Tuesday March 29: Budapest 1

Okay, this one we've got more sorted. 7:15 AM taxi scheduled by Alex shows up promptly and driver (wearing a SUIT) whisks us to the train station. Train leaves promptly at 8:10 for 2.5 hour ride to Budapest. Not too speedy, nice countryside, very rural, with low rolling hills. Lots of farms. In the dining car Ida and I have breakfast, and Ida stumps the waiter by ordering one egg: the menu has no item so small on the menu, baffling all. We become buddies with the fine fellow, who resembles Anthony Hopkins. See him with Ida! Upon arrival in late morning at Keleti station (which is run down but has amazing architecture, see photo), we find a taxi driver to take us to the Bartok Museum. He takes us for a ride in more ways than one (grin) but it's all part of the Budapest experience! The museum is Bartok's villa in the Buda hills: his composing desk and piano are still there. An amazing man. Ida in particular had a wonderful visit here, to the home of one of her absolute musical heroes. We took a photo of her standing next to the great composer's statue. The home itself is a very nice villa with views over the Buda suburbs. We received a wonderful personal tour from the curator, and found it all a wonderful experience!