Budapest Day 3

Budapest is known for their thermal baths. Today we went for an early morning swim at the Szechenyi Baths. Let me set the scene for you. Picture overweight men in speedos, playing chess and women unfit for bikinis, wearing shower caps. This pretty much sums up everyone we saw at the baths. There were numerous pools inside the complex with three large pools outside. The indoor pools grossed me out because it was hot and muggy inside and smelled of sulfur. All in all, this was an interesting experience to say the least and lots of fun!

Near the baths is Heroes' Square where some of Hungary's most famous statues stand.

We then walked along Andrassy Utica, Budapest's "Fifth Avenue," to the museum, House of Terror. This was a fascinating museum about when the Soviets took control of Hungary after the Nazis. The building housed the actual offices of the Nazi SS and then the Hungarian communist secret police where thousands of Hungarians were tortured and killed in the basement. Once again, it is crazy to think a country like this (and Eastern Europe) was under Communist rule until 1989.

Our last tour in Budapest was at the lavish Opera House. You would not believe how much gold decorates this place.

Finally, we had an incredible dinner at Klassz. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Budapest. We got 2 glasses of wine, 2 beers, one appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert for $70. Keep in mind this place in considered one of Budapest's nicer restaurants! Well, tomorrow we are off to Vienna.
Pictures:
1. Best appetizer ever! Foie gras with pumpkin purée at Klassz.
2. Heroes' Square
3. Pretending to lift weights at the Szchenyi Baths.
4. Inside the Opera House.
5. Another glimpse at the Szchenyi Baths.

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