Berlin to Budapest: Some night scenes

I am so happy that I could go to Budapest, Hungary for a week.  The main reason was to go to an European Christian conference "Christ is All" and to join the first day of John and Karen Louis' training in parenting and marriage facilitation to refresh what I learnt when I attended the same training in Bangalore, India a year ago.

Budapest is a beautiful city - sort of shabby chic.  I loved the relaxed atmosphere and also the helpfulness of people to help.  Fortunately, many people speak English and could help with directions with the public transport.  One day I asked an older lady if I'm on the correct tram and when she found out where I was going, she took me all the way (tram - metro - walk to my destination).  This lady was an air hostess in her younger days and so speaks a reasonable fluent English and it was nice to have this long conversation with her about her life.

I arrived Thursday night and immediately went out to one of the Christmas Markets in Budapest.  It was c-c-c-cold and I only stayed for an hour or so but took lots of pictures, also on the other nights I walked around in Budapest.  The buildings are so beautifully old and lit in a way to enhance it's beauty.  Unfortunately I often didn't even know where I was in Budapest so I can't always tell what buildings I took pictures of.

Beautifully lit building at the Christmas market at Vörösmarty tér

Big light-balls in the trees created a lovely festive atmosphere

A light show against one of the buildings

One of the stalls at the Christmas market that sold only meat...LOTS of meat!

Those cauldrons were filled with mulled wine.  This is now one of the smells I associate with Christmas markets.  I unfortunately found I get severe heartburn from mulled wine, so I'm not partaking in the fun.  

On Saturday afternoon (yes, even though it's dark, it's still afternoon) it rained while a group of us from the conference went sightseeing.  Even in the rain, Budapest looked glamorous and festive. 

One of the many bridges that span the Danube and a building on the other side.  Sorry, I don't know which bridge or which building this is. 

Another beautiful building

Look how nice it looks with the trees being lighted up like this. 

Sorry, another anonymous but beautiful building

Very clever, this outdoor restaurant added a "blow-up" plastic shell so its patrons can still sit outside in the winter. 

This is a gallery in one of the streets of Budapest.  

Isn't it beautiful!