-renaissance taste to the original concepts. The inner layout and the completion of the building in 1905 is the work of József Krausz. Famous Hungarian painters and sculptors decorated the inner side, using 50 different types of marble.

The statue of the basilica's patron saint can be seen on the high altar. Papal sanction was required to display the statue of the Hungarian King who led his people to Christianity.

At the bottom of the left tower, you will find an elevator which will take you up to the top of the tower where you can see a beautiful panorama of the city.

The Chapel of the Holy Right is behind the sanctuary, where the right hand of the first Hungarian King, St. Stephen is held in a delicately ornate reliquary.

The square in front of the church became a beautiful pedestrian area with some cafes and benches to sit on.





"Margaret Island"

If you want an outdoor activity, try Margaret Island. Located on a 2,5 km-long central Island on the Danube, the historical Margaret Island is a special landmark of Budapest. All motorized vehicles, except public buses and taxis are prohibited. This helps to create a tranquil space in the center of Budapest. In addition to flowing vistas, Margaret Island hosts:

• An outdoor summer thermal spa
• A professional swimming pool where the Olympic champion water polo team trains
• A small wildlife park which is great for families
• The ruins of a 13th century Dominican cloister
• A Japanese garden with sunbathing turtles,
• A 5 km-long jogging circle along the sides of the island
• Several nice restaurants
• Two luxury thermal hotels
• A rose garden. 

 

Whether cycling, picnicking, jogging, or just lounging around, citizens of Budapest appreciate the car-free and oxygen-rich environment. When the weather is hot, scores of people lay around the biggest fountain of Budapest, which plays pleasant music every 30 minutes. The island is bordered by the Margaret Bridge from the south, and by Budapest's longest bridge, the Árpád Bridge from the north. It is a must see.



"City Park"

Városliget (City Park) is a public park in Budapest close to the city centre. Its main entrance is Heroes' Square (Hősök tere), one of Hungary's World Heritage sites.The area was formerly called Ökör-dűlő, meaning "Oxmeadow". Originally developed in 1751 and opened to the public in the early 1800's, Városliget (City Park) was accepted as the name and it became the first public park in the world. City Park was the main venue of the 1896 millennium celebrations of Hungary, by which time Andrássy Avenue, Millennium Underground and the Grand Boulevard were built. 




"Dagaly Bath"
This world famous Bath first opened in 1948. Later, in 1956 it  was expanded with a 50 m swimming pool. Its water base at that time was provided by a well bored in 1944, which finally secured the efficient use of the thermal waters found under the bed of the Danube. In 1970, the water of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath was directed to Dagály Bath, thus raising it to the status of a thermal baths.

In addition to the pools and baths, Dagály has provided a full range of medical services to its guests ever since the 1970's. The 25 m long swimming pool, with its support systems, was opened in 1983. At the moment, there are 10 pools of various forms and temperatures in the facility's pleasant, picturesque surroundings.

In 2000, thew baths began an upgrade program to modernize and add newer amenities to the public. The 2 large-sized thermal sitting pools situated o­n the territory of the Bath were transformed into 4 up-to-date pools and equipped with modernized water filtering and circulation devices. Today, they are used as:

• Children's pool
• Thermal sitting pool
• Fancy pool
• Teaching pool

The fancy pool offers a wide variety of facilities to the public, a whirling corridor, an effervescent bed, a whirlpool, neck showers, geysers, splashing sunbathing.

In the summer of 2002, the mushroom pool and the kidney-shaped pool were renovated, and the latter was equipped with a wave-making machine that produced individual concentric waves simulating the roar of the sea.

If you have never been to a thermal pool, this one is an experience beyond compare.

Wishing you all a great Christmas

To the ones that read my blog with all my love and many thanks

Hope you all have a magical Christmas and a New Year full of happiness with your families.
Marcia

Please read Little Secrets, about Gardenia, an evergreen to remember

Food in Hungary

For a century or more, Hungarian food, has evolved from the influence of Middle Eastern influence and Western European influence. Recipes were adapted to suit local tastes, giving them a Hungarian uniqueness. They love meat and eat a lot of pork, chicken, and beef, in that order. You will also find some fish on the menu. Hungarian dishes are usually heavy, fatty, and loaded with Paprika.  However, the rich flavor and aroma may tempt you to forget your diet and enjoy all that Hungary has to offer.

Soups

Jókai bean soup with smoked pork knuckles
You will find that this is a very popular soup in Hungary and available almost everywhere soup is served. It is a hearty, winter soup, thick & spicy with full flavor. Perfect for chilly Hungarian days.





Cold cherry soup
Several versions of cold cherry soup originated in Poland & Hungary. It consists of sour cherries and a lot of sugar, combined with sour cream and heavy cream - sometimes thickened with flour.

Main dishes

Chicken Paprika (Paprikas csirke)

Paprikás csirke (pronounced “paprikash cheerke”) is a popular Hungarian dish. As you guessed, it is traditionally made with chicken and uses a large amount of paprika in the sauce. It is usually eaten with galuska (spaetzle), and a cucumber salad with sweet-and-sour dressing Sometimes you will find this dish with veal as well.




Stuffed Cabbage
Stuff cabbage is a traditional dish in Poland, Russia, and Hungary. However the Hungarian version is more aromatic because of the spices while Northern versions tend to be sweetened with brown sugar.

I recommend you try the Hungarian version, it is wonderful.

Goose liver
It probably will come as a surprise to learn that Hungary is the biggest exporter of goose & duck liver in the world, exporting over 1,920 tons in 2005.

So you would expect Hungary to have several wonderful goose liver dishes. Well, you wont be disappointed. When prepared as a hot dish, goose liver uses black pepper, paprika and salt. When served cold it is often  an ingredient in pates and terrines. Hungarian Foie gras also can be flavored with truffles, prunes, or liqueurs with sweet fruits like figs or grapes, caramelized onions, onion jam, or Tokaji wine jelly served as accompaniments.

If you are especially interested Hungarian goose liver, you may enjoy the Goose Liver Festival held every September in Budapest. This year, it was at Buda Castle and featured many goose liver delicacies.

Desserts 

Gundel Crepe (Gundel palacsinta)
I do not know about you but I could go for this desert in a second, it not just looks beautiful  but tastes amazing! It is a chocolate-covered crêpe with a filling of rum, raisins, and walnuts. It is often flambéed after it is brought to your table. The Gundel palacsinta (crêpe) originates from the Gundel restaurant in Budapest, Hungary.

This is an impressive dessert.



Somló sponge cake (Somlói galuska)
Somloi galuska literally means "dumplings from Somlo." As you can see from the photo at the right, it is made with three different types of sponge cake, in addition it has vanilla pastry cream, raisins, and walnuts. It is traditionally scooped onto a dessert plate in round, dumpling-like balls and garnished with chocolate rum sauce and whipped cream.






Cottage cheese dumplings Túró gombóc)
The Hungarian cottage cheese has a special slightly sour flavour and a grainy consistency.  Made with balls of cottage cheese balls that are coated with toasted breadcrumbs and then served with sour cream and powdered sugar.

If you are a fan of not to sweet desserts, cottage cheese dumplings are simply heaven.

So, have a great time eating your way through Hungary! The food is delicious and unique.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wish ALL of you a "Happy Time" with your families and friends.
A time to reflect on what you have...

A time to be grateful...
A time for everything you have accomplished...
A time to feel proud...
A time to spread love.
Happy Thanksgiving!

To Be Aware

Remember to remember means remember to be aware. Remember to be aware in this moment right now. Being aware is seeing everything around you, hearing everything around you, feeling everything around you, and being completely focused on what you are doing right now.
Most people bring what they do not want because they are not aware that they are listening to the thoughts in their heads about the past and the future. They are not even aware that they are being hypnotized by those thoughts, and are therefore living their life unconsciously.

When you remember to be aware, you are aware immediately. You just have to remember to remember!

 Rhonda Byrne

How can our thoughts affects

If a person is focused on illness then they are inadvertently attracting more illness to them. On the other hand, if a person focuses more on health than illness, then the law of attraction must obey and produce health. The principles of the law of attraction are a powerful tool to summon the healing power within us, and can be used as an aid in total harmony with all of the wonderful medical procedures that are available today.

Remember that if there were no healing power within us, nothing could be healed.

Rhonda Byrne

A Special Thanks to All Americans

This is a very special thanks to all Americans
and non- Americans that live in this country and read my blog constantly.
I am an American but was not born here, I was born in Brazil but have been in the U.S for 38 years.
So I  have been living here most of my life.

Americans always wants to help, to respect their country, to have their freedom and believe me it takes a while to get to know Americans but when you make friends you make true ones.

I will speak on my blog about the United States of America, I will talk about each city in the U.S. I love this country and I love Americans, so you guys can see that I also love myself because I am an American. 

It will take a while to talk about the U.S because I am actually writing about Traveling the World, so I am really writing for Americans that would love to travel abroad. At the end I will tell everyone about traveling in the U.S.

In the U.S you learn about being honest and truthful, people respect you and your privacy. Law works.
Beautiful places to go and live, in a big city to a small town on the suburbs.
Anyway, Thank you Americans for reading my blog more then anyone in the World.
Marcia

Brief History of Hungary

During the first century, the Romans widened the border of their empire towards the Danube and set up defensive positions along the border, including that area now called Budapest. Around that fortress a city developed. Remains of that Roman city can  be found at today's Óbuda (stone roads, amphitheatres, bastions, and fortresses). At the end of the 4th century the Roman's withdrew and the area came under the control of Hun, Longobard and Avar rule.

By the end of the 9th century, the Hungarians occupied the Pest part of the city.

Toward the end of the 13th century, the invading Mongols destroyed most of the old cities of Pest and Óbuda, leaving the Tatar tribe of the Mongolian Horde in charge. After the Tartars left the country, the Buda castle was built and became the royal residence and citizen area, while Pest operated as a commercial centre.

In the 15th century, Buda became the political, cultural and artistic centre of contemporary Europe. The Royal Palace was rebuilt, a library, a printing house and a college were opened. From the 16th century the city stood under the rule of the Turkish Empire, and became an Asian-type, Eastern city. Apart from the world famous Turkish Baths few remarkable monuments were raised during this period.

From the end of the 17th century Budapest was rebuilt step by step. The today's town hall and most of the baroque churches were erected during this period. The Royal Palace has been also renewed. Buda remained the administrative center while Pest grew as the industrial and commercial center of the country. At the first half of the 19th century, the Chain Bridge was erected, tightening the link between Buda and Pest.

Then in 1848 the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy was established and the city's flourished. In 1873 Buda, Pest and Óbuda united as Budapest. Budapest continued to develop adding municipal infrastructure to support its growth., eventually competing with Vienna as the cultural center of Europe.

During the World Warn II, most of the city was ruined or damaged, the bridges were all destroyed. The Soviet Union enforced a Communist Regime and began to rebuild Budapest.

In 1956, students led the Hungarian Uprising, a spontaneous, nationwide revolt against the imposed communist government and The Soviet troops and tanks put down the revolt and inflicted considerable destruction again in Budapest. Now, as an independent nation, Hungary and its capital, Budapest are flourishing again.

About Fear

The tighter you try and hold on to something that you are afraid of losing, the more you are pushing it away. Those thoughts are filled with fear, and if you continue to persist, what you fear the most will come upon you.

Fear nothing - just think about what you want. It feels so much better!

Rhonda Byrne

How careful should you be going to Hungary

Be cautious in Hungary. Crime rates are higher that in Western Europe and they are getting worse. Hungary's overall crime rate for 2012 increased over 2011 levels. Both property crimes (theft, robbery) and violent crimes increased including an increase in homicides.

Travelers should be especially cautious when using public transportation, visiting tourist sites with large crowds, and being alone around ATM's at night.

Transportation Risks
Trains in and out of Hungary, in particular at Keleti station, have reported higher than normal criminal activity. The most troublesome metro lines are one and three, tram lines two and four, and bus line seven. Keep purses and personal bags closed so the potential thieves can't check out your belongings. This is especially true for Metro Stations where long escalators give thieves at the top, a great view of you and your items as you come up. If you pay attention to your surroundings and use common sense, the public bus system is generally safe. If you plan to use taxis, ask your hotel to order one in advance and to advise you on what fee to expect so that you are not over charged. Be cautious of gypsy cabs which roam the streets and overcharge their riders.

Tourist Site Risks
Pay attention to your belongings at all time; however, be advised that the following areas have especially high rates of thievery:

• Chain Bridge area on both sides of the Danube
• Royal Palace Museum
• Basilica
• Heroes’ Square
• Fishermen’s Bastion
• Matthias Church

American fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King and Pizza Hut are also danger zones for pick pockets. Remember, they work in groups with one of two distracting you while the ones you don't see are robbing you.

Common Street Scams
Here is a new twists on the old 'money changer' scam. First, someone approaches you and ask if you would like to change your currency? Of course my readers are smart enough to say, "No thank you." You expect that to be the end of it. However, you are then approached by two plain clothed men, posing as the police, and asking to see your wallet under the pretense that you illegally changed money. Once they have finished inspecting the contents of your wallet, you will be quite a few dollars lighter. You should anticipate the used of intimidation tactics such as pressing you about drugs. But, Hungarian police don't deal with tourist money changing issues and normally wear uniforms. If you are targeted by this scam, turn around and walk away. If you can, find a uniformed policeman and report the incident. If they will not let you be, advise them that you want to consult your embassy.

Hungary also has a lot of homeless people on streets.

Car thefts are also on the rise so be extra careful. The favorite among thieves are Audi's and VWs.
So, please "BE CAREFUL"!

 

Don’t become a victim

The rules are the same everywhere.

• Don't be alone at night in dark places
• Don't go into isolated or poorly lit areas and don't use ATM's in poorly lit areas
• Don't carry your wallet in the open and don't leave purses or bags open.
• Don't carry more cash that you need that day, leave extra cash, credit cards, and personal documents at home or in a hotel safe
• Don't leave your belongings in airports, train stations and other highly trafficked areas 
• Don’t buy counterfeit merchandise. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into your home country, but by purchasing them you could also be breaking local law.

Be a smart traveler. Remove the temptation, remove of hide your luggage or personal items when parking, especially near popular tourist sites.

The criminals are getting smarter

Unfortunately, identity theft is on the rise worldwide. In this silent crime you may not even know that you have been a victim until much later. The traveler can do a few things to protect themselves:

• Be observant of your surroundings. If you are using ATM's, public computers, or even your own smart phone or tablet, look to make sure no one can observe your user names and passwords.
• If you are using a public computer don't get sucked in with an offer to help with the local language and always log off and shut down before leaving.
• Don't use a debit card connected to your primary checking and savings accounts. If these are lost or stolen, your accounts can be drained. Rather, use a credit card where your exposure is only your credit line.
• Don't make a public display of your smart phone or tablet. Runners my "hit and flit" and you will not only have lost your gadget, but also all the information you have stored on it.

If you become a victim

If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the your nearest embassy or consulate. They can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want they can contact family members or friends
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

They also maintain information on their website on where to get help in child abuse situations.

Please read Little Secret

"Sandalwood more then a sweet smell"

Religion & Weather in Hungary

Religion

Approximately 50% of the population of Hungary are Roman Catholics. First established by King Stephen, crowned as a holy king by the Pope, in the tenth century, Hungary has been a predominantly Roman Catholic country.
Protestant religions began to appear after the renaissance; but, the Hapsburg's led a counter reformation that ensured Catholicism was reinstated as the predominant religion in Hungary during the 17th century. You will also find a Greek Orthodox Catholic community in Hungary; but, it is less than 3% of the population.

Today, Protestants account for just over 20% of the population, with Calvinist making up 16% and Lutherans accounting for 4%. As a result of the decimation of the Jewish community, today Judaism is practiced by only about 80,000 Hungarians. An even smaller group practices Islam, a remnant of the Ottoman Turk rule. The Islamic population is estimated at several thousand.

Weather 
Hungary is cold enough to support snowy winters that can be cold and bitter. In fact winters in Hungary as a whole are fairly sharp, with minimums being known to fall to  -29 ºC. In Budapest the winters can be also feel like they are chilling you down to the bone, but the season is short and the bitter weather is usually broken up by a few bright, sunny days. If traveling to Hungary in winter be sure to so ensure to pack a warm winter coat, hat, boots and gloves! You will probably need them.


Hungary has a moderate level; of precipitation year round; but, a majority occurs in the summer months. July is the hottest and sunniest month with temps that climb above 27 C. June has the historically highest level of rainfall. In Budapest you should not be surprised to see more that 70 mm of rain in June.

Budapest receives more than 70mm of precipitation. Although temperature seems somewhat unpleasant, it is one of the best seasons to visit Budapest.

weather is most favourable for tourism during spring (March to May). However, the summer month of June and autumn months of September and October also offer mild days with less rainfall that the summer season. Several festivals, including the spring festival, are hosted in Budapest during March and April, making these months an ideal time to visit.
Read more at http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Budapest-holiday-guide/Budapest/HU.aspx#FmBOjizk0cXAp3L2.99

weather is most favourable for tourism during spring (March to May). However, the summer month of June and autumn months of September and October also offer mild days with less rainfall that the summer season. Several festivals, including the spring festival, are hosted in Budapest during March and April, making these months an ideal time to visit.
Read more at http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Budapest-holiday-guide/Budapest/HU.aspx#FmBOjizk0cXAp3L2.99

weather is most favourable for tourism during spring (March to May). However, the summer month of June and autumn months of September and October also offer mild days with less rainfall that the summer season. Several festivals, including the spring festival, are hosted in Budapest during March and April, making these months an ideal time to visit.
Read more at http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Budapest-holiday-guide/Budapest/HU.aspx#FmBOjizk0cXAp3L2.99

weather is most favourable for tourism during spring (March to May). However, the summer month of June and autumn months of September and October also offer mild days with less rainfall that the summer season. Several festivals, including the spring festival, are hosted in Budapest during March and April, making these months an ideal time to visit.
Read more at http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Budapest-holiday-guide/Budapest/HU.aspx#FmBOjizk0cXAp3L2.99

Language, Capitol & Currency in Hungary

Language

The language spoken in Hungary is Hungarian. Because the people came from a tribal area and the Ural mountains, their language has little relation to the Romance languages of Europe or the Germanic languages. In fact, the closest relatives are Finnish and Lappish, suggesting an ancient group of northward migrating tribes, some of which settled in the Urals and others who traveled further north. Recent linguistic classifications place it with the Samoyedic group which covers northern parts of Europe and Russia. As well as a tell-tell link to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Distantly related are Turkish and Basque. This uniqueness and linguistic isolation has become a source of pride to Hungarians.




Capitol 
I want to repeat the insight I provided in my introduction to Hungary.
The capital of Hungary is Budapest, the "Little Paris of Eastern Europe".  It has become the delight of European youth because of its vibrant nightlife, youthful atmosphere, and world class classical music. There is also a rich café life in Budapest. Scenically located on the banks of the Danube, the architecture and unique culture has resulted in a listing in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Here you will find remains from the Ottoman Empire, Roman Empire, and Austrian Empire. While the city is actually divided into 23 districts, it is usually referred to as Buda and Pest, the two sides of the Danube. Buda and Pest, the two previously independent cities together with Óbuda were united in 1873, and became a single city occupying both banks of the River Danube. The famous public buildings, the green hills of Buda, the wide avenues and shopping centers of Pest, and the connecting bridges over the river really make Budapest one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe. Budapest is a beautiful city with great architecture and so many things to do and see.

The mighty Danube flows 2850 kilometers through Europe from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea and passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, along the Croatian-Serbian border, past Bulgaria on its journey to the mouth of the Danube at Sulina, Romania. It is Europe's second longest river after the Volga.
Budapest has enough to impress new and returning visitors.

Currency 
The Forint is the currency in Hungary and it is hard to find since it is only used in Hungary.
I recommend you should change money or withdraw cash from an ATM after your arrival. You can find both at the train station and airport.
Changing money on the street is a bad idea! It's useful to bring your credit card but in Hungary you should always have cash with you because cards are not accepted at many places. The easiest way to get cash is from an ATM machine; however, most banks also charge a 3% currency translation fee. So, check the local rates. The best official rates for cash could be in a bank. Banks are generally available, most open from 8 AM to 4 PM and some even on Saturday. Plan ahead, don't get caught on a weekend or holiday out of cash. While Exchange booths are also available, the rates are higher.

Tips are an expected source of income in Hungary and the general rule is 10% of the total amount for good service..

Introduction to Hungary

Hungary is in Central Europe bordered by Slovakia to the north, Austria and Slovenia to the west, Croatia and Serbia to the south, and Romania and Ukraine to the east and north-east. The nation was created when a branch of Uralic speakers migrated from their earlier homeland near the Ural mountains and settled in various places in Eastern Europe. They eventually captured the Carpathian Basin between the 9th and 10th centuries. Hungary has a democratically-elected, parliament, the National Assembly. The majority of the population speaks Hungarian and the country is 35,919 sq miles (93,030 km²) in area.

When I was younger, I wonder where the name "Hungary" came from and I discovered that there are several possible origins. The most accepted origin was from the name of the Ungri tribe which lived in the steppes of Russia and eventually dominated the area now know as Hungary. Medieval Latin would have added the H prefix to create the word Hungri.

Today, the population of Hungary is just under 10 million. However the are large populations of descendants of the original Ungri line found in Europe and the United States.
The language they speak is Hungarian.


The capital of Hungary is Budapest, the "Little Paris of Eastern Europe".  It has become the delight of European youth because of its vibrant nightlife, youthful atmosphere, and world class classical music. Scenically located on the banks of the Danube, the architecture and unique culture has resulted in a listing in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will find remains from the Ottoman Empire, Roman Empire, and Austrian Empire. While the city is actually divided into 23 districts, it is usually referred to as Buda and Pest, the two sides of the Danube.

Please read "Little Secrets"

Sweet and Powerful " Honey"

Where should you stay going to Vienna

There are so many hotels in Vienna, it is a lot of research. I chose the ones that I think are the best for the money. Enjoy your stay in Vienna.I will give you 2 (5 stars) Hotels because both are very different from one another and different prices:

1. Hotel Sacher Wein (5 stars)
I mentioned this hotel in the food section. It was opened in 1876 by the son of the baker who made the first Sacher Torte! In addition to its long and important history in Vienna, it is also decorated with:

• Valuable antiques
• Beautiful period furniture
• Famous paintings
• All the Sacher Torte you can eat ;-)

Both the public and private rooms are very elegant. It is a very classy hotel in a central location with all the amenities the high end traveler expects such as:
The Sacher Spa offers a wide range of massages and beauty and spa treatments

• Business meeting rooms
• WIFI and cable service
• Concierge
• Room service

It's central location on Philharmoniker-Straße puts it right in the middle of the old town and a short walk to: 

• Kärntner Straße a wonderful shopping street and pedestrian zone
• The Ringstraße
• The Albertina Museum
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• The Hofburg Imperial Palace
• The State Opera 

Address: Philharmoniker-Straße 4, 01. Innere Stadt, 1010 Vienna
Phone: (USA & Canada) Call 1 800 745 8883
Price starts at $559 dollars per night




2. Hotel Imperial (5 stars)
The sumptuous surroundings of the Luxury Collection Hotel Imperial Vienna were originally created in 1863 as the Vienna residence of the prince of Württemberg. His palace on the Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the universal exhibition in 1873. Due to the grand facility, outstanding service and royal heritage, this 5-star hotel epitomizes European discretion and royal service.
.


Address: Kärntner Ring 16, 01. Innere Stadt, 1015 Vienna
Phone: (43)(1) 501100
Price starts at $461 dollars






3. Hotel Astoria (4 stars)
Also located in the heart of Vienna, this family-friendly hotel is walking distance to:

• Capuchin Church
• Ringstrassen Galerien
• Castle Garden

A little longer walk gets you to:

• Kohlmarkt Street
• Rotenturm Street

The Hotel Astoria also offers:

• Austria Trend, a bar/lounge
• Complimentary WIFI available throughout the property
• High-Speed wired access in the rooms

Address: Kärntner Straße 32-34, Vienna+
Phone: +43 1 51577
Price starts at $163 dollars






4. Hotel Austria (3 stars)

The Hotel Austria is also located in the center of Vienna's old town, within walking distance to the key sites you will want to visit:

• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• State Opera
• Museums 
• Main shopping area with many cafes and restaurants

Built in 1848,this hotel is warm, friendly and quiet. As you can see, it is located on a dead end street in the old Medieval meat market area. Inside it strikes a traditional Viennese atmosphere with excellent service and recently updated comforts of a more modern hotel.

The hotel also provides:

• 24 Hour Complementary Internet Point in the lobby
• Complementary WIFI throughout the hotel
• Coffee and wine service on the terrace
• Bicycles for exploring the old city

Address: Karntner Strasse 32-34
Vienna, Austria, 1010
Phone: +43 1 51577
Price starts at $142 dollars



Reasonable accommodations 
Old Vienna apartments

Conveniently located in the area of Leopoldstadt, Old Vienna. These non-smoking apartments offer family style accommodations. Some of the local attractions are:

• St. Mary on the Strand, 
• Jewish Museum
• Sigmund Freud Museum
• Johann-Strauss-Museum
• St. Ruprecht's Church

Apartment accommodations provide:

• Televisions
• Irons/ironing boards
• Clock radios
• Kitchens with stove tops, cookware, dishes, utensils,  and kitchen linens.
• Complimentary wireless Internet access.

Address: Herminengasse 12, Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43-676-7448-234
Price starts at $ 52.00