Helsinki Kahvila

Our trip to Budapest was punctuated by paprika, ornate façades, and thermal baths. For the first day, we traveled from place to place by foot. The air temperature was considerably warmer in Hungary than in Finland, but winter winds whipped down the Danube to remind us it was December. We elected to take public transportation for the remainder of our trip.

Among our options was Budapest’s extensive tram system installed during the Soviet occupation of Hungary. Some of the city’s trams are updated to fit 21st-century sensibilities: sleek, quiet, and well-insulated. However, the most prominent lines, the 47 and 49, retain their mid-century charm.

From the moment we set eyes on the tram, it was clear to Jessica and me that my next drawing would use one of these trams as my muse. You can watch the timelapse of the drawing below.

A note: Jessica is great at lettering, so I asked her to write BUDAPEST.