“Collect Moments, Not Things.”
This was the theme for Day 2 of my 2024 Labor Day Adventure in Budapest.
Following Day 1’s activities I decided to take it slow and appreciate the serene moments the city had to offer. Instead of rushing from one museum to another, I took my time to soak in the tranquil moments while wandering the charming streets and discovering hidden gems.
Don’t get me wrong. I did visit a few museums and attractions. However, Day 2’s adventure was all about moments.
PHOTO SHOOT
Day 2 began with a 4:35 a.m. wake-up call. I woke up bleary-eyed and still a little exhausted.
But you can’t beat the view!
Despite the early hour, I was filled with excitement as I got ready for a sunrise photo shoot at the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion.
I booked a private photo via Airbnb Experience with Tulip Sujeera, an incredibly talented and personable photographer.
Check out her page – https://tulipsujeera.com/.
I had never participated in a private photo shoot session during any of my adventures. I enjoy photographing moments on my own. Also, I absolutely hate selfie sticks, and prefer a more hands-on approach to photography.
I’d considered hiring a private photographer during my adventures after seeing some stunning photos taken by a few friends who used this service. Their photos were gorgeous, and I was really impressed by the quality. This inspired me to take the plunge and try this service for myself.
Tulip was incredibly helpful by providing precise location details and tips to assist me in preparing for the photo shoot. When I arrived at the meeting location — Fisherman’s Bastion — I had about 20 minutes to spare before Tulip arrived.
During this extra time, I took the opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings and capture a few breathtaking photos, embracing the scenic beauty of the location.
Despite having the convenient Budapest Card, which offers unlimited access to public transportation, I decided to hail a taxi to reach my destination. The early hour and knowing that the closest bus stop required me to embark on a dreaded uphill walk told me a taxi was much better.
The photo shoot was absolutely incredible. Working with Tulip was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Her punctuality, patience, and unwavering commitment to capturing the perfect shots that resonated with me were outstanding.
It was abundantly clear that Tulip is a consummate professional, and her dedication to her craft and clients was evident throughout the entire session.
The photo shoot lasted 90 minutes and was a fantastic experience. Despite other photo shoots in the area, everyone was courteous, friendly, and respectful. There were no ‘Karen’ moments, and no one trying to hijack certain spots. Instead, everyone patiently waited their turn and successfully captured their desired photos.
While my photo shoot was happening, I was fortunate to glimpse another video production in action. Witnessing the intricate workings behind someone else’s creative endeavor was truly enthralling. I couldn’t help but wonder if my ‘cameo’ would make it into the final product. 🤣
The images captured during the photo session were breathtaking, and the entire experience was unforgettable. If you are visiting Budapest, I highly recommend contacting Tulip for a photo shoot. It’s an experience you won’t regret. 📸
After a brief 15-minute taxi ride, I returned to the hotel, ready to savor a delightful breakfast.
CITY LIFE
Following breakfast, I took advantage of the cool morning for my customary City Life photo safari, exploring the city and capturing its essence through my camera lens.
Preferring to capture fleeting moments rather than material possessions, I find joy in observing the unscripted beauty of life unfolding before me.
I came across the Michael Jackson Memorial Tree during my safari. Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.
The memorial, consisting of a tree adorned with photos, felt underwhelming and not worth a special trip.
I don’t know why I thought this would be some elaborate memorial.
The story has it that during his visits to Budapest, Michael Jackson frequently lodged at the Kempinski Hotel. Eager fans would congregate in the park opposite the hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic pop star. Following his passing in 2009, dedicated fans honored his memory by decorating a tree at the corner of the park.
While fans of Michael Jackson might find it interesting if they happen to be in the area, it is not a must-see attraction and may not be worth the time and effort to visit.
ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
My safari journey took me past the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica, which, according to the Visit A City app, is the #1 must-see attraction. I was captivated by its awe-inspiring architecture and rich historical significance.
The entrance fee is 6000 Hungarian Forints or about $17 for the All-In-One ticket. The All-In-One ticket includes entry to the Church, Panoramic Terrence and the Treasury.
Entrance is not included with the Budapest Card, but cardholders do get a 20% discount on tickets.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit inside. When I arrived, it was extremely crowded, with a large crowd already inside and even more people waiting to get in. The line to purchase a time slot for later in the day was at least 70 minutes long, and there was no guarantee there were still tickets available for the day.
When planning your visit, I recommend buying your tickets in advance through the website. By purchasing in advance, you have the flexibility to select a specific time slot that suits your schedule, ensuring a smoother and more convenient experience during your visit.
After capturing a candid selfie, I proceeded with my immersive photo safari experience, documenting more mesmerizing moments.
MASTER CHIMNEY CAKE BAKER
After completing my photo safari, I headed to Kató Néni Finomságai to take part in a delightful Chimney Cake workshop.
I was really keen on taking a Hungarian cooking course, but all the options within my budget were full-day classes with 40 or more people. I love cooking and learning new recipes, but I didn’t want to jostle for attention among a massive crowd or spend an entire adventure day on just one activity.
Instead, I selected the Chimney Cake Workshop. Using Get Your Guide, I saved 20% on the price.
I tasted my first Chimney Cake dessert during my Prague Adventure.
The yummy deliciousness of crispy, caramelized dough coated with sugar, cinnamon and nuts left me mesmerized.
I was eager to unravel the secrets of creating this scrumptious treat.
Wow, I’m so happy I signed up for this course! It was absolutely amazing! The workshop was led by a master baker who taught us about the history and techniques of making Chimney Cakes. I actually got to roll the dough, bake it, and then fill it with our favorite toppings. It was such an interactive and enlightening experience!
I attended the thrilling workshop to learn how to make Chimney Cakes, despite not knowing much about them. Surprisingly, I found the process of making the cakes to be more exhilarating than actually eating them. It was an absolutely exciting experience that I never expected, as I had more fun learning how to make the cakes than I did tasting them.
The Chimney Cakes were absolutely delightful, but the true delight stemmed from the process of making them. The excitement and amusement during the preparation exceeded the satisfaction of actually tasting the final product. It was a fulfilling and enjoyable experience that left me with a profound sense of achievement.
My group was truly incredible. Each individual brought their own unique energy and perspective, and we all respected each other’s personal space while eagerly listening to the instructor, ensuring that we made the most out of the entire experience.
Although the process of baking the cakes in a single oven was quite time-consuming, nobody appeared to be bothered by it. Instead, the class used the time to carefully craft our cakes, pouring our hearts into them and savoring the sense of togetherness that arose from this shared cooking venture.
BUDAPEST HISTORY MUSEUM – CASTLE MUSEUM
I was thrilled to explore Budapest’s rich history through its many museums. On Day 2, I eagerly made my way to the Castle Museum.
The best part? Entry was complimentary with the Budapest Card, and I couldn’t wait to wander through the historic Buda Castle while I was there.
The Castle Museum, a notable part of the extensive Budapest History Museum, occupies the majestic former Royal Palace of Buda. Through its four floors, the museum delves into the rich 2000-year history of the city, offering visitors a captivating journey through time.
I have a strong interest in history, particularly royal history. However, I found this museum less exciting than I had hoped. Luckily, the entry was included, as I would have been disappointed to spend $11 for admission. Despite this, it was a pleasant escape from the heat and an excellent opportunity to unwind. I did appreciate the museum’s interactive elements, which added a nice touch to the experience.
I had intended to dedicate at least 90 minutes to immersing myself in the museum’s offerings, but I found myself exiting after just 30 minutes. The exhibits failed to captivate my interest as I had hoped they would.
SIR LANCELOT
By now, the 95° Fahrenheit heat had zapped all my energy. I returned to the hotel to refresh, relax, and recharge before dinner.
I stumbled upon a voucher for a medieval-style Hungarian dinner at Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant on Get Your Guide, and it sounded incredible!
Guests were invited to immerse themselves in an unforgettable evening filled with a medieval feast fit for royalty, an array of delightful beverages, and spellbinding performances by skilled swordsmen, mesmerizing jugglers, and captivating belly dancers.
Well, it sounds good on paper.
I walked the 13 minutes from my hotel to the restaurant, taking in the sights and sounds along the way.
Upon reaching the restaurant, I was promptly ushered to my table by the host, where a friendly waitress took my drink order. The Sir Lancelot Challenge was the meal choice included with the voucher.
The Lancelot Challenge featured succulent Angus beef rump steak slices topped with rich cheddar, crispy bacon, flavorful green pepper sauce, and zesty garlic-infused sour cream. This mouthwatering dish is served alongside steak, potatoes, and a colorful assortment of fresh, savory veggies.
I sat down to a massive plate of deliciousness, ready to dive in and fuel up for the day. As I dug in, I discovered a mixed bag of flavors. The steak lacked juiciness, and the potatoes were a bit on the dry side. However, the veggies brought some much-needed redemption to the meal.
Oops, forgot to tell you that there weren’t any forks!
That’s right! No forks allowed! Diners had to rely on just a spoon, knife, and their hands. That little detail was definitely not in the description!
I made do with the utensils provided and heartily indulged in my meal while eagerly anticipating the commencement of the entertainment.
Should’ve focused on the meal instead. The medieval show featured dancers who didn’t perform anything that seemed remotely medieval. There were no jugglers, swordsmen, or any other performers typically associated with the medieval era.
Plus, during the “show,” the waiters continuously served and kept bumping into the dancers, detracting from the overall experience and making it quite terrible.
This experience will be remembered but for all the wrong reasons. The abundance of food felt like a squander, and the entire dining experience was unquestionably not commensurate with the €49 price tag.
DAY 2 CONCLUSION
Day 2 was all about carpe diem! Despite a disappointing dinner and a less-than-impressive museum visit, Day 2 was not terrible, thanks to the Chimney Cake workshop and my photo safari.
But even without those activities, Day 2 was memorable – thanks to the fantastic photo shoot. It stood out as an unforgettable moment, even without other planned activities.
I eagerly looked forward to an immersive Day 3 experience in Budapest and delving more into the city’s rich history. I was particularly excited about visiting Memento Park, where I hoped to gain insight into the significance of the statues. Also, I visited a one-of-a-kind museum where I’d uncover more about Budapest’s commerce and hospitality history.
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