Jaunted

This is the scene we found on Karoly Korut in the center of Pest, just opposite the city's central synagogue. In the most beautiful building on the street—a fine example of Budapest's Secessionist architecture, and what was clearly once an amazeballs property to own—we saw an optician's office, various boarded up windows, and this: a sex shop. Or "Szex Shop," as the Hungarians would say.

By the looks of the window display, they stock faded, ripped, flared jeans, bikini tops, sexy Venetian masks and hats that look like sneakers. So you'll be surprised to know we didn't go inside.

Genteel history repurposed for modern ends; it's one of the things we loved about Budapest.

[Photos: juliab]