Potato paprikesh for dInner and What we learned of the culture

I might get drunk off the dessert, but that's later. We actually happened upon a local restaurant that served a vegetarian paprikesh goulash. But don't get too excited about the veggies in a meat-loving country because all it had was potatoes.

However, it was served with a mushroom cappuccino soup, a home-made cream of mushroom with a dollop of milk foam on top. It also came with some fresh sauerkraut, mixed with pickles, not the best but not the worst meal we have had.

​The dessert, on the other hand, was delish. It was Hungarian sponge cake, soaked in the local specialty brandy, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

We learned some traditions too: clink wine glasses but not beer: the Russians clinked beer glasses, so Hungarians never do. You will get a big frown and "unkind" words, according to our guide. Attila is a poplar name (our bus driver included) but Hungarians mostly consider themselves descendants of the Finns, not the Huns.

And in Hungary, our guide Erica told us that there are no pedestrians, just survivors, as you take your life in your hands when you cross the street.

A little interesting fact for the gals out there: Hungarian women get three years maternity leave. The first year is at full pay and the next two at three quarter's pay.

​I can't tell you how charmed we were with Budapest. You must go.

Mushroom soup cappuccino