Our quest continues to explore new countries and climb their highest peaks. This trip includes three countries and if successful three more high points adding to our 25th country high point of Portugal's Mt. Pico reached two months ago. We are also keeping a tally of countries we have visited in our lifetimes and although Denise has a few more than me, Hungary marks my 50th country.
Budapest Parliament Building taken on Danube River cocktail cruise
After two days of soaking in the beautiful and historical sights of Buda (western part of the city) and Pest (eastern side of the Danube) we soaked in the soothing mineral waters of the Széchenyi thermal bath which is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and a famous Budapest landmark. 
Széchenyi thermal bath in Budapest: the largest medicinal bath in Europe
The next morning we headed northeast towards the Mátra Mountains and Hungary's highest point Kékestetö aka Kekes. At only 3,327 feet above sea level with a paved road leading almost all the way to the top, we knew this high point would hardly seem like much of an accomplishment. So we decided to park the car at the bottom of the road and hiked up to the top to make ourselves feel a little better about earning this one. It also helped us stretch our legs and along with an overnight in the quaint town of Eger, it broke up the drive north across the border into Slovakia and on to the "real" mountains the High Tatras. 
Hiking up the ski slopes of Kekes, one of the few ski areas in Hungary
Kekes, highest point in Hungary at 3,327 feet
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