Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary

Wonderful day yesterday visiting Castle Hill, the prime territory of Budapest.  Various groups, including the Ottomans, Hapsburgs, Nazis, and Soviets have warred over this strategic location.  Happily, Hungarians now are in charge of their own country.  

World War II bullet holes still visible

 Advertisement against the left political party.  The Fidesz (center-right) party has a majority in parliament and a great deal of power in Hungary.  They are taking increasing controls over the media, universities, and increasing taxes.  Most Budapestians are not happy with the party.  

Parliament offices

Caught a military band

In honor of my alma mater, the Air Force Academy falcons

Royal Guard

Matthias Church, rebuilt often over eight centuries.  Name honors  King Matthias Corvinus (15th century), who led a renaissance of Hungarian political power and culture.  Hapsburg Empire kings were coronated here as well.

Royal Crown and Coat of Arms

Alter in Matthias Church

Overlooking the Danube, Europe's largest river, from Castle Hill.  Parliament Building is the spire across the river.

Chain Bridge, Danube River.  One of the great bridges that span the Danube in Budapest.  Buda is on the near side of the river - Pest is on the far side.

Note the crown over the Virgin Mary (Matthias Church).

Queen Elisabeth, wife of Franz Josef, Ruler of Hapsburg Empire

Military in the Alsace Region

 Outside of the Hartsmannwillerkopf Memorial Site (on the left is Mr. Evan Reade, Head of the U.S. Consulate here in Strasbourg), along with French officers, Tim Stokes, and me).  Along with 100 French soldiers, we participated in the memorial ceremony honoring the 215th Infantry Regiment, which was very important during World War I fighting in this area and continues in operation today (the regiment served in Afghanistan last year).

 With Major General Cochin, French Army, and President of the memorial site.  I asked him if he played basketball (because of his height).  He replied, "I hate basketball"! (-:

Visit to Eurocorps, one of Europe's joint military organizations.  Picture with Major Hans Haegdorens, Belgian Army and Chief of Eurocorps Public Information Office.  Eurocorps is a joint entity comprised of Germans, French, Belgians, Spaniards, and Luxembourgers, along with smaller entities from Poland, and Italy.  Along with the headquarters staff that we visited today, there are 5 French-German combined battalions in the area.  The operational language for the units is English.