Notes on Culture and Porcupines in Budapest

Culture is the widening of the mind and the spirit.

-Jawaharlal Nehru (Indian Prime Minister, 1889-1964)

Going to a different country and city means encountering different cultures. When I chose the Eastern European Blyth trip, I was looking for a unique experience in countries I would not likely visit in the future. Over the past few days in Budapest, I have definitely got my wish!

The first funny and kind of gross event happened to me on my first night out in Pest. Cassie, Erin, and I were wandering around the streets when we ran into a man peeing on the street corner! Totally not something I would expect back home. I spent the rest of the night avoiding suspicious puddles and corners of buildings. I just could not understand how someone could need to go that badly. Couldn’t they have just found a bathroom in a restaurant or shop?

The next day, I totally understood how that man was feeling when Cassie and I were looking for a bathroom in the market. When we finally found one, we were told we had to pay 1500 Forints to use it! I was shocked. Isn’t using the restroom a human right!? I made a mental note to contact the UN Human Rights department when I returned to the hotel later that evening. Undaunted, we remembered a Burger King across the street. Surely they wouldn’t require us to pay. Lo and behold, in front of the restrooms was a young man asking for 2000 Forints to enter. I couldn’t believe it. Not only was I being asked to pay again, but the price had gone up! Luckily for Cassie and I, some expert begging skills convinced the man to let us use the restrooms without paying. No wonder the man from the night before relieved himself in the street; he probably felt he had no choice!



A handy diagram that details my options



Another key lesson on European culture came when I tried to cross the street several times yesterday. Back home, I go by the slightly dangerous model of “if a car can see you, and is far enough back, cross the street and they will probably slow down for you.” Apparently this doesn’t transfer well in Hungary. As I crossed the street, I noticed several cars maintain their speed, or even  speed up as they approached me. They seemed unaware I was trying to cross, or just didn’t care. Apparently, it is okay to mow down pedestrians around here, as long as they aren’t crossing on a crosswalk. I am definitely going to update my pedestrian motto to include only crossing at crosswalks while in Europe!

Along with my new motto for crossing streets, I have taken up a new motto when a bike is approaching me. Seek higher ground, or duck and cover, whichever is more convenient. Apparently, bikes have the right of way everywhere in Europe. Cassie and I were walking down the street yesterday, when a cyclist rang his bell behind us. Being courteous pedestrians, we moved closer together to allow him to pass us on the outside. He took this as a challenge, and next thing we know there is a man on a bike about five centimeters from each of us, in between us! This was not an isolated event, and in my eyes, bikers try to get as close to you as possible without actually hitting you (at least not yet.)



 I fear for my life when bicycles approach on the street, and am planning on wearing some sort of armor to protect myself from the collision I know is imminent.   



Me, next time i leave the hotel

Although not actually a new cultural experience, I was kind of surprised at the methods for taking the bus here in Budapest. After leaving the Gellert baths, we as a group decided to take a bus back to the hotel. We stood at what we thought was a tram/bus stop, and flagged down the approaching bus and tram. They proceeded to stop and we got on. Just kidding! They drove right past us like they couldn’t see us. We gave them the benefit of the doubt, moved to another “stop” and proceeded to flag down another bus. This time, the driver made eye contact with me, and continued driving. I was shocked! They didn’t even give me the courtesy of waving when they refused to pick me up, as I was used to back in Burlington. Unshaken, we proceeded to a spot that had a sign with a bus on it, and were finally picked up. Note to self- make sure you are actually at a bus stop when trying to get on a bus, or just bite the bullet and walk. You will probably get to your destination more quickly!

The most interesting event of Budapest occurred last night, while we were exploring Buda. Allison, Cassie, Erin, and I were walking down a hill when we spotted what we thought was a large rat. Being an animal lover, I wanted to follow it. As I got closer, I realized this was not, in fact, a rat, but a porcupine! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had never seen a porcupine in real life, and was intent on petting it, until the other girls reminded me of the sharp quills just in time! We let him go, but not before a quick photo-op. Afterwards, I tried to ask some locals if porcupines were a normal sight in Hungary, but they didn’t understand my question. I think it would be absolutely awesome to live in a country where porcupines were as common as squirrels!



Me, about to pet my new-found friend



In only a few days in Budapest, I have undertaken a crash course on Hungarian life, and learned quite a few lessons for getting around and fitting in. I feel like I have mastered life here, just in time to be moving on to a new country in two days, where I have to start all over!

Clearly, not a campaign Hungary has undertaken



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