Buda_2

And the story of Buda continues...

Pic: St.Gellért's statue at foot of Gellért Hill

On my way to the famous Budapest bath (targeted Gellért Bath, which is popular among tourist), came across this magnificant statue, compliment with staircase surrounding a natural water fall. Roads users from Pest crossing the Szabadság híd or Liberty Bridge (sometimes Freedom Bridge) will be greeted by St.Gellért's statue when they enter Buda.

Walked past Rudas thermal bath as well. Initially I was tempted to go to Rudas bath, first, because it's nearer & I've really been walking a lot & second, it's much cheaper. Internet introduction & tourist guide highlighted the bath with its 16th century built centerpiece http://www.budapest.com/thermal_baths/rudas_thermal_bath.en.html but as I walked pass, I'm >100% sure that I won't go there...see picture below to understand why...

Pic: Rudas thermal bath's exterior...I thought it is an abandoned building initially :s

The journey continues and finally, Gellért Bath (which is right next to the super classy & pricy Gellért Hotel) is in front of me...with great dissapointment, it's under renovation as well. I think I must have travelled to Budapest during wrong time of the year...Matthias Church, the tram way and now even the bath is under construction, sob sob...

I went for a refreshing massage where the massage lady has really big hand that covers more than half of my back, so imagine the strength she applied during the massage, but it is nice (except my neck is slightly in pain after staying still at an uncomfortable position for 15minutes) and then took the 36-38degree Celcius thermal bath. Definitely refreshing especially after a long day walk.

The Gellért Baths complex includes thermal baths, which are small pools containing water from Gellért hill's mineral hot springs. The thermal baths are decorated beautifully with mosaic tiles. The complex also includes saunas and plunge pools, an open-air swimming pool which can create artificial waves every ten minutes and an effervescent swimming pool. They have jacuzzi pool and pretty nice indoor swimming pool as well, too bad I can't swim...just keep in mind that pictures tend to make something looks more beautiful, so keep the expectation moderate ;)

Oh...and if you purchase entrance ticket to all facilities for say 2hrs and you leave before 2hrs, you'll get a small amount of rebate ( I didn't realize it until I return to COP) and the massage charges is paid in cash only separately to the massage ladies once you enter the bath center. They don't provide shower gel / soap / shampoo in the shower so do bring your own 'supply' ;) I can't carry camera with me all the time in the bath, so the pictures are limited :p

Pic (clockwise from upper left): Gellért bath front (under construction); front look as it is supposed to be; the indoor swimming pool; reception area

Right outside Gellért Bath is the Gellért Hill where an enormous Goddess of Freedom statue stands in front of the Citadel on its peak. The Hungarian 'Statue of Liberty' commemorates Hungary's liberation from the Nazi rule & can be seen from almost all parts of the city. The site offers a superb panorama over Central Budapest including bank of the Danube River, Buda Castle and Pest city. The walk up the hill is not exactly relaxing though :(

Pic: Goddess of Freedom statue

Pic: View from Gellért hill top outposts

Walking down the hill (which is much easier) and enjoying the last time I'll see Budapest at night (at least for this trip), I'm still amazed with its beauty. During my last dinner in Budapest, I realize almost all juice / soft drinks in bottle comes in only 200ml size. Wonder why they're slightly smaller than it should. I'm so used to 330ml or at least 250ml bottled drinks...

As dawn approaches, I said goodbye to Budapest. I had good times there and I hope you have good time reading it as well :)