A Hungarian Sojourn
After more than forty years in the event business, it takes something special to get you motivated and a traditional wedding in Hungary did just that. Never having visited the country before, Pauline and I jumped at the opportunity. The wedding itself was taking place in Szeged, in the south, over a two day period and we elected to stay at the Four Seasons in Budapest for a couple of nights on either side. It takes a lot to surpass the sheer high standards of service that this chain achieves worldwide, but in Budapest we received such attentive and courteous service from all of their team that we felt privileged to be there.
We explored the many markets and St Stephens Basilica, even managing to reach the top for breathtaking views over the city, and a few days later we went back to enjoy an evening recital which was pure magic. Speaking of magic, it’s a good word to describe a city which has endured so much over the years, with the occupation of the Nazis and then the Russians, and is now free. It’s become a place to enjoy superb food, great sightseeing in both Buda and Pest and, of course, the enchantingly unique gypsy-style music.
As for the Blue Danube, well, I can tell you that it’s definitely not blue! It’s actually more of a light grey and with a very strong current. Taking a boat at night to cruise up and down the central area of Budapest is, truly, a mind-stopping experience – all of the principal buildings are illuminated and it makes for a most romantic interlude!
To us, the overall courtesy of the Hungarian people, from whatever walk of life, will last forever in our minds. This, coupled with all of the fantastic sights to see and things to do, makes Budapest an ideal destination for a three-day event.
Oh yes – the wedding! It was so beautiful, if somewhat tiring, commencing at 1500hrs, with the wedding breakfast eventually being served at 2300hrs! We wouldn’t have missed it for the world!