[Idyllchat] "must see" lists

[GRAYGOOSE at aol.com]

Sandy,
 
You will be inundated with flyers handed out by many, many folks in the  main 
squares of each city that will announce where and when a concert will  be. We 
followed one of these leads in Budapest and were entertained to a  wonderful 
concert of operetta selections in the beautiful, ornate concert hall  across 
from the Parliament building. We were in Budapest for 16 days  on an 
Elderhostel tour which included seeing the "Merry Widow"  in the outdoor theater on 
Margrit Island,  a pair of concert pianists  in the courtyard of the city council 
hall, a concert of light music in  a courtyard of a Catholic church and a 
Strauss  concert in the Hilton Hotel. (You'll be surprised at  how the Hilton has 
incorporated some of old Budapest into their hotel). So you  see, Budapest has 
much to offer in the way of music.
 
You may even be treated to a concert through Idyll when you are in  Prague. 
We, as most Prague Idyllers are, were treated to a delightful  evening of 
Dvorak's music in his residence.
 
As for food...in Budapest we enjoyed a Sunday brunch in the City Park at  the 
famous "Gundel's". The price for a wonderful brunch was a  bit high but well 
worth it. We lunched one day at the famous "New York City"  cafe (It's name 
may have been changed by now so inquire), Try the "palascinta"  (crepes) at the 
Korona Hotel. They will prepare them any way you wish.
 
In Prague do try to take in "David's". This is a very nice  restaurant just 
up the street from the American Embassy. We knew this was a  place that called 
for finer attire than we had the day we were there (jeans) but  the owner 
insisted that we come in and not be concerned with our clothing. We  were early 
diners and had time to converse with the owner who, very kindly,  treated us to 
both the appetizer and a great dessert. Also, depending on where  you stay (we 
were in the Hastalka apt) try the nice "Scandinavia"  restaurant in around 
the corner and down a block or so on the corner. On  Doubla Street we found a 
very nice place called the "Vikki" to  eat. It seemed to cater to the locals. It 
had a sandwich type board on the side  walk advertising it as well as a very 
small overhead sign depicting a Viking  ship. Off the entrance lobby, next to 
the elevator, are the steps leading  down to the restaurant. We ate here 
several times and also stopped for an  afternoon glass of wine now and then.
 
Enjoy these two cities. We both think they are the loveliest we have ever  
visited and that includes Vienna and Paris. It just seems that only a week in  
each spot won't be nearly enough time to take too much in but I assure you it  
will whet your appetite to return.
 
Nina



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