Budapest Central Market

The ship arrived in Budapest at 10.00 a.m. and the program indicates that on Saturday the shops will be open only in the morning. So this was the time for shopping and many of the ladies were keen to dash off to get souvenirs and gifts for friends and family, but a loudspeaker announcement stopped the stampede as Hungarian customs were coming on board to check the passports.

Hungary is famous
for its Paprika (pepper)

The boat is moored within walking distance of the vast Central Market, a huge undercover bazaar. You have to see this place, it's huge! The ground floor of the building contains the market area where fresh and dried foods and spices can be bought, including the famous Hungarian salamis and paprika. Look out for the caviar stalls too.

By the way, if you're the type who can get a little queasy, it might be an idea not to look too hard at some of the meat stalls which are decorated with heads of animals.

Shops in the upper levels sell Hungarian lace napkins, table cloths, etc, wood carvings and clothing. The embroidered napkins and table cloths weren't particularly cheap. In the middle level, there is a food area where you could try Hungarian goulash and other dishes, if you were game.

Even if you weren't into shopping the bazaar is very colourful and interesting to stroll through. One of the stallholders proudly displays a poster of former British Prime Minister Maggie Thatcher visiting his stall. You'll recognize the stall owner in the picture too, even though he's acquired a few grey hairs.

The Fishermen's Bastion

This afternoon's city tour covered the main historical sights, including a stop at Fishermen's Bastion. From here, you'll have a panoramic view of the whole city. This appears to be a favourite spot for wedding photo shoots and during our time here we saw several couples arriving in their elegant horse and carriage. Unfortunately for the wedding couples and us, the skies were a bit grey. If you're exhausted by the crowds in the Castle complex and don't fancy climbing the Bastion walls, you could still sit at its cafe and enjoy the views.

This evening was our Farewell Dinner on board (see next page)