Have you ever heard about the country where people could save their traditions about any foreign interference? Have you ever heard about the city that includes the past, the present and the future at the same time? And what about people? Have you ever heard about the nation that hadn’t allowed any foreign influence to change their thoughts, traditions, their way of life? I think that you’ve heard about such countries, and of course you have many examples to prove your answer. Certainly, there are many such countries. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who has been to Budapest will know exactly what makes it one of Europe’s best-loved destinations; you’re really getting two cities for the price of one. Bisected by the mighty Danube the city has something of a split personality. On the west side of the river is historic Buda; the ancient heart of the capital. On the east side is industrious Pest; defined by handsome boulevards and the familiar sights and sounds of European commerce.

Each side of the Danube has its own temptations: To the west hilly Buda corrals together some of the city’s finest monuments with the Roman ruins at Óbuda providing the obvious historical starting point. For a lesson in medieval architecture wander the cat’s cradle of narrow streets that surround the picturesque castle district. Read the rest of this entry »