An Opera Performance...
by coceng
Here on these photos, I shall share with you guys some amazing first time experiences for me seeing the Classical performances !
It was great !
My host Alain accompanied me in the 2 Opera Theaters that he took me.
At the same theater (if anybody knows the name of it, do let me know okay), the place mesmerized me ! So beautiful ! You can see the balcony where people were sitting...Just like the scenario in a movie where people watching a classical show !
Local Currency
by Gypsystravels
The local currency is the Hungarian Forint. The notes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000. The coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 forints.
At the time of my visit the exchange rate was about 170 HUF to $1 (US).
Hungary was a fantastic deal for my money, especially since the US dollar is taking a beating from the Euro and the British Pound.
Greetings
by antistar
Hungarians greet each other with the word "szia", which is pronounced "see-oh" and sounds a lot like the English "see you". In fact it sounds exactly like the English "see you" when pronounced with a Leicestershire accent. This is useful to know when you realise that like the Italian "ciao", the Hungarian "szia" is used for both hello and goodbye.
A twist on this is that the Hungarians have started to use the English word "hello", and sometimes "hi", instead of "szia". But comically they use it exactly the same was as "szia". So don't be confused when after a meeting with a Hungarian they say "hello" and walk away, like some movie scene playing backwards.
Iceskating in the City Park
by MedioLatino
The building of the Iceskating rink in the City Hall is worth a visit itself, even if you don't want to skate.
The first real building was built in 1875 according to the plans of Odon Lechner, and since 1887 the iceskating part has artificial cooling so it can work even during not so cold days as well. The building which can be seen now was built in 1893 (the old one was just not big enough...)
The rink is open from 9 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm until 8 pm every day (exceptions: on saturdays they close at 6 pm but sometimes they are open from 7 pm to 10 pm, on Sundays the morning shift is from 10 am to 4 pm). Skates are there for rent as well (500 HUF/hour), so you don't even have to take these with you!
The most expensive piece of land in Budapest
by MedioLatino
The most expensive (for sale since ages - no one bought it yet...) piece of land in Budapest is just on the right hand side of the tunnel which goes under the Buda Castle.
There are some issues about the building permits for this ground...it can't be to high, it has to be fitting into the view, etc...this makes it even more complicated.