A Disproportionately Fulfilling Afternoon

One summer about five years ago, I had a personal mission to visit every museum in Budapest. At that time, there were forty-five. I made it to thirty-six. I have yet to make it to the Ambulance or Police Museums. I enjoy museums, but one of the inhibiting factors is the cost.

Recently, I received my new membership card from the European Press Association identifying me as a veritable journalist. Having heard that this authenticity gives free passage to sail through the doors of Budapest Museums, without once disturbing my pocket anchored wallet. Yes, I had been more than anxious to test this theory. Anxious in both senses of the word: excited, yet nervous. I hate being embarrassed in public.

The Fine Arts Museum currently has a double extended exhibition: Botero and Klimt. Being a fan of both, I the cravings were gnawing at me, so Ron and I decided we needed to go yesterday. This was my chance to test my pass.


Two ticket offices open, I chose the one with no one in line. This would reduce humiliation if there were to be any. As I walked up, she put the closed sign down while waving me across the hall. A party of five were already confusing the ticket seller in Spanish; others were lining up behind me. Stand tall, hand over the pass, ask if it provides a discount. With a cheery smile, the attendant states "For you it is free." "Yes" I mutter like an unappreciative child, "but I want to see Botero and Klimt." Again she smiled "It is all free for you. Enjoy!" Enjoy? I am already ecstatic. This has just saved me 3,500 Huf or $18.00 or 13 euros. Ron gets in free since he is a docent. What a wonderful day!

The museum is missing 120 pieces of their regular collection. They are all on loan to the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
Knowing I can return any time and having been here dozens of times already, I wanted to see Botero. We 'discovered' him into our lives when we were in Portugal years ago. There was an exhibit of replicas of his paintings, but they did have some sculptures too. 

His trademark is creating out of proportion. This is his version of the Mona Lisa. Notice the facial features. We were overjoyed to be able to drink in over 3 dozen of his paintings. In addition, they had a documentary playing about his life and work. Though we intended to only watch a small portion, we stayed for the entire ninety minutes. For once I was satisfied with not having my camera. It would have been a distraction. To read more about Botero, click here.


After more than 3 hours soaking up Botero genius, we ventured to the Klimt exhibit. Vienna, of course has the largest collection of Klimt and we have been to that museum. This exhibit generously encompassed the Secessionist group of which Klimt was the first president. None of the paintings for which he is best known within popular culture were on exhibit. In fact, most were from his band of brothers, Klimt just lending his name as the ringer. Closing the museum, we went for dinner. It was an exceptionally good day.

Related articles

• Treasures from Budapest, Royal Academy of Arts, review (telegraph.co.uk)

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One List I Am Happy Budapest Is Not On

Pickpockets are everywhere and the people they like the most are the tourists, whose wallets are usually full of money to be spent on souvenirs. Where are your handbags and wallets the most in danger? Tourism-review.com brings the Top 10 of the most dangerous pickpocket places and cities announced recently by TripAdvisor.

1. Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

Pick pocketing in Las Ramblas can be easily compared to generally practiced and accepted sport such as soccer. So if you want to stay offside or out of field be careful and watch your things!

2. Rome, Italy
The ancient buildings and astonishing cultural and historical buildings draw attention of the tourist. So it is no wonder that Rome is the number two among the top 10 pickpocketing cities. Hundreds of people admiring Trevi fountain or Pantheon are an ideal place for pickpockets to snatch their cameras out of their bags!

3. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Crowds of tourists from all over the world crossing Charles Bridge every day – that is the picture of today’s Prague. So before taking picture of the famous Prague castle panorama make sure your camera is in a save place.

 

4. Madrid, Spain

Chaos, cars, thousands of people in the streets – that is the modern Madrid. All the time you are walking through the narrow Madrid streets you have to careful not to be run over by a car. Pickpockets often use such situation! So pay attention to the cars and also to your bag!

 

5. Paris, France

Another famous city that tourists love visiting every year. Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa are not drawing only the tourists but also the pickpockets. So think about it while visiting the French capital. Especially in the metro the travelers should be enormously careful. 

 

6. Florence, Italy

It is no wonder that people admiring the perfect body of Michelangelo’s David don’t pay much attention to their belongings. So be careful even in this beautiful historical city. Otherwise it is very probable you will have the unique opportunity to admire local police station from within, which is not what you really want, is it?

 

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Don’t cry for your wallet in Argentina, might be an alternative name of the world famous song. Don’t mistake friendly locals with overly “friendly” kids and adults who might be interested in nothing else but the contents of your wallet. 
 

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

It's easy to forget your whereabouts in this city full of fun and the many things to see and do. But don’t be lulled into carelessness by the beauties of the city and the laid-back atmosphere – pickpocketers often take advantage of tourists admiring this enchanting city. 

 

9. Athens, Greece 

As in almost every city that attracts crowds of tourists, many people head to the world known sites – including the pickpockets. Acropolis is definitely a must if you travel to Greece – but be careful.

10.  Hanoi, Vietnam

Let’s move to Asia. Charming Old Quarter makes Hanoi a very attractive place for tourists. So again pay attention.

Reprinted from Tourism Review

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