Budapest is the Capital of Hungary

There’s a really funny TV clip about an American girl who doesn’t know of which country Budapest is the capital.  In fact, she’s never even heard of Hungary.  I wonder a bit how Hungarians feel about this, but I’m afraid to ask.  Frankly, I’m also afraid that the video might depict a certain level of reality, considering that a recent conversation with a disoriented family member ended with:  “For crying out loud!  Remember the old country Czechoslovakia?  Yeah, near that.”

Hungary is in Central Europe (not Eastern Europe), squished among Ukraine, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania  It is home to the largest lake in Central Europe (Balaton), politely said goodbye to Communism twenty years ago, and has a much-celebrated 1000-year history.  By way of introduction, Hungarians who give business presentations to other nationalities often follow the compulsory “here is Hungary” map with a list of some of the country’s noteworthy accomplishments.  During such a presentation, you might learn that the ballpoint pen and Rubik’s cube were invented here, and you will definitely learn that the Hungarian water polo team is world class.  Every country needs a claim to fame, and Hungary’s pride floats largely with man and ball.

As for my husband and me, Budapest has been our own little secret for almost two years.  It is, as someone once told me, a city of light.  Think apricot sunsets and butter-and-wine-colored buildings.  Then there’s the legendary blue (ish) Danube, which casually splices the city in half—Buda to the west, Pest to the east.  The castle and the Citadel preside over the city from the Buda hills, while the Parliament stands watch along the Pest bank, awaiting another renovation cycle and next year’s elections.  Underground, countless thermal water sources feed the famous bathhouses—some of which were built during the Turkish occupation over 400 years ago.  (Depending on location, Hungary’s waters are said to relieve everything from arthritis to nerve disorders.)  The largest thermal lake in Europe, Hévíz, is just a short drive away.  It is a city blessed, if not always by time and circumstance, then certainly by nature.

On that note, you may have heard that Hungarian women are beautiful—a blessing in their own right.  There aren’t exactly supermodels walking around Andrássy Street, but I think the reputation is somewhat warranted.  If the average American woman is a 5, the average Hungarian woman is more like a tan, thin 7.

I will eventually add details about my favorite places and events in Hungary.  When the weather finally drives us indoors, a summary of local museums and theatres might be in order.  On the food front, there is plenty to share, with palinka (distilled fruit schnapps), paprika, meats and salami, local wine (not just Tokaj!), and yes, goulash (is it a soup or a stew?).  A sense of the people will hopefully emerge as well, although if ever there was a language to inhibit social understanding and give you a headache in the process, it’s Hungarian.

So, now if someone asks about the country of which Budapest is the capital, you know a bit.  And if you forget everything else, please, I beg you, mention the water polo team.

Tagged as: Budapest, Expat, Hungary, Life