A Travel Writer's Travel Blog

It was my third time in Budapest. I first discovered Hungary’s capital in August 2007 when I visited much of it during a 5-day trip with a bunch of friends. Later, in May 2008, I took a day trip to the beloved city. And this summer it was time to come back to Budapest, but this time I wanted something slightly different.
First of all, I wanted a romantic vacation with my boyfriend (now, fiance). We both love the city and I’ve always argued it’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Then, I wanted to be active, to hike off the beaten path and to enjoy the nature.
Before we left, I did a search for “sightseeing tours” in Budapest and one of the ideas was to take the Cogwheel Railway , then the Children’s Railway and then hike up to Elisabeth Loookout Tower, the highest point in Budapest.



On a Tuesday morning, we left the camping early (yes, we stayed in a campsite close to the center) and took M2 (metro line) to Széll Kálmán tér . Then we switched to tram 61 to Városmajor . Here is the stop for the Cogwheel Railway to Széchenyi-hegy. Now, up the hill to get to the Children’s Railway stop.
First, we took the scenic train all the way to the last stop and then came back to stop at János-hegy in order to hike in the forest to Elisabeth Lookout Tower.
The view from above is amazing. The tower has 4 stories but the higher you go, the more you can see. It was rather windy up there, although on the ground it was hot and you couldn’t feel the air moving.
Then we Took the metro back to the city center and enjoyed guyas , a hearty Hungarian stew , traditional made with red meat (but you can find it made with fish or chicken, as well).



I will always keep this memory in my heart. It was romantic to walk hand in hand , although at one point we were both huffing and puffing (ooops, fitness anyone?). It was amazing to take the scenic train in the woods and enjoy the clean mountain air.
Just remember to take the water bottle with you (there are fountains along the way to refill it) and to wear comfortable walking shoes.

This photo of me was taken by my fiance as we were visiting Castle Hill.



This article was written as an entry for the travel writing competition organized by travelizer.co.uk

You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been posting here too much often lately. And it’s time to tell you why.



The entire 2010 was a horrible year for me, from the personal point of view. I was struggling through a divorce and writing on my personal blog – after writing for work – wasn’t exactly something that I had energy for.
After I dealt with the pain, it was time to put my life together.
By luck or maybe because my article was good [blushing] I won 2 RT tickets to anywhere in Europe from a Romanian low-cost carrier.

And I chose to fly to London, this year in March with my boyfriend (now fiance). We spent 5 superb days in London, a vacation which will always stay in my heart.
During summer, we took our new, shiny tent and went for a week to Budapest. Only that it rained for 4 days but we still had an awesome time!

Back home in Arad (Romania), I started to go on day trips again. Haven’t done this since the second year of University (2001) and it felt soooo good. So, hiking to Siria and Soimos Citadels on two different August Sundays.

Of course, we both managed to catch colds and in September we only went to Cluj Napoca (because we sort of had to, but turned it also into a bit of sightseeing).

What’s in store for us for the rest of year?
Not much because we are planning a gigantic trip to Greece next summer (destination wedding, probably).

The photo was taken with my Sony Ericsson Xperia X10i phone, this late summer at my mom’s home in Arad, Romania.

Since we live in Romania, planning a vacation here SHOULD be easier than planning something abroad, right? Errr, actually, it’s not!

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Story of the photo: Sunday, January 30, 2011 was walking hand in hand with my boyfriend, from the Zona 300 to Polivalenta Area in Arad, Romania. I absolutely loved the scenery so the camera came out and this is what I’ve photographed.

Photo credit: Cristina Puscas

Photo taken by me on Sunday, Nov 14, 2010 on the bank of the river Mures, in Arad, Romania.

It’s been quite a while since I haven’t posted on the blog. Sorry but life and work took over…
But, I’m back with awesome news: after the success of the first edition (held on August 28, 2010), Reading in the City (Romanian: Lecturi Urbane) is back!
The 2nd edition takes place in Arad, Romania, at Cafe Boeme, on October 30, 2010 from 3 p.m.
And, to top it off, next day there’s a concert followed by an after-party at Club Flex starting at 8 p.m. And yes, Halloween costumes are welcomed.
The concept behind this project is simple: the volunteers want to promote reading in public places, as well as in rather “different” places (coffee shops, steps of a statue, etc).
The first edition took place in a park and now, particularly because of the weather – late fall in Arad can be cold and rainy – the project moved indoors.
Those who want can donate books in the following locations: Carturesti Bookstore, Corina Bookstore, Cafe Boeme and KF.
The donated books will be handed out at the event.

Story of the photo?

Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 1st edition of Reading in the City Arad (Lecturi Urbane) . I was putting the bookmarks while our photographers decided to snap (too many) photos of us:)

The story of this photo?

At noon, I was out to grab something to eat from a store near the house. It started to rain and then the clouds started to move fast and get darker and darker. So I decided to snap some photos.

@Arad, Piata Avram Iancu, Romania, Aug 6, 2010