The mention of King Matthias creates a chain reaction in the faces of many Budapestians - surprise, pensiveness, then mildness accompanied by a little smile. That motivates me to collect pieces for a royal mosaic - 550 years after the reign of Matthias began.
With the fall of the Soviet Union, Central Europe has opened up to Western tourists. Alongside the return of the old favourites, Communism has become a tourist attraction. John Guzdek provides a guide to the new Communist East.
At first glance, Alison Brick got a warmer welcome in Budapest from the thermal water than from the locals. But upon a longer soak at the Gellert Baths, her initial suspicions dissolved.
Sally J. Walton does a twosome for this final segment of her journey. After using buses, trains and her feet, the return flight feels luxurious before the inevitable time and culture adjustments.
The mention of King Matthias creates a chain reaction in the faces of many Budapestians - surprise, pensiveness, then mildness accompanied by a little smile. That motivates me to collect pieces for a royal mosaic - 550 years after the reign of Matthias began. 
With the fall of the Soviet Union, Central Europe has opened up to Western tourists. Alongside the return of the old favourites, Communism has become a tourist attraction. John Guzdek provides a guide to the new Communist East. 
Elise Bendikson's fondness for Budapest was only enhanced by her experience of the October 23, 2006 riots, although it did create some inconvenience. 
Rex Crum finds that even though communism is dead in most places, it has a kitschy home in Budapest. 