{"id":5301,"date":"2014-07-04T17:49:11","date_gmt":"2014-07-04T17:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avidcruiser.com\/livevoyagereports\/?page_id=5301"},"modified":"2016-06-29T08:11:32","modified_gmt":"2016-06-29T14:11:32","slug":"day-2-exploring-buda-pest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/live-voyage-reports\/emerald-waterways-emerald-sky-budapest-nuremberg\/day-2-exploring-buda-pest\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 2 – Exploring Buda and Pest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emerald Star Sets Sail Along the Danube<\/h3>\n
\"Emerald<\/a>

Emerald Cruises’ new Emerald Star docked in Budapest, as seen from the Hungarian Parliament. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I awoke just before seven this morning aboard Emerald Cruises<\/strong>\u2019 Emerald Star<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em><\/strong>fully recovered from the lingering jetlag of last night. The verdict on the bed in my Panorama Balcony Suite<\/strong>: between the comfortable mattress, the soft pillows and the inviting European duvets, it\u2019s one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve slept in on a river cruise ship.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

A breakfast buffet was served in the Reflections Restaurant from 0700 to 0900. Light breakfast is also served in the Horizon Lounge beginning at 0600. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Emerald Cruises offers two different types of breakfast service: a light breakfast in the Horizon Lounge, and a full breakfast in the Reflections Restaurant on Deck 2. I chose to have the full breakfast, and I wasn\u2019t disappointed in the offerings, which include a variety of fruits, vegetables and hot dishes. To drink, you can enjoy juices, teas and coffee \u2013 all within view of the Danube outside the massive windows that line both port and starboard sides of the room.<\/p>\n

\"Emerald<\/a>

Emerald Star’s Reflections Restaurant. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Today, Emerald Cruises was offering a bus tour of Budapest, interspersed with some opportunities to walk and enjoy some free time. I\u2019ll be honest: I don\u2019t like bus tours. When I am in a place, I want to get out and explore on-foot. But, that\u2019s part of the reason river cruising is so fantastic; even our Cruise Director Daniela said that guests were under no obligation to participate in the tours.<\/p>\n

\"You<\/a>

You can also get coffee and tea in the Pool Area aft on Deck 3. The Swimming Pool opens daily at 0800. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Instead, I took the opportunity to finish yesterday\u2019s blog this morning in the Horizon Lounge. I was even able to enjoy a freshly-made Cafe Late and read the daily news \u2013 delivered each morning to the Lounge \u2013 while I waited for the photographs to upload. It was so relaxing and enjoyable, I may make a habit of it!<\/p>\n

Afterwards, I set out on my very own walking tour of Budapest.<\/p>\n

\"Departing<\/a>

Departing the Emerald Star on my own walking tour of Budapest. There’s an interesting contrast between our ship, the cars, and the classically-styled Parliament in the background. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

First, I made my way from our berth at Batthyany 1 on the Buda side of Budapest to the emerald-green Liberty Bridge, or Szabads\u00e1g h\u00edd<\/em> in Hungarian. Built between 1894 and 1896, it was opened by Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, who placed the last rivet on the bridge himself. The walk from the pier to the bridge took approximately 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

My ultimate goal was Budapest\u2019s Great Market Hall.<\/a> Unfortunately, I forgot today was Sunday: the market was closed. So, I altered my course and enjoyed a pleasant three hour wander through the city, eventually crossing the Margaret Bridge over to the Buda side of Budapest where the Emerald Star <\/em>sat in wait.<\/p>\n

\"Walking<\/a>

Walking across the Liberty Bridge in Budapest. A total of 14 bridges span the Danube in the city. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Even<\/a>

Even Budapest isn’t immune to the love-padlock-craze that has swept much of Europe. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Budapest's<\/a>

Budapest’s Great Market Hall on Vamhaz Korut was unfortunately closed, owing to it being Sunday. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Strolling<\/a>

Strolling along Vaci Utca, Budapest’s main shopping street. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Forgot<\/a>

Forgot to take a bike off Emerald Star? You can also rent one in town at numerous locations. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Looking<\/a>

Looking into the heart of Budapest from the Elizabeth Bridge. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"St.<\/a>

St. Stephen’s Basilica. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The “back” of the Hungarian Parliament building is visible once again, after a major restoration project hid it from view for the past few years. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Budapest<\/a>

Budapest is lined with surprising squares and monuments that seemingly pop out of nowhere. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Crossing<\/a>

Crossing the Margaret Bridge…Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...and<\/a>

…and heading back to the Emerald Star. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

A look at what\u2019s happening today here onboard the sleek Emerald Star:<\/em><\/p>\n

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