Yesterday I finally went to the library, and did a few hours of thesis-work: did some research and took notes. Then, as a reward, and as the weather was absolutely beautiful with clear sky - the bluest of blues, crispy cold air (I adore it!!) that makes my cheeks rosy, soulwarming sunshine, and snow still on the ground, I decided to do the thing again that I enjoy so much: go on an urban photo-hike, and wander around aimlessly on the streets of Budapest for hours, and take a handful of photos. This time I went to one of my favorite parts of the city, Disctrict 13, Újlipótváros to be exact, the area surrounded by Jászai Mari Square, Szent István Boulevard, Westend/ Váci street, Bessenyei street, and the river bank. It's as if time has stopped decades ago in this area, it's filled with cute little traditional shops - hairdresser's, confectionery's, delicatessens, galeries, violin-maker's, artshops, taylor's, antique shops, several bookstores, florist's, grocer's, and a handful of cafes and restaurants. Indeed, it is one of the best parts of the city with it's ever so unique and nostalgic atmosphere and tiny romantic streets. This is the area where the great Hungarian poet, Radnóti's wife lives (yes, she is still alive, believe it or not), where you can feel as if you traveled back to earlier eras. Here is a taste of what you will find if you decide to explore Újlipótváros:
All sorts of signs on the fronts of the houses (you can enlarge the photo by clicking on it)
A palmful of spring (do not fall for the trick, it is still winter)
A beautiful delicatessen around, or rather, right on the corner
(owned by the talented waterpolo player Szívós Márton)
Very socialist (or should I say authentic retro?) hairdresser's
...more old hairdresser's, but this one with better marketing
Superpretty shopwindows with homemade and marvelously canned/packed jams
Some real manna - reborn as a chocolate-chip cookie
A perfectly named cafe/restaurant, just the right thing for me - except that I can't afford it with my tight student budget
English and French taylor's, handmade by Maksainé herself
The cutes antique store ever
A built-in miniature statue of Saint Florian, the patron-saint of firefighters
This district is pretty much the area where I want to live once (no sooner than in about 6-7 years, I am afraid) I get around buying my own flat. I guess I should start saving up, or rather find a job at first.
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