Still in Hungary - Budapest. Cool morning 7 degrees, but clear sunny skies, expected top temperature 15 degrees. More coughing occurring at breakfast, masks will be worn on the bus at the first outbreak. Some are wearing masks continually. Last night at port talk it was emphasised to use the hand sanitizer before entering the main areas. Too many people coughing into their hands and then touching other surfaces.
After breakfast we have a city tour and Parliament building visit. Our guide speaks very good English and is funny and entertaining. We pass by a few landmarks and then enter the parliament building. It is an enormous building and we have a special guide take us through. The structure is magnificent, very ornate with gold leaf. The main entrance has a magnificent stair case. It has warmed up and is a pleasant 17 degrees, although it is quite warm and stuffy inside the building. We are taken to the Royal room where the crown, sceptre, sword and orb of the Hungarian kings (no photos allowed). While now a republic they are still cherished by the nation and are guarded round the clock by two soldiers. The crown etc were taken by the USA and kept at Fort Knox for safekeeping when the USSR were seeking control. Jimmy Carter returned them in 1973, and made it a stipulation that no Soviet officials were permitted to attend the handing over ceremony.
We then have a walking tour around Pest and head back to the ship for lunch. There were many beautiful buildings.
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