Travel Day - Budapest By Night

 December 14 - 15:  Day 1

The travel could not have been any smoother and as timing goes, we had less than two hours at both layovers.  Left the house at noon and arrived in Budapest about 2pm (8pm EST).  Both Khloe and I slept more than four hours on the international flight.  Got to the ship around 4pm and decorated the door, and unpacked.  Then time for evening cocktails, the nightly port talk, and a mandatory safety drill.  We had a "quick" dinner (only an hour and a half) where we sat with two nice ladies from North Carolina....it was "rushed" because we had an 8:45pm two hour "Budapest By Night" excursion.  I've been here three times and that was the coolest excursion around the city I've ever had.  And it was a crisp 40 degrees.  With the wind off the water, trust me....it was a cold December evening!

NOTE:  We were told today that parts of the river have very pool Internet and so if photos tomorrow are delayed, it's because we set sail right after dinner!  They'll be up as soon as I can get them up :)

Sunset in the air

Bus from the airport and my niece "needs her space!"

On board!  On our own balcony :)

Two days before we left Viking upgraded our stateroom - a $1500 value!

Christmas decorations on the ship

Happy hour :)

The iconic "Chain Bridge" lit up for the holidays

The Chain Bridge "head on"

Photo op of the night in front of the Parliament

The Danube from Castle Hill....Parliament (left) / Chain Bridge (right)

Walking around Castle Hill Palace area

Excursion topped off by sparkling champagne at a local bar/restaurant

Through the wonder of the Internet - while traveling I scored with nearly 50% of my wagers today including the BET of the Day at the Fair Grounds in the La Champions Classic AND swept by of the stakes at Gulfstream Park!