On to Budapest

Monday, August 15, 2011
Budapest, Hungary
We landed at Heathrow Airport in London and needed to find our connection to Budapest. Although we landed at Terminal 5 and our connecting flight was in Terminal 5, they were actually different buildings. Our checked luggage was routed though so grabbing our carry-ons, we caught the tram to the next building to find that we had to go through security again, even though we had never really left the airport. Heathrow is very thorough. They questioned the cameras and camera equipment in the backpack and made me remove my Kindle from my bag. They didn't care if we were wearing tennis shoes, however. I guess they figured Philly had checked those.

An hour and a half later we boarded the British Air flight to Budapest starting our last leg . This flight was also uneventful if a bit bumpier than the previous flight and as with our flight to London, we landed early to a warm and sunny 83 degrees.

Passing through what I guess was customs with a quick glance and a stamp to the passport we moved on to claim our luggage. That seemed like the longest part of the trip. While waiting in customs, we met another couple on our cruise from Oklahoma. After claiming our luggage, we looked for the Vantage representative to take us to the boat. She finally appeared and gathered all of the passengers who had arrived to escort us to the bus that would take us to our home for the next 16 days, The River Explorer.

We settled into our room and went up for soup and sandwiches only to find we were too late. They did make Fred some sandwiches, but I did not want any. After safety procedures were reviewed, we were informed how the day to day processes on the boat worked and then on to dinner.

After dinner the boat moved from its current location to a berth in Budapest by the Chain Bridge. The sail down to the new berth after dark was beautiful as the old buildings of Budapest were illuminated making a brilliant display.

After docking we took a quick walk to the Chain Bridge to snap a few more pictures, then off to bed for some much needed sleep after being up for over 36 hours.
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Comments

Elaine
2011-08-17

I am over the moon excited for you right now! I hope you have such a WONDERFUL time. Enjoy each minute. Love you!

Janet & Andy
2011-08-17

Glad your plane ride was uneventful. We are so excited for you and wish we were there. Looking forward to the next edition of the blog and as Elaine says, enjoy every minute (which we know you will). And don't worry, the hummingbirds are fine ;)

Mom
2011-08-19

So glad your trip is going well. See as much as you can. I am enjoying your pictures Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

Laura
2011-08-21

Beautiful night pictures! I am envious!

2025-02-07

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