Rosh Hashanah Services at The Great Synagogue

This was a really interesting experience, like stepping back in time.  The older congregation of the shul were all adorable, and the organ and choir added a lovely ambience to the service.

Heroe's Square on our way to Dinner at The Owl Restaurant

Heroes' Square (Hősök tere in Hungarian) is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hungary. It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of a World Heritage site), next to City Park.

Danube River Cruise on the Bella Boat

This was one of those things that turned out to be better than we had expected.  For $20//pp we got this wonderful headset guided tour down the Danube River, a glass of wine, a stop over on Margaret Island, and even some entertainment from the crew.  This is a must, and I'd especially recommend this all glass boat!

Margaret Island

We got off here and walked all around this 3 km long island.  There are beautiful gardens throughout, with forests, and even a walking trail.

Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest

This was of course very moving experience being in a country where so many Jews were affected by the Holocaust.  This was an impressive center giving lots of information and material.  There was also a beautiful Synagogue at the end of the exhibit, an uplifting note to end on.

Click here for link

Climb to the Top of Castle Hill

We winded our way up to the top of Castle Hill which boasts an amazing view of the Danube River and Pest side of the city. Castle Hill, known as Várhegy in Hungarian, was first settled in the thirteenth century, after a Mongol attack led Buda's citizens to seek a more easily defended neighborhood. The royal Hungarian court also decided to move, to the southern end of the hill.

Day Trip to Szentendre

This wonderful little town on the Danube about 50 minutes from Budapest was the perfect place to spend an afternoon.  We walked arount the cobble stone streets, and even went into the world's only Marzipan Museum.  Instead of taking the train home, we decided to take a boat cruise back to Budapest.

Boat Cruise from Szentendre to Budapest

This was just one of the lovaly sites on our boat ride back to Budapest.  The Danube is a gorgeous river (but as Jason pointed out to me, most river's are pretty!)

Self Portrait on the Pier

We've become fond of the self-portrait, not needing to bug other people to snap one of us.  We got this of ourselves when we got off our river cruise.