Christmas markets & typhoid shots

While we had planned to enjoy a quiet pre-Christmas week in Kiev, friends were heading to Budapest to see the Christmas markets.  Once again swayed by the "when else will we be this close" logic, we decided to join....

What we found....

European charm

Budapest's Soviet past isn't so obvious - European feel far more visible

Fab Christmas Markets
With loads of cute shopping

(hmm - maybe not such a good idea to arm the boys)

Delish street food

Something between a cookie and a doughnut - this roasted, sugared dough was delish!

Outdoor seating was warmed up with heaters

Very Cool Hot Baths
These Széchenyi Baths date from 1913

Jets propel this area into a crazy fast, will shoot your suit off, lazy river

10 indoor pools too help make this the largest bathing complex in Europe

Outdoorsy

A river front to run on, outdoor rink & easy to navigate by foot make this an active city

Civilized
We were excited by the presence of many things we miss.....

(H&M for me, BK for Q)

...as well as things we can't get in Ukraine - like typhoid shots!   (Ukraine doesn't have the vaccine due to import issues)

(needless to say, the kids were not thrilled when we disclosed the weekend would kick off with a clinic visit)



Silly Good Fois gras
Yes - this was worthy of its own caption - YUM!

All in all, a fab city we'd definitely recommend whether for the food, the markets or your next round of vaccines

Here's to festive holiday weekends