Bathing with the Budapesters

Today we experienced a Budapest tradition--a visit to the public thermal baths. Thermal baths have been a part of life here since at least the time of the Romans. In fact, Pest comes from the Slavic word for "oven" and was ostensibly due to the many hotsprings around the City.

There are about a dozen publically accessible thermal baths around the city. For our visit we chose the Szechenyi Baths, the locals' favorite. This place was pretty impressive: think a series of indoor spas and outdoor public pools contained in an amazing neo-classical/Baroque building from the 19th century. Once inside, you're greeted with a confusing system of changing rooms and attendants that seemed to harken back to the pre-democracy days.

Given the beautiful weather, we spent our time at the outdoor pools which consisted of three separate pools of different temperatures with a variety of fountains, gushers, and even a swirly current pool. Anna was in heaven going in circles in the swirling pool and would still be there if we hadn't pulled her out.

People watching was great too. Hungarians of all shapes and sizes use the pools on a regular basis. Speedo-clad Hungarians from 9 months to 90 years swam, soaked and lounged around the pools. This was definitely an essential Budapest experience.

After the pools and a stroll through sun-baked Heroes' Square, we tried beat the heat by heading next door to the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum has an especially good collection of Spanish art which we enjoyed. Court also enjoyed a display of Post-Impressionist art from the turn of the last century--Budapest's heyday. 1896 was a VERY big year here -- the 1000th anniversary of Hungary.

Right now we're taking a breather at the apartment before heading out for our evening meal and a stroll. Cheers!