This past week, my wife and I went to Budapest with our youngest son. Here are some things we learned:

1. The Romanian mountains have some of the most picturesque villages you’ll ever see, especially in the autumn.
2. There’s no need to pay to go into Matthias Church (one of the two major churches that tourists will want to see). Instead, wait until the evening Mass. Then you’ll get to see the interior of the church and enjoy the lovely organ.
3. The subway has incredibly long escalators going down. It’s also extremely fast, and if you’re trying to visit multiple sites in one day, certainly worth a day pass.
4. Our hotel, the Buda Castle Fashion Hotel, was an excellent deal, situated right in the heart of Buda Castle Hill, within a few blocks of major tourist sites, and had great staff. Also, we got a free upgrade to a 2-bedroom suite after being selected as the “Guest of the Day”. Highly recommended if you’re thinking of going.
5. Hungarian spelling is really weird.

Enjoy our pics below!

A Romanian village in autumn.

A Romanian village in autumn.

A Romanian village in autumn.

Sebi, showing that he’s as strong as the Huns of old.

The Fisherman’s Bastion during the day.

Me and Sebi, holding up the tiny back door into Matthias Church.

Matthias Church seen at night.

Fisherman’s Bastion seen at night from below.

Matthias Church interior during the evening Mass.

The incredibly long escalators in the Budapest subway.

Larisa and Sebi with the Hungarian Parliament in the background.

St. Stephen’s Basilica interior.

An altarpiece of the crucifixion in St. Stephen’s Basilica.

The Great Synagogue in Budapest.