Prague, Budapest and Romania

In Romania now and loving it. Despite one of the guys at the hostel unfortunately getting pick pocketed and losing all his wallet at the bus station, the people seem honest here. I love the friendly people and the country is kind of rough edges around it. It's definitely not as western as what I've seen so far and more of a hint of the Middle East. Plus it's much cheaper which makes everything seem so much better.

I found Prague had the beautiful buildings and streets but I was a bit disappointed with the huge build up. There were tons of package tourists, travellers, English stag parties and college students. I swear half the people walking around the old town were carrying maps and the locals were not as understandly patient or wanting to engage in conversation. Walking around St. Charles Bridge and the Palace was cool. I went to another Czech town of Olomuc and found it extremelz relaxing. Plenty of sights and green space and the people friendly. The town also had this funky bar that was a converted Russian Airplane. Apparently, it use to be for Russian elite in the 1980s. Notice the seats are converted plane seats.

I liked Budapest and wished I stayed for another day. If you ever go, you must go to the thermal spas. Very, very relaxing and nothing like jumping in and out of ten or so heated pools in this huge complex. Plenty of things to see including the Hazza Terror or House of Terror. It is the old Nazi Arrow Cross and the AVI or Hungarian Communist Secret Police. Definitely, not a place zou want to be at those times as the cells and execution sites can attest. The palace was OK as it has been converted to museums but gives a good view of the city. Found eating out a bit expensive, so it was back to grocery shopping. Stayed at an appartment for cheap from a local who I met on the street. It is quite common to rent rooms to make extra money and this was a great deal.