We walked about five minutes to the market, which is located in a huge building that reminds me of a European train station. The facade looks like most of the buildings here and, to me, much different than the other cities we’ve visited. I’m not sure if the many closed storefronts are victims of the virus or just victims.
Zoom in.
The people of Budapest are businesslike and lukewarm, the “luke” part, I think, comes from the Forints they hope we will leave behind. Not a fair statement from someone that’s been here less than 48 hours, and I’ll continue to assess.
The buildings of Budapest were 80% destroyed during the war. USA and U.K. bombed, but USSR and Romania laid siege and shelled it savagely. Hungarians had been known to participate in what was called “murder raids” when joining Germany in their arrack of Russia.
Our taxi just let us off at the Budapest Hilton; nice place. It’s up the Buda hill and next to the Matthias Church. Pam has done it again. We have a great view of the Parliament. Will get a pic with the lights on tonight, supposed to be something. 
The taxi driver became our food critic on the drive over and we have some “real” local restaurants to try. One of the great travel opportunities is to eat, and Hungary, not being a culinary destination, isn’t going to alter our plans to indulge.
See a few pictures of the Pest side.
Few hand grenades to hang around your neck.
Jim