What does one do on the last night of the trip? Consider that our 6:10am flight means a wake-up time of 2:30am, luggage placed in the ship’s hall by 2:45am, and all-aboard the airport bus at 3:30am.

Early to bed? Stay up all night? That debate was on-going when we learned the ship would be moved to another dock after dark and the captain was going to give us one last showing of Budapest’s best.

Grab the cameras! Run to the moondeck!! We’re about to put an exclamation point on the end of this affair!!!

Bridges, buildings, and beauty begin our highlights of the final hours.

Elizabeth Bridge and the Inner City Parish Church take a shine to each other.

Chain Bridge holds its own and highlights other sights of Budapest at night.

Liberation Monument, high above Chain Bridge’s east tower and down-river.

Sweeping off Chain Bridge to the west leads you uphill to the Royal Palace at the south end of the Budapest’s castle complex.

The Hungarian Parliament is abundantly exposed after dark. Our cameras capture many shades and angles as she gives one last showing and takes a bow.

Hungarian Parliament at night.

Hungarian Parliament at night.

Hungarian Parliament at night.

Hungarian Parliament at night.

Like a fireworks ‘grande finale,’ cellphone HDR photography puts extra pop on the ending as we drift away from the sights of Budapest.

Signing off from Budapest and Eastern Europe.

Doug, delighted, leaves Budapest, beaming, while “chair”ishing the moments, sights, and all the learnings gathered in Eastern Europe.

Doug, delighted, leaves Budapest, beaming, while “chair”ishing the moments, sights, and all the learnings gathered in Eastern Europe.