I went over to omer’s appartment to deposit my backpack. Then I took the train to Szekesfehervar, about an hour away from Budapest. There I was supposed to do skydiving, but I had so much difficulty finding the airport. I hitchhiked to the highway and then walked in through the gravel road for like 10km. It’s a small airport mainly for doing tandem jumps. The price that I paid (160€) included video so it was the most reasonable compared to other countries.

We took a propeller plane up to the skies and then was attached to an instructor with a parachute. I had nice views of the surrounding area and lake balathon. Junping out of the plane was not that scary, but the first 5s I felt my heart in my mouth as I experienced the full gravitational force. It was like I was placed in a washing machine and tumbling around. After the instructor released the parachute, it felt so much better as we slowed down and I had time to admire the scenery. Since I arrived just in time for the last jump, I managed to catch the beautiful sunset as well. I guess this is an experience that everyone should attempt once in their lives. It is my first and definitely not gona be my last time.

By the time I reached back Budapest, it was 8pm. I had dinner and walked around the river Danube. There are 7 bridges spanning across the river and when they are lighted up at night, the scene is just so beautiful. I feel that Budapest is the second prettiest city at night after Paris.

On Sunday morning, I ran the Budapest marathon and achieved my personal best of 4:22h it was my first overseas marathon and I loved running in such cool weather. I forgot to bring my muscle rub and energy gel which I left it in France, so I felt faint after 30km and had to slow down considerably. Luckily there were water and isotonic drink points which I spammed. We ran past many scenic sights in Budapest and crossed 4 bridges. It was cloudy and cold in the morning (13 deg) but after that it became sunny (18 deg). There were many people cheering for the runners, some bands as well as choir singing by the roadside as the participants ran past them. I was really motivated by their cheering during those parts and it just felt so good to see so many supporters.

After the marathon, I went to szechenyi baths, which was a good idea to soothe my aching muscles. There were many thermal pools (indoor and outdoor), saunas in the complex of varying temperatures. I think 38 deg is the most optimum for me and I almost died when I entered an 80 deg sauna (so hot!!) The baths are kinda expensive because it is very touristy (~ 15€) but you can stay there for an unlimited period of time.

Dinner was at an all-you-can-eat buffet for 5€ which was quite worth it. The food wasn’t that good, but I liked the goulash soup.

That’s all for Budapest. I wish I could stay here longer to experience the nightlife and I didn’t have enough time to visit the castle though I saw it from a distance. Now I’m on the flight to Geneva then taking the train to Grenoble. More travel adventures coming up soon!