Tour a City at Eye Level: Paddleboarding the Danube by Rob Carr

We recently did some housesitting for a UNICEF colleague in Budapest (a retiree bonus is knowing people around the world to visit and support if needed). As many of you know, Budapest is the UNICEF hub for a number of functions that serve all offices and staff in all locations. 
The UNICEF Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest provides centralized administrative and operational support to UNICEF offices worldwide, employing over 400 staff members.  Its core functions include: 

1. Human Resources & Payroll: Manages global staff onboarding, offboarding, contract processing, and salary disbursements.
2. Finance: Processes invoices and handles general financial services for international locations.
3. Information Technology & Administration: Runs a global helpdesk and manages travel administration and IT support units. 

At first, I was hesitant about taking these functions away from country offices and HQ locations - but as it was in full swing the last 10 years of my career - for me it was lifechanging as it was for the offices I worked with.  Who in UNICEF guarantees an answer in 48 hours?  Whether it was a DCT payment to a partner or getting your education grant claim processed or understanding your insurance or pension or your next move - it was all done with quick turnarounds and efficiency.  My hat is off to UNICEF for getting one thing right.  It is not perfect - but is a helluva alot better than the "good old days" - and GSSC does not care if you are a Rep or a driver - you get the same kind service and answer to your query.   THAT WAS THE KEY FOR ME - SAME SERVICE FOR ALL! 

While in Budapest, the temperatures soared to over 35 C - unusual for this part of Europe.  Walking the beautiful hills of Budapest could only be done in early morning hours  - what to do rest of the day?  I am an avid stand up paddler (SUP) - a sort of long surfboard you can stand up on and paddle like a gondola (best exercise ever - for core muscles, balance,  cardio, knees etc).  I joined a small group one evening for a sunset paddle down the Danube - it sounded cooler than more walking.  It was a 10 km paddle starting upstream and paddle with the lazy current - passing under 7 grand bridges and by some of the most majestic buildings of any city.   What was fun was it was done at eye level - a unique angle to see a city.  Below are a few shots.  

I highly advise you make a trip to this lovely city - it is more than a river, more than stunning architecture, more than excellent public transport and more than yummy ghoulash - Hungarian people are lovely, helpful and very calm.  What a gem.  While you are there you can work on your core muscles and your balance to the tune of the Danube Waltz!!

The normal view of Budapest - stunning from ahigh.

Starting out to organise the paddleboards

the Parliament at sunset

Pano for fun.

The crew I paddled with - and the "paddle eye" view. (I stood up - these folks chose to kneel or sit - a good way to start and stabilise yourself)