Lotsokids
Well-Known Member
Most of you know that I am an American living in Hungary for the next few years. Things are a lot different here. I thought I would give a few more examples of what I find odd.
- Hungarians push their bicycles everywhere. My kids keep trying to justify them by saying maybe they are tired, but I've never pushed my bike because I was tired. Just pedal slower. My son then said, maybe they don't feel safe riding next to the road. But then I mentioned that they just doubled their width by walking next to their bike! I then started counting bicyclists. The next 7 bicyclists were found in 30 minutes. 5 were pushing their bike, and only 2 were riding it. I find this strange. Just leave the thing at home and go for a walk!
- Bicyclists legally have a right to 1/3 of the lane you are driving in. They know it, too - they won't move over. Many bikes have a brightly colored baby seat with no baby so they don't get run over.
- Reflective vests are "cool" to wear - because it keeps you alive! A co-worker got a ticket and fine from the police for jogging *near* a road without a reflective vest.
- I'm changing the oil (and seals) on my Yamaha FJ1200 forks, and I can't find 10W-30 oil ANYWHERE. I just paid $15 for ONE QUART of 5W-30. The most expensive oil I saw was about $37 PER QUART.
- Fuel is about $7 per gallon. Of course, horse-drawn carts are all over.
- No offices use carbon paper. All documents must be signed in blue ink and stamped. ALWAYS. I just bought a car here, and I could see where they ripped out all the carbon paper on the form they used. I had to sign ALL copies and the seller had to put his stamp on each copy. If it is not signed in blue and does not have a stamp, it is not legal or binding.
- Houses have tile everywhere. I've been here since last November and have not seen carpet in a house yet. That's fine with us - it's much easier to clean!
- Most drinks are kept at room temeperature. Ice is unheard of. Our Hungarian landlords are very nice people, but when they come over and we offer [iced] tea, they specifically ask for no ice.
I do have a great job that I am thankful for, though. :thumbs up:
Thanks for listening... I had to tell someone! :blahblah:
- Hungarians push their bicycles everywhere. My kids keep trying to justify them by saying maybe they are tired, but I've never pushed my bike because I was tired. Just pedal slower. My son then said, maybe they don't feel safe riding next to the road. But then I mentioned that they just doubled their width by walking next to their bike! I then started counting bicyclists. The next 7 bicyclists were found in 30 minutes. 5 were pushing their bike, and only 2 were riding it. I find this strange. Just leave the thing at home and go for a walk!
- Bicyclists legally have a right to 1/3 of the lane you are driving in. They know it, too - they won't move over. Many bikes have a brightly colored baby seat with no baby so they don't get run over.
- Reflective vests are "cool" to wear - because it keeps you alive! A co-worker got a ticket and fine from the police for jogging *near* a road without a reflective vest.
- I'm changing the oil (and seals) on my Yamaha FJ1200 forks, and I can't find 10W-30 oil ANYWHERE. I just paid $15 for ONE QUART of 5W-30. The most expensive oil I saw was about $37 PER QUART.
- Fuel is about $7 per gallon. Of course, horse-drawn carts are all over.
- No offices use carbon paper. All documents must be signed in blue ink and stamped. ALWAYS. I just bought a car here, and I could see where they ripped out all the carbon paper on the form they used. I had to sign ALL copies and the seller had to put his stamp on each copy. If it is not signed in blue and does not have a stamp, it is not legal or binding.
- Houses have tile everywhere. I've been here since last November and have not seen carpet in a house yet. That's fine with us - it's much easier to clean!
- Most drinks are kept at room temeperature. Ice is unheard of. Our Hungarian landlords are very nice people, but when they come over and we offer [iced] tea, they specifically ask for no ice.
I do have a great job that I am thankful for, though. :thumbs up:
Thanks for listening... I had to tell someone! :blahblah:
