Back to the future

If you're a follower of an Englishman in Budapest, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the flat problem is now solved.

Surprisingly, it's back to V district, with a TOP FLOOR flat near Ferenciek tere.

Although on paper more expensive than planned, I'm hoping the overall deal will prove cost effective. The common cost – paid in addition to rent – is, in this case, inclusive of all heating and water bills.

Heating through winter can be a major expense, especially for an idle type like me. One monthly gas bill at my first 80sqm flat reached over 40000 forint.

My new establishment offers 'house heating', which means one central boiler, and costs divided between tenants. Since heating is usually an additional personal expense, being included in the common cost makes the largish common cost effectively very low. That, at least, is the way I like to view it.

Of course, not all is rosy. Is it ever? Being on the top floor means boiled water has a long way to travel. I've checked with my neighbour and apparently we up here are less well served than our neighbours below. On the ground floor they complain of suffocating heat. Up here we experience a healthier regime that would leave most Spartans in bliss.

I exaggerate perhaps, but I've been over this territory before. Living room and bedroom reach 20C. But, thankfully, bathroom has a super-efficient radiator that warms it to 25C!

The local area off Ferenciek tere, partly pedestrianised, is elegant, intellectual (several university buildings), and almost cloister-like in some streets, especially at night. The famously tourist-trapping Váci ut is also not far away.

Several pedestrian streets leading to Váci have laid red carpet down their full length. Not sure if this is to protect from ice or is just a signal: walk this way for Santa's over-priced grotto!

But, as usual, the Christmas lights and decorations in Budapest are delightful and always warm the heart, even as fingers freeze when taking photos!