Welcome home Leslie, Thank you very much for all your wonderful reports on Hungary. I enjoyed them very much. I'm so glad you had a great time there, and got to meet other folks from this site. Now you may need a few days reat to get things together back home. I always get jet lag so bad, but not everyone gets it. I miss beautiful Hungary so much. Only eight weeks and two days I'll be there. But who's counting?<BR>Barry, Thank you too, for the great information on Hungary. I Can't wait to read more on your trip too. <BR><BR>Alice<BR>

Barry, the inspectors on the trams, metro and buses spot check people to see that they have their transportation cards. I bought the Budapest card to use for both entry on the different transportation systems and to use to enter the museums. The inspectors have a removable red felt cuff that they slip on and wear at the bottom of their shirt/jacket sleeve to prove that they are inspectors and when they show you the red cuff (their badge) you have to show your ticket, not at any other time. I found out from Eva Tokody that some people don't bother with tickets, as they see how often they can ride for free without being caught. However, if you get caught without a ticket, there is a hefty fine to pay (about 2000 forints). Okay, its not really that expensive, but relative to the cost of the ticket it is expensive. I had to show my ticket on the trams and buses about a half dozen times in 9 days, but never to board. I did see a number of people without transportation tickets, and they were issued a fine by the inspectors. Also, if you are 65 or older you can ride on the trams, buses, and metros for free.

Hi Leslie,<BR>I am new to this board and have seen your posts. I hope that you are having a nice trip and a safe one as well. I was wondering where it is recommended to buy beautiful colored crystal. I want some wine hocks (spelling?). Also was wondering if you can get good deals on Herend china or other local china. Thanks very much.

Hi Leslie,<BR><BR>It was really nice to meet you last week in Budapest! Mr Kalmar is very happy to hear that you were satisfied and has just asked me to pass on his greetings to you!<BR>Thanks for the dinner at "Gellert Garden", I enjoyed your company very much! The name of the restaurant is "Busulo Juhasz", but it is quite difficult for foreigners to note. (It means "Sorrowful Shepherd".)<BR>Hope to be able to read your travelogue soon!<BR><BR>Best regards,<BR>Anita

Leslie<BR>What a pleasure reading about your trip, thank you.<BR>Kavey

Leslie, thank you for your trip notes. It sounds like a wonderful trip. I read your posts yesterday, and, last night, I dreamed that I was visiting Budapest.<BR><BR>I think that I need a vacation. ;-)

Everyone, I promise to have my Budapest travelogue available, hopefully within 2 weeks. Just got my luggage back this morning from American Airlines. It was delivered to my home at 6:30am. My bags should get frequent flyer miles too for the long journey they had to take. <BR><BR>Anyway, just thought you should know that Mr. Kalmar is not selling the Kalmar B&B. However, Mr. Kalmar is thinking about hiring a management company to run it for him next year. A new management company should not deter anyone from considering staying at this delightful B&B. As an FYI, Mr. Kalmar is a mathematics professor at one of Budapest's universities.

Hi Leslie -<BR><BR>Glad you're safely back!<BR><BR>No worries about not getting the hat... it was exceedingly thoughtful of you to offer in the first place!<BR><BR>Yes, the offering to get bumped thing is great! We have gotten rt's for future travel by doing it ... BUT... you REALLY made out!!! WOW!!! Money and trips!!! COOL!!!<BR><BR>Continued best wishes,...<BR><BR>Barry<BR><BR>

Hi Leslie:<BR>Thanks for clearing up my question on the Kalmar B&B. I am glad it is not being sold. They probably just do not know the 2003 rates yet, and a management company hopefully will be carefully chosen so the ambience of the B&B remains the same. I will write back to the booking agent, and tell them that Leslie sent me! Perhaps I will get a better response from them, LOL. I have been following your exploits in Budapest and enjoyed your trip report from Prague. We are traveling to both in April/May of 2003. It IS early to be looking for hotels etc, but I love to look and plan and dream for as long as I can beforehand! Can't wait for your Budapest Traveloge.

Here's a funny picture for you taken yesterday of tram No.2 takeing a dive (not really) under the Danube as the spring flood head it's peak at Budapest.<BR>http://fa.index.hu/arviz/PIC00096.jpg<BR><BR>Pozsi