Gap Year Scrapbook

Well, we have now been to see the very politically active parliament square. The métro pulled into the Kosúth ter station; it was so silent a scientist could of use it for a controlled experiment to see what happens when it's really bloody quite.

Going outside the station to see the protesters in the square could have easily reduced us to a bloody mess in the back of a police station. A woman -- whom we've since been told was probably a little crazy -- warned us that if the police catch us taking photos we'd have our cameras taken off us then promptly our faces would be smashed in. Needless to say we left. Found a new location. And started taking more photos.

There's an example; I'll use this in my report since it's got good details of aged facial features on a subject from the older generation. It's hard to pick who to support in these events in Hungary. Either support the corrupt left, or the centre-right who are using this as an opportunity to try and seize power. I don't think either of us know enough about Hungarian politics to make any kind of judgment. I'm going to wait to ask Gáspár tomorrow.

Back in the flat peter had a night of me shouting at him to get on with his TEFL. At the rate he's going it won't be done until December the 22nd. He's not improving. So I've not taken more drastic acton:

"Rajta" is Hungarian for - "get on with it!"

In the métro system so far I've come across: A drunken man looking at a burning cigarette with a magnifying glass; countless Gypsies selling total crap; sleeping tramps; lesbian BKV ticket inspectors; transvestites; more screaming and begging Gypsies, one of which said: "you! look at me, your nice, look at me as well - do you like?" and even Lord Robert Winston.

Peter's and my own navigational skills came out top trumps when we went to find the 'Kultiplex' ruin bar. It took us about an hour and a half, and it should have only taken only thirty minutes. At least that's what peter announced before we set off. As a consequence we missed the band we wanted to see. Still, they have alcohol at kultiplex so it wasn't all bad.

Walking around down town 'pest one doesn't expect to have to dodge loads of crap 70s furniture. But to make such a presumption would be a rookie mistake in Eastern Europe. Tramps passionately were searching through an ancient vinal collection (to play on what? I honestly doubt they have have a massive home entertainment suite). However, I shouldn't be so quick to judge as I almost gave a rather swanky leather case a new home.

Another word of warning to the tourist of Budapest is not to fall into same trap as comrade peter. Just because someone is nice to you in a restaurant is not -- by any means -- justification to start buying double of everything. Even if you're getting 'chatted-up'. Remember dear readers this could well be a 'sales trick', and not an opportunity try and slot money into the leather clad underwear of a French kávehaz. Peter has asked me to point out that he really thinks he was getting 'tapped up' Philip thinks otherwise.

We found some random tanks, cars and flags at Deak Ferenc Ter this afternoon. It's got something to do with the 1956 uprising celebrations and memorial. It provided an excellent opportunity for some photography for my scholarship. And even more random photos of me and peter not really knowing what's going on and enjoying the randomness of Budapest metropolitan life.

This flag has a large section missing, no not for my head, but from where a CCCP Hammer and Sickle which was slashed out during the up-rising:

Back at the flat we had a little problem, thrashed it out, and came to the conclusion that the only thing for it was to send all the womanly and new age stuff to the GULAG. This is what we now call the cupboard in the corner of the room. I'm sorry Peter's mum, he made me do it!

It include: “miscellaneous items without function”, “smell making thing” and “new age random tosh"