To be in Budapest, in love and on your own. What does it feel like?, written by Seamus Waldron.

Here I am, watching the setting sun.

Infront of me is the Danube, its tranquillity broken by the rare riverboat. The sun is behind the only cloud in the sky and soon it will be putting Buda castle into silhouette. This is truly a wonderful city. To me, it is like Copenhagen with a touch or Paris, magnificent buildings, pedestrian walkways and trams.

Who would have thought, six months ago, that I would be in Budapest. Enroute to see a close friend of mine. A close friend who I only met last December whilst climbing a mountain in China, for whom I am to be best man for next year when he marries an Hungarian girl I introduced to him only 3 months ago. Events happen fast now. Who would have believed that I would have met the girl from my dreams? Certainly not I. Life has more vitality now, I see things clearer. I must be in love. If she could be with me now, the moment would be complete, as it is, the memory of her makes do.

I flew from London this morning, via Zurich. Old memories surfaced of travels past. I'm sure the airport looked familiar, though I am equally certain I have never to airport in Zurich before.

Lovers pass me by, hand in hand or stopping to savour the view and each other. I wish I could be one of them, in this romantic city.

I'm up at Buda castle now. I took the fornicula up the hill, exactly like Sacra Cour in Paris. There is an arts and crafts fare happening. All around me are traditional Hungarian craft makers. From course paper to tents made from skins. In the background a strange "harpsichord" sounding instrument is being played. It looks like a cross between an organ grinder and a guitar! The view over Pest is magnificent as the last of the suns rays bathe the buildings in gold. This is most pleasant. Castle, view and a cold pint on Amstel beer, which is making me quite drunk.

I'm now back at my hotel, actually I'm in a dormitory, cheaper you see. However, the view is spectacular. I am in the Citadella, perched on the highest peak overlooking Budapest. Typically Soviet music was being played as I entered the hotel. I stopped and looked at the view. It is dark now and the city is alight with a million candles and I am in the best place to see it. I cried earlier and a tear is rolling down my right cheek as I write. To be alone in Buda is torture, to be with her, would be bliss. I don't know whether to smile or cry at the situation I'm in. Perhaps I should do both?

10am, I'm back in the Castle, in a leafy glade overlooking the Danube, drinking another pint of Amstel. I've got some sort of puff pastry to eat, though it's not very puffed and is extremely salty. It is edible though. The craft market is still going on. I'm waiting for a guy who make flutes to show up, as I want to buy one as a present for her. Typically, all the other stall holders have shown, his is just empty. Last night I ended up eating Venison, Danube style, followed by a walk around Citadella. The views were sensational. It took me 40 minutes or so this morning to hike down the hill and up into the castle. All this while I've had my pack to weigh me down. This beer is so welcome.

Once again, life was frustrating last night. The view of Budapest at night demands love, couples arm in arm, kisses under the trees with the backdrop of the meandering Danube. I'm glad I'm leaving in two hours, I'd be a nervous wreck otherwise. This musician guy had better turn up soon, I cannot bring myself to stay.