Now, after 'surviving' the relatively short trip, I think that I would have enjoyed Greece twice as much, if not more.
Anyways, it wasn't all that bad... I just didn't feel very happy or relaxed after the experience; these, supposedly, being the feeligs people are supposed to return filled with after vacation.
I did learn something after going back to those parts of the world: eastern Europe does bring out the worst in me (and I will include Budapest to the category, because despite their boast of being the center of Europe, most of the times the people's behaviour would qualify as 'eastern european').
These are the pluses i give to Budapest:
- the interbellum athmosphere all over the city;
- the bus and boat tours;
- the food and service at some restaurants;
- very nice souvenirs (but you have to really look);
- the Buda castle;
- their approach to tourism in general;
These are the minuses i give to Budapest:
- street maintenance repairs everywhere near the city center, done even on the weekend, starting at 7 am;
- very few people dealing with tourists are friendly (this includes hotel staff, restaurant staff, sales clerks etc);
- some waiters grossly overcharging the bill (common practice it turns out; even mentioned in a city audio tour);
The place has a great potential and I will probably go back there for a visit, but not before 3-4 years or so.
