Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

Vienna & Budapest

Thursday, July 14, 1938

Arrived in Vienna at 11 o'clock at night. It really looked tough. Next day (today) we saw Parlimentary buildings, museums, University of Vienna and Royal Palace. Also numerous War memorials.

I should like to stay here longer but it is too expensive. Meals cost nearly a dollar, Hotel also very high ($2.50 for a good one).

The people are alittle different than those in Berlin. Hitler pictures are everywhere. We went to a Gype joint last night. It cost us $10.50 to get out. I was plenty mad.

The street walkers are as thick as flies. some are very beautiful. The opera houses do not open till Sept. I am much disappointed in any part of Germany.

Friday, July 15, 1938

Have just settled in our room for the night. Had a very enjoyable trip to Budapest. We are staying in a Pension on banks of Danube, a very beautiful place.

On the way from Wein we ate cheese, rye bread and white wine. It is much cheaper than restuarant. Bought 10.00 worth of Pengo's. got 50 for 10.00 worth 20 cents each (room for 80 cents per night. fairly cheap). Gibbens and I plan a bicycle excursion here to ranching district.)

Walked for about 2 miles along Danube. It was very beautiful. The side wall cafes were one solid line. Orchestra, etc. The Violin ensemble was really good. One piano player played American music for our benefit.

We came home and had a good night sleep.

Saturday, July 16, 1938

Rented bicycles today 4 pengos for 3 days. We rode all over the countryside and city. The cops really gave us plenty of trouble.

Saw nearly all of interest in dist. Stayed at the Vrania Pension SAS 27 - 4 Pengos a day is pension. It is cheaper to live here than anywhere else we have been. My impression of Hungary is very good. I should like to stay here a week or so. Budapest is really a beautiful city.

Bought hand stitched blouses and jacket. Also table spread and doilly from peasants in the square.

Sunday, July 17, 1938

Today we rode all over Budapest. Saw Parliment and Supreme Court. Also Governors Palace. We saw the change of Guards at the palace. It was nearly funny. They march very silly.

Met 3 Americans from Connecticut. They were fine fellows.

The woman at the Pension was very funny. Tonight we saw one of those fellows and were stood up by Maria and Choebe. Those tramps.

Monday, July 18, 1938

Took our bicycle back and told everybody we were from Texas. Told girl she was beautiful as USA. I bought blouse and Kerchief. Greer and Hud got lost again.

It rained part of the day so we didn't go swimming. At night we ate at a side walk cafe and drank wine and watched the people again. We got the 'B' numerous times but ignored them all. The wine is very good. The host told us he was (sensible) instead of sensitive.

It rained at night also - Saw Budapest for the last time tonight ------ The most beautiful place I ever saw.