Drron takes to cruising.The Arctic here we come.

[drron]

And a few more pics inside the Kremlin walls-

Next-the last of moscow.

 

[drron]

We needed a rest after our visit to the Garage.Walked over 20km both days.After our rest went and bought a few souvenirs-plenty of stalls just outside the Kremlin.Need to haggle and we paid less than half the initial price for most of the souvenirs we bought-most is not great quality and almost certainly some is made in China.

I wasn't too sure of the translation for hotdog though-

We then walked around the underground shopping centre-it is huge.Maccas and Sbarro were going gangbusters-

Big Macs and pizza slices were about $3 each.We found a food court and had a selection of Russian snacks.Then went to the supermarket.Very interesting-strawberries $10 a punnet but 500mls of 40% proof vodka $5.50.obviously cheaper to get drunk than eat healthy.
Just an interesting observation.when we were packing away the bathroom accessories it was interesting to compare to an old pack that mrsdrron had bought along-

Yes the one in the middle is the old size.
Next-Leaving russia.

 

[drron]

Last breakfast in Russia.To entertain us this morning a little vignette plays for us in the street.A black Merc pulls up outside the hotel.A well dressed fellow comes out and goes to the drivers window-hands over a plastic grocery bag and gets a brown paper package in return.Must have been a nice piece of jewellery for the wife as the shopping bag certainly looked to be full of bank notes!
Now mrsdrron wants to get to the airport ASAP.I warn her my research on SVO isn't great but no matter off we go.leave the hotel at 1000 and arrive at SVO at 1045.We have 1.40 hours to wait before checkin opens and i only have 3 roubles left.Boring.But a tip-Sberbank has a branch near entrance to gates 1-24 on departure level and had a rate for $A of 26.70.Travelex was 21.7 in departures and 17.7 in arrivals-go upstairs to change your money!
you have to go through security to checkin and you are only allowed to go through security if your flight has opened.finally we get into the security area-just as we reach the X-ray machine they close it down and we have to go and queue again.Checkin for Malev done by Aeroflot agents-priority tag on only 1 case.Now 22.0,22.9kg.
At Immigration only 1 line open and a great argument going on.It appears to be a woman and her ?granddaughter~3.obviously Immigration is not letting the child through.The woman is continually showing them documents and a passport but to no avail.finally she is led off to a side room.3 year old left behind and is bawling her eyes out-where is Border Security when you need them?
Finally through and to the Amber lounge-a third party lounge which is also the diners and PP lounge.Basic.

1 white and 1 red wine.mrsdrron has the white and only says drinkable.i decide on a Russian beer-can only recognise 7 and premium on the lable.Copious vodkas.
The lounge is below the departure level and only served by Russian escalators-stairs.No views at all.
Next-first sector on MA.

 

[drron]

We wandered out of the lounge when the board said Go to gate.The gates at SVO are literally hidden by shops.I just noticed out of the corner of my eye the sign for our gate.Everyone was boarded except 6 of us that were in the lounge.Only 3 of us were in J.The J cabin on MA at least has premium seats.Row1 is 2x2,rows 2,3 are 2-3.Y is 3x3.

SVO-BUD.MA101.ETD-1420.ETA-1500.On time departure and arrival is 10 minutes early.
Seats 2A,C.
Certainly the most comfortable regional seat we have had.Seat 2D would be perfect for leg room as no seat in front of it.Ofered water or juice before take off.Lunch service started with a nice plate of cold items-

Then a steak that was tender and good for airline food but served on a veggie mixture that was far too salty.Chocolate cake for dessert was nice.White wine was undrinkable.FAs very friendly and i enjoyed the sector.
Arrival into BUD and it was cold and raining.My impressions of MA started to go downhill.We stopped short of the gate and all the y pax are up and getting their carryons down.FAs still strapped in their seats ignoring it all so the 3 of us in j also get up.Straight through immigration.A bit of a wait for baggage but our non priority tagged bag out first.then we wait.All other pax have gone and our priority tagged bag has not appeared.So over to baggage sevices.
there we have to fill out 2 forms-both with 7 copies.I ask about compensation if our bag doesn't turn up.No answer given but it is obvious there will be none.Mrsdrron continues and asks about toiletries as ours are in missing bag-we are both given an international J amenities kit.We are then asked to take the forms to customs to be stamped-"in case any duty needs to be paid".
back to baggage services and then it gets weird.told that our bag will be on next flight from SVO that evening-but I know there is no other and confirmed by search that evening when get to hotel.Next asked if our bag is locked-yes-told to hand over keys-never done this before so refuse.told our bag will not be delivered unless we do give them the key.Fortunately the missing bag does not even have our best clothing in so we do give over the key.We were also not given a tracking number despite asking.The bag was delivered at 2300 that night with lock unlocked.Check the BUD airport site and no flight from SVO has arrived since ours.The more i think about it the more I am convinced this is a scam and it is no fluke that it was the priority tagged bag that went ? missing.
Despite this we went on to really enjoy Budapest.That is next.

 

[drron]

After our baggage escapades it was off to the Budapest city centre and Le meridien.Review here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....s-and-reviews/le-meridien-budapest-25417.html
To get their we got the Zona taxi-fixed price-5200HUF~$26.The shuttle for 2 was E17~$25 so much better to get the taxi.It was wet,cold and miserable.The staff at checkin were very friendly but we got exactly what we paid for-a room on 4th floor which was very noisy as 2 metro lines meet under the hotel.however our rate was $A80 per night so couldn't really complain and hotel was full-also got extra starpoints after complaining about the noise.Because of the weather we ate at the hotel-as usual this is an expensive option especially as the advertised coffee shop is no more.Mrsdrron has the seafood risotto and I the duck breast.with a carafe of wine~$A45.

Wednesday it is still cold and windy but little rain.We decide it is not a day for a lot of sightseeing so go walking the local area.Really nice with many small streets that are pedestrian only.plenty of small,interesting shops,cafes and restaurants.Mrsdrron finds a shoe store selling her favourite german brands but I end up with a pair of Reiker shoes for $75-light as a feather and really comfortable.She then finds a shoe outlet that has the shoes she craved in germany last year-then $200,now $55 and in her size-where will these fit!
We then have lunch at Nordsee-a fish and chip cafe.mrsdrron has prawn and scallop skewers and i the seafood paella.with a beer and small bottle of sav blanc-$28.

some of the street scenes-

next-the city markets.

 

[drron]

The city market is in a beautiful restored building and certainly worth a visit.

A very good selection of fruit and veggies at reasonable prices but quality was rather suspect.

Though an interesting display of fresh truffles.

Every part of an animal is used,nothing is wasted.drron is inspecting organs he last saw in the dissection room!

Paprika in its myriad forms was everywhere.

Chillis and garlic was also common.
Upstairs from the food is a craft market along with several food stalls selling all sorts of local delicacies.
from here it was a short walk down to the Danube.but the wind is fairly whistling down the valley so back to the protection of the buildings-went the long way through an area with lots of galleries and antique book shops.Interesting.passed a maccas and a big mac here-560HUF~$2.75.
So back to the LM and the obligatory nap before dinner-that next.

 

[totalk]

Have a nice time! Looking forward to your updates Drron.

 

[drron]

We took another walk down to the Danube.on the way back to the LM we decided to stop for dinner.For no particular reason we picked the Boom and Brass on Vorosmarty square.We were glad we did.mrsdrron started with raspberries,foie gras and balsamic vinegar-she declared it excellent-

She then had the prosciutto wrapped pork-again excellent-

I started with a mixed entree-garlic foie gras,duck liver pate,fish and cheese spread and a local salami-delicious-

Then a mixed grill-melt in the mouth pork,veal with foie gras, plus sausages and served with a selection of pickled veggies-i was totally sated-

with a bottle of Sav blanc this was $95.the service was great so i gave the waitress a $5 tip-she was ecstatic.i have never seen such a wide smile-well spent $5.
back to our hotel and they put on a fireworks display in the square our room overlooked.

Next-the hop on hop off bus.

 

[drron]

Thursday and it is mostly blue sky but still pretty windy.We decide to do the hop on hop off bus.2 companies-red-4500HUF.Orange-6500HUF.We went for the red.the orange bus did a little more and they throw in 2 walking tours-doubt that you would have time to do them.both throw in a Danube cruise.It is very slow but at ~ $A22 it is fairly cheap.We do a complete loop.Half way round at Gellerts hill you get a 10 minute break.good views from here-

Of course on the hill are plenty of cheap,tacky souvenir stalls.

to be continued.

 

[drron]

Our first stop is at Heroes square.there was this large group of Germans making themselves obnoxious-climbing over the statues and just being loud.however mrsdrron being the patient woman she is still got her shots-

It was then back on the bus to the river and our river cruise.this only goes every hour so quite a wait and queuing was not on most peoples agenda.That next

 

[drron]

Whilst waiting for our cruise you got a good view of the castle-

and mother duck and her ducklings provided a show-

Past some floating restaurants and the Intercontinental-

The Four Seasons looked nice-

And the impressive Houses of Parliament-

next-more of the cruise.

 

[drron]

the cruise goes to Margaret Island where you can get off.But seems to be just sporting fields and walks and you would have to wait an hour for the next boat so we stay on board-besides we have good seats.on the way back get good views of the castle complex.

And some of the river cruise boats-

And more buildings on the Buda side-

after the cruise it is back on the bus and off to the castle-that next.

 

[drron]

We took the bus to the bottom of the Castle hill and took the funicular up the hill.Costs us 840HUF($A4).However we meet a relic from the communist era.The vehicle at the station has no more seats so we go to move to the other plarform for the other train."Get in""But it is full,no seats""Notice says 8 per compartment-there are only 6 in this one.Get in"So we stood the whole time blocking the view of all those seated.

Now Hungary was on the losing side in WW2.So all the bridges and indeed everything on Castle hill are rebuilt structures-as of course most of the major buildings throughout Budapest.

After walking around a little we have a cappucino and cake at the cafe near the bus stop on top of castle hill.Now as usual for a busy tourist area this is dearer than in town-sets us back all of $11!
Back on the bus and we take it up Andrassy street-one of the main thoroughfares and have a leisurely walk back to the LM.

Next-more street scenes.

 

[drron]

Some random shots around Budapest-

Next-our last dinner in budapest.

 

[samh004]

Did you try the squeaky metro and wooden escalators to get to it while there? I remember we used it to get to the Siklo Funicular and it made the highest-pitch noise, was awful, but a lot of fun to use something so old too.

 

[drron]

After a quick refresh at the LM we walked down to the Danube again and picked Duna Corso for dinner.Mrsdrron starts with Foie gras and onion-not as good as the night before but a larger serve.She then had the Weiner Schnitzel.I had Goulash soup then a Pork stew with Spatzle.We had a bottle of "Excellent white"-OK.With service fee-$75.

Now the food here was not as good as the night before but the atmosphere was great.they had a 6 piece band playing.A regular came in and sat down in front of the band-he was so well known they immediately started into Happy Birthday.the first number they played was "The Sheik of Araby".Continued with tunes from that era.Couples were dancing in the Square and a very enjoyable night.

After dinner we again went down to the river and enjoyed the lights-pics of that next.

 

[drron]

So the night time pics.

We really did enjoy Budapest and no doubt we will be back.but Sam no we did not sample the joys of the Metro-shanks pony on day 1 and the hop on hop off bus on day 2.
next the saga of leaving Europe.

 

[docjames]

Just amazing pics. Great TR.

 

[drron]

Friday and it is off to the USA.Mrsdrron is looking forward to some retail therapy.We wake before the 5am wake up call and ready for our taxi at 5.45am.arrive at BUD at 0610.The lines are out the door for checkin.fortunately at the J checkin there is only 1 other person.hand over our passports and tha agent asks us if we are booked on LH.No Malev."its cancelled-go to the ticket office upstairs"
Up to the ticket office and quite a queue but asked if any J class pax so mrsdrron goes straight to an agent.Seems to take an age but we are sent to the LH checkin and we get there at 0630.The plane is scheduled to depart at 0705.The fellow in front is taking an age so we push in at the bag drop as the LH flight has disappeared from the departures board.BPs issued and bags checked through to ORD on AA.Sent to the priority security line and go straight through.Two minutes after arriving at gate boarding commences.I am in 1C(only A,B in row 1) and mrsdrron is in 2F.4 rows of J.J is full-14 pax,Y also full-many that we saw in the MA ticket office have made this flight.Fortunately we note another LH flight leaves the same gate at 0930 for FRA so our bags should get to make the transfer.
Then hear the FAs saying that only 10 brekkies loaded.the purser says the 4 in row 4 have been upgraded so they miss out.Then 2 germans board and are in 2A,B.They take my bag out of the overhead and put it in the aisle.i get up but they are much larger than me-but look fit not flabby a la moi so i meekly pick up my bag and put it on the other side.do give them one of my best mean looks.
People still boarding at 0710 and pushback at 0718.As we are taxiing out a fellow in Y gets up to get something out of his carryon.The FA rushes down and in no uncertain terms tells him to get back in his seat.Breakfast is a very small serve of yoghurt,a wholegrain roll,a small slice of processed ham,1 slice of orange,1 grape and 3 slices kiwi.AY and MA clearly win for brekkie.I had no hesitation in recling back on to row 2 before they finished their brekkie and went to sleep.
Arried at our remote parking bay at FRA at 0850.alight by stairs and bussed to terminal 1.
Next-the FRA AC.

 

[drron]

Arrival at terminal 1.Found the signs a little confusing.However spotted a sign for the Sheraton and knew the AC was close by that exit.The staff are very good.Checked in and was able to do the gate security check there.The lounge is OK,not great.Very full when we arrived but soon emptied out as a flight to DFW left.no free wifi but if travelling AA J or F they give you a T-mobile 1 hour card.nothing much was out for brekkie but beer,wine and spirits were available-many were drinking.And they did have a very good 2008 bordeaux.
about 1100 they brought out some nice meatballs and other snacks.But about 1115 they brought out a soup-dropped and went everywhere so all the food was removed.we then left for boarding.As we had already done the gate check we went straight to the carryon screening.I went straight through but mrsdrron was taken off to a side room by a serious looking Frau who swabbed everything for drugs and explosives-i dont think sav blanc is detected.
AA 83 FRA-ORD. ETD-1225.B763.
Boarding began 40 minutes before scheduled departure.The airbridge was pulled back on time but then we waited.Meant though a couple of glasses of bubbly.Finally take off was 1300.Rows 2-6 are J in 2-2-2 set up.16 pax in J.one woman was upgraded after boarding-turned out to be a retired AA FA.An unaccompanied young girl was also brought up to row 2.We are in 2A,B.Across from us in the middle seats were 2 interesting guys-pilots who had ferried some rich dude from California to Athens in his gulfstream.another crew was to fly over and fly them back.The older guy was ex AA and a real scream-he had the FAs eating out of his hand.
Next the nitty gritty of flight 83.