Everything that I had read and heard mentioned that the Hungarian people are not that friendly to strangers and that they think Americans smile too much and therefore are not to be trusted. I have not found that to be true. Making a fuss out of their little dog has really been an icebreaker for me as far as the neighbors in the flat. Even if they don't understand the words, they appreciate the sentiment and will smile and speak the next time I see them. Of course, I am sensitive to body language that tells me not to approach them.
At school about half of the teachers speak some English. We have found the staff to be quite friendly and helpful and even the ones who don't speak much English will attempt some niceities.
We don't have a car (although the school has loaned us a bike). I didn't really appreciate how much cars simplify our lives. Everytime we go to the store, we have to 1.) make sure we take our bags since they charge for bags (yes they are ahead of the U.S. in this way, but I think it has more to do with economics than the enviornment) and 2.) consider the bulk and weight of everything since we will be carrying it home. It really does force you to decide how much you really need an item.
Hopefully, I will soon learn how to add pics to my blog!
Oh my gosh, I remember that kind of information overload the most from being in India. Those first few weeks, just venturing out to buy bananas across the street was absolutely exhausting. Learning how to cross the street in India took a good several weeks.
ReplyDeleteHello Cathie! just read your blog and i enjoyed it. Mario created my own blog. It is donaldmoffitt. Hugs, Dad
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