- Was it your first trip to Hungary? What are your impressions of the country?
Technically, this was my second trip; the first one was in the end of 1980s, but i was so small that all I could remember from the trip was the Houses of Parliaments, which in the end I did not recognise when I came this time :)
So one can say that as a matter of fact it was my first visit. The city stroke me as grand, handsome, monumental, elegant. I certainly enjoyed the people, the architecture and... the fast change of seasons!... From the Friday night (around midnight on 9 November) till Sunday night (around 5 pm, 11 November) we had cold, wind, rain, snow, sunshine. That was quite astonishing. I really enjoyed the fact that we had a chance to experience Budapest in so many seasons! I certainly want to come back in summer :)
- What does Hungary look like with Belgian eyes?:)
I am actually not Belgian, I come from Jurmala, Latvia. But the last few years I have lived in Belgium and Brussels is certainly my departure point when comparing other cities. I think Budapest is more homogenous in terms of architecture, it is well organised. I really love cities built around the river. And, I can be wrong, but I find Budapest cleaner than Brussels.
- As I know you participated in a wedding party here. Was it a good party?:) Can you tell us more about the party?:)
The party was fantastic. It was a marriage of my very close friend (a girl from Latvia) and a fine Hungarian man. I was the witness of the bride (which made me really proud). I found the celebration very elegant, happy and with style. Could do such a celebration again, easily ;)
- Was it special to see a Hungarian weddings?
It was certainly interesting to hear so much Hungarian being spoken, and some of the Hungarian habits.
-Did you experience something special at the wedding which is unusual at a wedding like those you have attended in Brussels, Belgium? Did you have your own wedding party yet?:)
The most striking thing was probably the meal at midnight: the meats with cabbage and veggies. Totally delicious, but really unexpected, as it was like a party starting all over again! The other thing that stroke me is that the bride had to change into the dark-red dress at midnight, to symbolise her transformation from a bride into a wife. I really loved it.
And, no, I did not have my wedding celebration yet... :)
-Which part of Hungary did you visit?
This time I have only spent time in Budapest, and I realise that Hungary is a must-come-back-and-see-more country, especially from the point of view of photographic treasures!
- And which is(/are) your favourite place(s)?
The most favourite place is hard to define, as I did not have the time to visit a lot of places. However, I was really fascinated by the views by night from the riversides. Spectacular!!
- At touristic places such as museums etc, did they speak English?
My friends and I went to see the National Museum of Art and the service was very good, people spoke English and were most helpful. I had a really positive impression.
- How much time did you take to plan for this trip to Hungary? How exactly you planned your trip? With the help of travel agency? By yourself on the internet? With help of friends?
This trip was done due to the fact that the wedding was taking place in Budapest. Myself and some of my friends were travelling together with Wizair. Friends just booked the flight and I returned them the cash, it was very easy!
- Did you rent private apartments or book a hotel/hostel for this trip?
Indeed, we booked an aparthotel which was of high standard for a great (low) price, which was another fantastic thing about Budapest. It was in the centre of the city, and the flat that we rented was for 5 people, fully renovated and with good furniture. The only drawback was that we were five, and we were initially promised two separate bedrooms, while in the end there was only one separate bedroom, two other people slept in a mezzanine, and I slept downstairs. It was good though, I did not see them ;)
-How did you managed it from your Brussels? Did you plan it online or the wedding couple lives here?
We were advised the area where to look for the hotel, and then we just did the online search and found a place. It was not too difficult, but I think the fact that it's rather off-season (mid-November) also helps a lot...
-Belgium is relatively close in proximity to Hungary, do you think that in the age of cheap flights, Hungary would be a perfect weekend destination for Belgians?
I am convinced that with Wizair and with - hopefully - more flights to/from Brussels instead of Charleroi (1 hour away from Brussels), Budapest will become a very popular destination! I am certainly very much looking forward to that.
