Articles

• The rise of the right
  How poorly-regarded is the sitting government in Hungary? Poorly-regarded enough that the opposition doesn't even need a platform to campaign for this year's general election.
• March 15th
  March 15th is a national holiday in Hungary, celebrating that day in which the country's revolt against Austrian rule began in 1848.
• Does not translate: kiskapu
  How does one enter Budapest via car? Well, start looking for a "kiskapu"...
• Google translates
  Our writer has some fun with Google translate, merrily mangling Hungarian on the way.
• A man and his cube
  A brief musing on Ernő Rubik, inventor of that maddening and wonderful cube...
• Hungarians and the untidy yard
  What's the difference between Austrian backyards and Hungarian backyards? Approximately the difference between "Golden Girls" and "Sanford and Son."
• Does not translate: M4
  What does the proposed fourth subway line in Budapest have in common with the Hogwarts Express of Harry Potter lore? Read on!
• The legend of the Gerbeaud
  The Gerbeaud cafe in Budapest is well-known for its pastries and ice cream, but there's also this intriguing little urban legend about the place...
• Does not translate: Vadász
  Welcome to one of the more bizarre libations in Hungary: Cola plus red wine. Order one up by requesting a hunter.
• Budapest weather: Cloudy with a chance of mud
  Late winter is definitely not the best time of the year for Budapest. Thinking of visiting at this time? Then read on and dress appropriately.
• On becoming Hungarian
  Is it true that the amount one enjoys Hungary is inversely proportional to the amount of Hungarian that one speaks or is it just wintertime?
• Campaign season in Hungary, Part 1
  Springtime nationwide elections are coming to Hungary: Right now, campaigns are gearing up, placards become ubiquitous...
• Does not translate: Farsang
  Farsang: Kinda like Halloween, kinda like another excuse to dress up goofily, this holiday season is 100% Hungarian.
• Valentine's Day in Budapest
  How is Valentine's Day celebrated in Hungary? Is Valentine's Day celebrated in Hungary, if so, what's it called and how is it celebrated differently than in the states? Find out your answerers to these and more questions on Valentine's Day in Hungary.
• Fear and Loathing at the Cineplex
  See, this is happens when you decide a good movie snack for "Avatar" would be psychedelic fungus.
• Budapest in Snow
  Ah, midwinter in Budapest: Beautiful, white, pristine-looking ... for about 20 minutes.
• Sing into spring at the annual, Budapest festival
  Join in the spring festivities during Budapest's most popular cultural, two-week event filled with musical performances of all kinds and dance and theatre acts.
• Snow-covered turd
  The title pretty much says it all. Just be careful on the sidewalks of Budapest, especially in wintertime.
• The Two Hungarians
  Is Hungary the perfect nation or a little slice of Hell on Earth? It depends on which Hungarian you ask, but odds are one of these extreme views will pour forth.
• BKV strikes back! (Day 2)
  On day two of Budapest's public-transportation workers' strike, Scott Savoie caught a tram and came up with a solution to BKV's general difficulties.
• Busman’s holiday
  How was day one of the great 2010 BKV strike in Budapest? Read on to find out...
• A revelation of fruitcake
  From a guy who has always detested fruitcake (and who really enjoys it, incidentally?) comes a brush with the Hungarian version of the Christmas "treat." His experience may surprise you.
• Hungarian Standard Time
  Time, as Albert Einstein's equations famously found, is relative. And if you think the phenomena only affects light-speed travel, consider the differences in temporal perception exhibited by Americans and Hungarians...
• Understanding words based on experience
  Why do people argue seemingly ceaselessly and seemingly pointlessly about obscure points? Perhaps it's as simple as the reality that no word means the same thing to any two people.
• I see fat people...
  Among the most tangible differences between Hungary and the U.S. is the stunning amount of obese folks in the latter.
• Saslik redemption
  Come the Yuletide season in Hungary, certain edible goodies are made plentiful; stuff like hot spiced wine, kalács, and especially saslik.
• The Great Radio Controversy
  Recently, Hungarians were surprised to find two Budapest radio stations off the air one day. And not just any two, but the single most popular stations on Hungary's dial: Danubius Radio and Slager Radio.
• Does Not Translate: Szaloncukor
  A most excellent Christmastime tradition in Hungary is the szaloncukor, a shiny foil-wrapped bit of chocolate and ... something.
• New Years Eve, 2010 in Budapest
  New Years Eve is approaching amd it's time for expats living in Hungary to start making plans on how to bring in the new decade. Start 2010 either at either a New Year's Eve Opera ball or at 1 of 3 different street parties to a nightclub or a cruise on the Danube.
• Christmas and New Year in Hungary for Expats
  Reflections on the differences between celebrating Christmas in Hungary versus in America.
• Christmas Cooking in Hungary
  Want to cook a few common Hungarian food choices for Christmas dinner this year? Try the well-known 'Moon Cake' otherwise known as 'Mond Kuchen' in Hungarian.
• Does not translate: időmilliomos
  "Időmilliomos" (lit. "time millionaire") is a uniquely Hungarian concept that it anathema to Americans who believe time equals money. Plus, maybe it's supposed to be ironic.
• Hungarian literature, anyone?
  Sure, maybe you don't know how to write or read Hungarian, but that shouldn't stop expats from buying a translation or two of some noteworthy Hungarian literature by some of the most loved of all Hungarian authors.
• The Gypsy problem
  It's a situation that no one in Hungary will talk about -- at least not openly and rationally: The "Gypsy problem." Can anything be done?
• Day Trips from Budapest: Szentendre
  Szentendre: A bit touristy, but beautiful -- and just a nice 40-minute ride by rail from Budapest!
• Does not translate: Lángos
  Lángos, a common nosh in Hungary, begs two questions: What is it? And who enjoys eating a whole serving?
• Moving to Hungary, the impact on expat family life
  Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to move your family abroad to Hungary.
• Alcohol: Hungary’s unrequited chemical love affair
  With tons of alcohol and disproportionately little regard for moderation, Hungary has quite the interpersonal relationship with ethanol...
• Santa's travels in America and Hungary
  Santa travels all over the world at Christmas time, but two places he goes that are quite different in manners and in how they receive him are America and Hungary--an expat knows the difference!
• Winter is a dream in Budapest
  It's winter again and what better place than to be living in Budapest for the holidays. There are many festivities and ways in Hungary to celebrate the darker days of wintertime.
• Blues in the key of H
  Musical notation from German-influenced countries -- including Hungary -- contains the weird key of "H". Where does it come from? Here's your answer, presented to you quicker than you can say "The Bach Code."
• The system changed the people not
  Last week commemorated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, that momentus occasion which led to regime changes all across Eastern Europe. Or did it...?
• The AVH: One reason Hungarians hate cops
  The AVH was the secret police force in Hungary during the communist era in the country. Scott Savoie takes a brief look at the jokes and ignominy that resulted from the AVH's presence. And hopefully he'll back tomorrow.
• Thanksgiving back in the old world
  Adrift in a new country is exhilerating but sometimes leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of childhood holidays like Thanksgiving is hard, here are a few ideas on how expats can still fit in the celebration without the days off.
• Hungarian is hard (and it's partially Ferenc Kazinczy’s fault)
  Ferenc Kazinczy was a man of letters credited with simplifying and standardizing the Hungarian language; so how come it's still so difficult?
• Does not translate: Nagy Ő
  "A nagy Ő": A storybook-like concept of the ultimate man, a breathtaking combination of Prince Charming and King Árpád about as real as the Easter Bunny.
• Korrupció
  Corruption (a.k.a. "Korrupció") is a major social problem in Hungary, causing wariness of government, distrust of bureaucrats, and catharsis when reading certain Móricz Zsigmond novels.
• Does not translate: Disznóvágás
  Disznóvágás is a tradition still practiced in the Hungarian countryside. As for what it actually entails, well, you know that expression about the law and sausage? Let's just say they're making sausage.
• Musical 200-forint notes
  On November 16, out goes the nice green 200-forint banknote and in comes a shiny new 200-forint coin. Heavy, man...
• Hungarian healthcare, part two
  As the battle rages in the US over nationalized healthcare, Scott Savoie again writes on the socialized healthcare system in Hungary.
• The Expats
  A few gross generalizations regarding expatriates in Hungary, from the neat division of "professional expatriates" and "slacker expatriates" on down.
• Getting fed in Budapest in the €2 range
  Pretty much what the title says: How to get cheap eats in Budapest.
• Hungarian healthcare, part one
  As the battle rages in the US over nationalized healthcare, I’m here safely in Hungary with socalized care.
• Witches are real
  The Hungarian word „boszorkány” comes from Turkish and means „injurious phantom.” A „witch” is defined as „a woman who has magical abilities.”
• Reading a BKV bus schedule
  Finding your way around Budapest based on the BKV schedule can, at times, be a bit of a hassel so bring a map along the way just in case.
• Vampires are real
  Ever since Bram Stoker created Dracula and Transylvania was a region under Hungarian rule, Hungary has always been associated with vampires. Thousands -- millions maybe -- still lurk on the Danube banks...
• The bilingual family living in Hungary
  Deciding on whether or not to teach your children Hungarian? Are you living in Hungary and want to start building a bilingual family? Here are a few hints as to how.
• Swine flu: Current news in Hungary
  The Swine flu is a real concern all over the world today and even in Hungary, citizens and visitors are encouraged to look into getting vaccinated as soon as possible against the A (H1N1)strain of the virus.
• Hungary: Not good at wars
  Hungary doesn't have a history of victory in war and despite that fact, many of its fellow inhabitants continue to hold their heads high.
• Attention expats in Budapest with children
  Here are a few ideas on what to do with children in Budapest, from restaurants to try to activities and schools, find out where to go and what to do while you are in town.
• Symbology
  Dan Brown isn't the only one interested in symbology in his new book, "The Lost Symbol", take a look at one writer's outlook on the idea of symbolism and why it matters too much or not enough.
• Getting fed in Budapest: When money is no object
  Do you have a few extra dollars to spend, feel like having an exclusive night out, why not check into the New York Cafe or the Four Seasons in Budapest for a fancy dinner and cocktails?
• October 23rd: A National Holiday for Hungary
  The Freedom Fight of Hungary in 1956 was a bold attempt by the Hungarians to estabish solidarity away from the long arm of Soviet rule.
• The butterfly effect
  Winter has finally come to Hungary, the cold wind blows through the streets of Budapest and there isn't much inhabitants can do except wait in quiet desperation for the coming Spring in 2010.
• Halloween in Budapest 2009
  Here is a list of 5 different ways you may want to spend this Halloween if you are living as an Xpat in Hungary
• Hungarian is hard, part 2 (or learning "ki" words, part one)
  What is all the fuss with "ki" in the Hungarian language, it pops up everywhere yet means any number of things. Learning Hungarian may not be very easy after all.
• Hungary and neighboring countries
  A little information on the relationship between Hungary and its neighboring countries.
• Is all fair in love and porn?
  Goulash isn't the only recipe cooking in the kettle in Hungary, porn and prostitution are a regular component of modern Hungarian culture and life. Budapest is considered one of the capitals of pornography and they have some of the most beautiful women in the world to prove it.
• Keeping up with the times
  Hungary is more progressive than one American thinks, and yes, Hungarians do drive cars for the most part and don't drive mule carts.
• Customer service lotto
  Take a number, please, in Hungary you may be waiting a while, in fact, you may not even be in the right line.
• Stag shows in Budapest--goulash and girls
  For those planning a Stag Show, Budapest is an ideal spot for many UK travelers to venture to for the weekend. Many services are available to accomodate all stag night needs from travel to entertainment, food, drinks and where to stay plus prices are reasonable and include many added features.
• Where have all the Ladas gone?
  A common car on the streets of Hungary, the Lada is hard to find but is not so far in the memories of the people who once drove them. Modern cars have taken over the older generations of cars that once reigned supreme during the communist era of Hungary.
• On manners: Part One
  An honest look at which you'd rather prefer, the candy-coated falsity of American flattery or the normal indifferent mannerisms of the modern day Hungarian.
• Instead of Halloween, Hungarians head to the cemeteries for All Soul's Day
  Unlike the fun parade that is American Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Soul's Day in Hungary are holidays that address the dead in a rather different way.
• Don't get carried away by the Hungarians sweeping Hollywood
  Hollywood is a definate destination for many Hungarians who have pursued a career in acting, here are a few of them.
• Getting fed in Budapest for one euro
  Try out a meat byproduct that is much like bologna for a cheap meal in Hungary and add a roll and eat for less than one euro.
• Pictures of Buda Castle
  Photos taken of the Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary.
• October 6th in Hungary, the 1848-1849 Freedom Fight
  It was a day to go down in the Hungarian history books, the 1848-1849 Freedom Fight and Revolution and the day 13 Hungarian generals were executed by the Hapsbursb rule. Louis Kossuth died as well, the first prime minister of Hungary.
• Day trips from Budapest: Esztergom
  Estergom is a country town in Hungary not far from Budapest. It is a trip worth seeing with an ancient cathedral and castle and is accessible through the Pilas Mountains.
• Graffiti: Budapest's Manmade Scars
  Graffiti is widespread in Hungary with very little purpose behind it except to cheapen the surfaces it defaces. It is a problem that under communist rule received little to no attention unlike today.
• Basic Hungarian Lingo
  Learn a few Hungarian words and phrases to get by. It's basic Hungarian for all you beginners.
• Whose Face, Which Forint?
  Test your knowledge of the famous forint faces and learn a few things about who you pass from hand to hand, day in and day out in Hungary. Is it a king, a count, or a prince, maybe all three?
• Hungary: A Dental Tourism Destination
  Dental tourism is a common occurance in Hungary as the costs are low and the quality is high. Many British tourists are finding the option of a dental tour increasingly appealing.
• Getting Fed in Budapest for 2 or 3 Euros: Turkish Restaurants
  The Turks may not occupy Hungary anymore but they do occupy some space on the restaurant circuit. Plus, eating Turkish food is a cheap cuisine to gorge on and so a taste of the past remains.
• The Spice and Character of Food in Hungary
  Food is definately reason to celebrate in Hungary, from Chicken Paprika to the famous Strudel, Hungarians like to eat and eat well. Delve into the bottom of a bowl of Goulash or drink some Palinka, you are now in Hungary-enjoy!
• Another Ball at the Buda Castle, Oh My!
  Palinka and Sausage is another reason to head out to the castle this October in Budapest. Join the food and fun for another gastronomical adventure in Hungary.
• Guns vs. Puskak in Hungarian Schools
  Cheating in schools isn't as dangerous as it appears, 'puskak' is Hungarian for 'shotgun' but it is slang for a cheat sheet. It isn't a matter of life and death, but it is not advantageous for Hungarian students to be hiding these little papers in order to pass their exams.
• The Epic, Ben Hur, Live at the Budapest Sportarena
  A show you will not forget, it's Ben Hur, live at the Budapest, Sportarena in December. Get ready for chariots instead of sleighs for Christmas and Romans instead of elves.
• Turning on the Stove
  Suicide Prevention, does it have anything to do with the last of the old-style Hungarian gas stoves and why they were created the way they are? This author tells why he thinks Hungarian gas stoves lack in true functionality and purpose.
• Does Not Translate: Főzelék
  Főzelék means a "vegetable dish" in Hungarian but it really means soup. Leves is the word for soup but it isn't used in all cases as the previous word broadens the category of what soup in Hungary really is.
• Hungarian is hard: Part one
  Hungarian is a wonderful, crazy, flexible, bewildering, interesting, incomprehensible and perfectly learnable ... if you've got a few centuries.
• Does Not Translate: Lomtalanítás
  One of the odder rituals in Hungary is something called "lomtalanítás," which looks like a garbage strike and may actually be a form of socialized refuse distribution...
• BKV
  Budapest is well-known for its excellent public transportation, but controlling private company BKV leaves a little to be desired in its methodology and government fund-leeching.
• Does Not Translate: Csipa
  What the hell is the word for that dried-out crusty stuff in your eyes when you wake up? An easy-to-say convenient term for it exists in Hungarian!
• Nyócker
  Thoughts and meanderings centered on Budapest's 8th district, a.k.a. Jozsefváros, a.k.a. Nyócker. It's a bit of the most dangerous area of Hungary combined with Mayberry RFD. Except with more prostitutes...
• Szép-tember
  The best month to visit Budapest? September is perfect: That's when all the trees are colorful, the weather is cool, the tourists are next to non-existent, and it's just generally gorgeous. (Problems with parlagfű pollen excepted, of course.)
• Unicum night!
  "Das ist ein Unicum!" proclaimed Kaiser Joseph II and *the* Hungarian liqueur was christened. A tasty, vaguely Jagermeister-like drink, our Scott Savoie discovers it's also not bad with energy drinks...
• Service with a snarl: The service industry in post-communist Central Europe
  Why is customer service so incredibly bad in Central Europe in general and Hungary in particular? Our man on the scene Scott Savoie advances his ideas.
• The Thin Red (Green and White) Line
  At the intercity bus station, love the line, hate the scrum to fight for a seat.
• Holy Sitt, Batman, that word is almost the same!
  In his continuing quest to understand the strange and exotic language Hungarian, resident expat Scott Savoie happens upon a word he quite likes: "Sitt," roughly meaning "useless stuff that results from refurbishing a flat."
• Hungary aches for football success
  It's been a long time since Team Hungary achieved international success as a football power in the 1950s with Ferenc Puskas and the "Golden Team." But like all good Europeans straddled with a perpetual loser, Hungary keeps on yearning...
• Chinese sizes
  Scott Savoie buys his underwear at Budapest's fantastic Chinese markets, and he's not afraid to admit he currently sports a size XXXXL -- but in a different sizing system.
• Language Schools in Budapest
  Want to learn Hungarian? Whether you want a basic understanding of Hungarian or you to plow forward with gusto and learn it all, here are a few places in Budapest to start you on your quest to learn the Hungarian language.
• Under a Frog's Ass
  I've never seen a frog's ass, but it sure doesn't sound like an inviting place to be. Nor does the phrase translate in English to anything that makes any real sense, but to the Hungarian, under a frog's ass is exactly the way Hungarians feel when they are 'down in the dumps' or 'gloomy'.
• Does Not Translate: Turo
  When someone offers you a Turo Rudi candy bar and you ask "What is it?” and they tell you "It is cottage cheese and chocolate” and you say "Bleck! Cottage cheese and chocolate? That sounds disgusting!” (Which it does in English). Fear not, a Turo Rudi is in fact a tasty confection of cream cheese and chocolate.
• Szabadsag Ter: Freedom Square
  Where I live and work in the fifth district of the city of Budapest there are a few particular details that have come to have meaning for me, specifically, the unique area in which I reside-Freedom Square.
• You Say Goodbye, I Say Hállo
  What's weird about greetings in the Hungarian language as oppossed to the English? Let me tell you then what it's all about.
• August 20th in Hungary
  What makes August 20th in Hungary a day of rest for the Hungarian people: Is it a holiday, a day to remember or is it merely an excuse to get the day off from work?
• Magyar Lanyok
  One of the main advantages of living in Hungary is the beautiful women, but it is unclear what it is that makes them so alluring. Could it be some sort of "hybrid vigor” brought about by all of the empires that have stormed through here through the ages?
• Talking and Not Talking
  When trying to learn a new language, take into consideration the fact that most people who are speaking the same language often don't understand each other either, so try not to be too hard on yourself.
• The Chinese Market
• Hungarian-English, Visual Dictionary: Vegetables
  Learn Hungarian with a few words at a time with pictures to help you to remember.These are common vegetables and their names in Hungarian and English.
• Words and Meanings
  Not only do different cultures have different languages, but even words themselves mean different things based on the connotations of those words. It's important to take into account the differences not only in languages, but also in words.
• Does Not Translate: Pepperoni
  Pepperoni is something different in Hungarian than in English, be sure you know the difference before it's too late and you are having to rate your pain via the Scoville scale.
• Sziget Festival: Not 'Quite' as Radical as Western European Youth Culture
• Culture Shock; The Extended Release
  Culture shock has many different forms, this article tells of the kind of culture shock that takes a bit of time to rear its ugly head, so when it does, be sure and be prepared for it!
• The Shelf System: How Plumbing Differs in Hungary
  Toilets, I know, not a pleasant topic to spend too much time dancing around the tables with, but this is raw, practical advice here because toilets as we know, and as much as we hate them, have a definate role in our lives in the contemporary world.
• Museums to Enjoy in Budapest
  Explore a variety of museums in Budapest from Fine Art to Contemporary Art or from historical societies to famous landmarks in Hungary and everything in between. Scout out all the local art and relics in Budapest with enough places to go to suffice every kind of culture seeker interested in past history to the far-reaching future of space exploration.
• Applying for a Visa
  The proper visa should be applied for from your country of residence well in advance of your departure. This permission can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to move to.
• Immigration Plan B:Getting Married
  After everything else fails, most long-term expatriates wind up getting married to secure permanent residence.
• Is Living Abroad Right for You?
  I would recommend traveling and living abroad for anyone. I think it is almost always a positive experience to see the world in a new light and to meet people who view the world in a different way.
• An Entrepreneur Abroad
  One way to fill a niche and ingratiate yourself to your new host government (or should I say new parasite government) is to start a business there.
• Moving Abroad, First-Timer
  So you want to move abroad? Immigrating to another country is a difficult and complicated process for nearly everyone.
• TOP-5 Restaurants in Budapest
  5 Spectacular Dining Experiences to try in Budapest, Hungary, for the love of food, fine wine and celebrate all five-senses in this unique land of wonder.
• Expat in Hungary
  Time sure does fly. I’ve been living in Budapest, Hungary since 2001 and have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly that the country has to offer.
• 3 Main Events at Buda Castle--Budapest
  Buda Castle, once known as the Royal Palace, was built with Gothic, Renaissance and Art Noveu elements throughout the centuries...
• American Musicians Coming to Budapest
  Of the great variety of American Musicians coming to Budapest, a few particular artists stand out in the limelight.
• What an American Expat Pines for Abroad
  Far across the Atlantic and land-locked in the center of Europe, in Budapest, Hungary, there are certain items, places and familiar scenes I miss from America...
• A Naturopath's View On Health
  Today more than ever, millions are seeking out alternative opinions on how disease can be both prevented and healed. Alternative therapy, in contrast to modern medicine, is a way of looking at things differently, seeing how we can incorporate nature and what's natural into a new healing paradigm.
• The Island of Crete, an Expat Travels to Greece
  Living in the center-most point of Europe has its definite advantages. More specifically, as an expat in Budapest, Hungary, I am able to afford to travel to many places I have, until now, not had the opportunity to see.
• Hungary: An Expat's View - Living, learning and working in Hungary
  Living for over a year now in Hungary I have found this small, but proud and distinct eastern European country to have a great deal to tell. I believe I have more of an insider's view than someone just coming to Hungary.
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