It's summer, and a favorite time to travel. If you happen to find yourself in Budapest, Hungary, make it a point to walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The suspension bridge, built in 1849 and reconstructed in 1949, was the first permanent stone bridge connecting Buda and Pest and functions as a major artery across the Danube River, connecting the eastern and western parts of the capital city. And, on weekends from June 26 through August 15, 2010, the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, providing access to the entire bridge for pedestrians to leisurely cross to both sides of the divided city.
During the day, the white stone of the Fisherman's Bastion gleams in the sunlight on Buda's Castle Hill, with the tower of Matthias Church rising behind it from the heart of the Castle District. In the evening, the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building in Pest anchors one of the most familiar skylines in Europe, best viewed from the terrace on the Buda side of the Danube. Grab a gelato from one of the vendors and find a bench to rest your feet and people watch. Wander the terrace for amazing views of the river and bridges.
For this photo excursion, be prepared to capture details, skylines, people, fountains and panorama using both digital and film. Pack a variety of gear and lenses, even that lonely fish-eye that barely gets face time, and don't forget a plastic-lensed film camera to provide a blurry dreaminess to this city that will call you back for years.
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