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The 2022 Modern Mega Manor (MMM) was curtailed by bad things in the airline industry which resulted in a change in outbound flight time from early morning to late evening and the Cape Knights and Ladies missed out on a full day in Budapest. Keeping chins up, the MMM party arrived at Edinburgh airport well before take-off time to enjoy a few pre-flight libations. After an uneventful flight, the MMM crew was taxied to apartment and hotel in the region of Ráday utca before stepping out in to a warm summer's night for its first taste of Budapest, courtesy of Paris, Texas Cafe which Steve had 'recced' as being open until 2 a.m. A couple of beers in to what was already a late night, a trip to the local kebab shop was a welcome sojourn on the way to bed.

The planned morning-meet at Coffee O'Clock at 10 a.m. was scuppered by it being closed but everyone was happy to wander on the start of Steve's loosely titled "Cape-Connection walking tour of Budapest" and find coffee on the way. Having passed a rock bar, the first stop was the New York Café where Steve pointed out the Statue of Liberty figure and eagle atop the former New York Life Insurance office building. As expected, inside it was busy but everyone was able to at least glimpse the grand interior decor. A short wander away, a coffee opportunity presented itself at Baráti Kávézó and Steve continued cultivating chat with a 'small-pocket' summary of the history of Hungary, touching on nomadic tribes, Attila, romans, Aquincum (~AD 40), Árpád (~800-900) and the related Magyar (a commonly seen word in Budapest), King Saint Stephen (~1000) with the mummified arm and introduction of Christianity, the Ottoman Empire (active in Hungary in the 1500 and 1600s) which brought Turkish baths, the Hasburgs (~1000-1780), Prussia (~1700-1918) and the Soviet Union (1922-1991). The next stop was a good photo opportunity next to the tiled mural of medieval knight Szondy György before more sauntering, this time to one of Hungary's renowned ruin bars Szimpla Kert. The thirsty MMM mob was disappointed as it met with closed doors. No matter, next door's Street Food Karavan stepped in to help quench thirsts in 30 degree temperatures at the height of the day. A wee 'pictures of famous Hungarians' quiz was romped by film-buff Phil. There was one final semi-strong Cape-Connection to explore so once everyone was refreshed, we headed in the direction of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, passing through Elizabeth Square and its Ferris wheel on the way. Unfortunately, the bridge is currently closed due to refurbishment so Knights and Ladies were denied a full experience. The bridge is largely the work of Edinburgh born Adam Clark (1811-1866) and was conceived by William Clark (no relation), one of whose guides in the art of engineering was the Cape Club's own John Rennie! (Sir Owlet). The "Cape-Connection walking tour of Budapest" over on this high note, we walked inland from the Danube waterfront to the watering hole at the Red N' Café & Champagne Bar before some of the boys headed back to their apartment to freshen up before tea. Anne, Helena and Steve spent the same hour or two in Cafe Intenzo, enjoying a tasty but expensive bottle of Kolna sauvignon blanc in wonderfully green surroundings. The evening meal was provided by the excellent value for money Rostélyos Étterem and included a shared grill for Colin and Steve incorporating goose leg. No one was tempted by the fried frog thigh on offer. The night closed with a visit to the loosely Cape-Connected, Jake homage, Andersen Pub. No one was able to figure where all the beer appearing over the bar was going but remained relatively unconcerned given the 'cheaper than chips' drinks. A night cap back at the traditional MMM 'base camp' bar, Paris, Texas Cafe and day one was complete.

Day two began with a walk over to Buda in the direction of the Military History Museum on Castle Hill. There was a general feeling that a fun-ride on a glorified golf cart was in order so everyone hopped on the Official Budapest Castle Bus and took in the view as they were driven up to the vicinity of Fisherman's Bastion. It was a fairly short walk to the excellent and free Military History Museum, although there was some disappointment at the fact the WWII section was closed. It was otherwise very informative with some impressive items on display, particularly a huge torpedo which inspired a lot of Internet surfing in search of insight in to its inner workings. We made a quick pit-stop at 21 - Magyar Vendéglő - Hungarian bistro to fill up on Herr Lager (Horizont Brewery) then enjoyed some great views of Pest from Fisherman's Bastion. We also paired up the Loon from Saskatoon with the Hungarian Sasquatch (Busójárás). Trying to make monies worth of the cost of the golf cart tickets, we again boarded the 'bus' for a leisurely trip down the back of Castle Hill to disembark where we boarded at "Új világ született" kiállítás. Wandering back over the Danube the way we came by Elizabeth Bridge, we made for another watering hole, this time The Pointer Pub & Restaurant where we ate and drank and were (probably thankfully) blissfully unaware of The Duchess Rooftop Bar over the road. We were however within sight of a Hop On-Hop Off Budapest boat kiosk which led to an hour pleasantly cruising the Danube. It was late evening by the time we disembarked and we all took advantage of a couple of hours before tea to relax in our chosen abodes. We met again at 19.00 in the Paprika Jancsi Restaurant to enjoy more hearty Hungarian fare (although Phil was disappointed in his dumplings). We gave ruin bar Szimpla Kert one more try but were put off by a large queue to gain entry. Again, we sought an alternative and landed in Legfelsőbb Beeróság where Colin, Martin and Steve opted for pot-luck; in this case, number seven on the board, a draught beer named Megoyes? It turned out to be a little like liquified Mr Kiplin's Cherry Bakewell Slices but one pint was palatable enough. A night cap for Steve, Colin and Martin was had at basecamp: Paris, Texas.

Day three, our day of departure, started by enjoying the sights and smells of nearby Central Market Hall before we made preparation for a sham/at-it taxi ride (asked for a six-seater and were delivered two four-seaters at twice the price) in our final Budapest pub, the excellent, homely, traditional, value-for-money Jópipa Söröző, Étterem.

Massive thanks to those who put in a great deal of effort to attend and we missed those of you we know would've been there were it not for other significant commitments, especially Dez, Helene, Dave and Carol.

Some video
Merry Melodies
Inside Garden
Fresh Arrival
You Got Chips
Permission Granted
Pests on the Danube
Wake
Windswept and Interesting
Cheeky Coco... Cheeky, Cheeky!

Notes