Travel, 50+, Hungary

Hungary has long suffered from a severe case of chronic orbanitis. As a consequence... On the other hand they have provided a lot of joy for other European nations being able to rise in ranking of wealth and well-being. On the other hand their people suffer like a hemorrhaging heart and brain. But on the other hand, the foreign travelers can travel on the cheap and pig out like a king Charles the Fat. I attempted to engage a waiter to comment on the issue, but in his fiercely apathetic state he simply left me with the quote: "I don't know. I just carry the beef."

Despite the general apathy and the tragic mistaken identity as Huns that carries over centuries, the locals carry on. Who can tell, maybe it is due to the magnificent architecture, statues and overall culture? Either way, the tourists receive a decent bang for their buck. Most popularly in the capital, but none should shun what remains outside.

But let's face it, most people end up in the capital first and okay, fine. It's a great place to start. A lot of things to see, a lot of things to do, unexpected protests to join and the central areas are kept clean from the so called untouchables. Or are they? While I was wondering down the streets like a peacock beaming and ready to be approached by the local ladies, instead I attracted other kinds of folks. The kinds who approach out of nowhere with an iPhone sans charger, box or other usual things. His head spinning like he was an owl, a tanned man took a second to ask whether I would be interested in purchasing a "totally legit and new" device. Before I could more than thrust my mouth agape and roll my tongue ready to go, he had already disappeared in the shadows. It might have been the statue of a bronze pig that scared him, I do not know. The experience was nearly as confusing as trying to use a large local post office. That place, presumably the main post office, was so confusing that even the locals had no idea which button I needed to press to queue for a stamp. In the end, I was holding a pile of them. Probably took the business and bread out of the poor grandmas' mouth who were taking numbers and selling those to people pinched short on time.

While some have argued there are better ways to travel in Hungary, I have so far preferred the trains. The views are quite alright, the comfort level with free movement is so much better and you get to avoid those folks "saving up for a bus ride" you tend to meet at bus stations in this general area of the continent. The price is quite wallet friendly as well. Were you to take the more local one's you'll have a good chance to share your train with just a single lady aboard.

The Judgment:
Hungary is one of the most wallet friendly countries in Europe. Possibly the most wallet friendly in the EU. The place is generally quite safe, despite some pickpockets and other opportunists. The locals tend to leave you alone unless you engage with them first. While the lot seem either grumpy or depressed, the people I met were always either polite, friendly or both. This gives a lot of relaxed freedom for any traveler, who wants to just explore, experience, take pictures and enjoy the atmosphere and a few small adventures. The food is generally good and inexpensive. The place is, in my experience, solo traveler friendly.

While the landlocked country might have more to offer for people interested in cities, history, culture and, perhaps, wine, you do have an opportunity for a beach holiday as well. Lake Balaton will give you pretty much everything you'd expect from your average beach holiday. In case you already want to go, like right now, you have just enough time to prepare for a Busójárás event, which is quite possibly the most notable thing in the early part of the year.

Would I go again? Yes. I have not seen the East side, after all.