First Impressions: Part I

I meant to write a post about my first impressions of Budapest/Hungary within the first two weeks of being here, but alas, life got so busy and that just didn't end up happening.  So without further adieu, here is the first installment of my four part series on first impressions.

The City Itself
Budapest is an absolutely stunning city.  I love how the two sides of the city, the Buda and the Pest side, have a completely different look and feel.  At one point they were in fact two different cities.  The Buda side is quiet, lush, and full of rolling hills.  My legs thank me every time I am on that side of the city.  From there you have a beautiful view of the Parliament, St. Istvan's Basilica  the various bridges that span the Danube, and you can essentially see Pest disappear into the distance.  The Pest side is completely flat, full of beautiful architecture and thriving with life.

The Danube splitting the Buda (right) and Pest (left) side of the city.

Budapest has a happy balance between busy and relaxed. There are always people out and about, but never to a point where you feel you are swimming through a sea of people. Crowds of people will pile out of a tram or metro car, but then they dissipate and you suddenly have your own space on the sidewalk.  The city is also extremely walkable and well connected by public transportation, which makes it so easy to get to all of the wonderful things the city offers: parks, museums, different neighborhoods, bars,restaurants and coffee shops.