I have already said many good things about Budapest and will to tell even more. But as I wrote earlier, Budapest is a city of contrasts, it is beautiful and ugly at the same time, and it's so much intertwined that it might be difficult to mention all the good in one article, and all the bad in the other, as some bloggers do. Besides, in general, the opinion on many things depends a lot on the point of view.
Therefore I am going to tell you tell you why I would not live in Budapest. What will be written below is not the list of claims or renovation to-do list, but rather a subjective view of the potential resident.
First and foremost, as I have already written, the Hungarian language is very difficult to learn, but that is not even the most important thing. Studying the Czech and Polish languages, I discover for myself the world of Slavic languages. For example, now I am capable of reading in Croatian, in Bulgarian, Slovak and so on without any preparation. Half of the globe speaks Spanish and Portuguese. German and French are the languages of the European culture, each of them opens up an endless world of personalities and texts, that are significant for more than one country. I do not even mention English. The Hungarian language is focused on itself, it doesn't have a big family around the world, (the closest are the languages of the
Khanty and
Mansi), and the learning of it does not give any extension into any other language or culture, nor provides the entrance into any wider community outside Hungary.
Secondly, at this time Hungary is experiencing political events that I would describe as alarming.
Here are few quotations:
Last summer, the Prime Minister has caused outrage in Brussels, announcing an effort to build an "illiberal state based on national foundations" - just as Russia, China and Turkey.
(c)
Source
We will build the anti-liberal state where there is no place for the liberals
(c)
Source
And to sum up, the words, belong to an unknown author:
But the fact that Orban wanted to expropriate land from non-Hungarian landowners, smells a little bit fascistic. (c)
I'm not ready to be responsible for the accuracy of Orban's quotes, but that is what I've heard from the locals, who I had a chance to talk to and they say that the vector of the mentioned quotes is right. Also, I wouldn't like to discuss Russian choices in this direction, but I would rather find living in such a state uncomfortable, especially when I'm a part of the risk group, as a foreigner.
Thirdly, the city is poor, and it is immediately noticeable. I am engaged in business, and it is an important factor for me.
Fourthly, the city has very badly organized urban environment.
There are cities convenient for the pedestrians, such as Barcelona. There are cities where the pedestrians live a difficult life, let's say, Berlin, but the drivers recline (yes, I love Berlin crossroads, where the street is crossed in two steps, as the green light is on for 5 seconds only). Then, there are cities like Vienna, where everything is well-balanced (although driving is expensive there, but what to do).
And there are cities, such as Budapest or Moscow. Where it is bad for everyone.
I was sure that I was cheated by the taxi drivers, who were constantly choosing the longest route. Today I have driven around the city on my own. Nope, traffic scheme is so disgusting that the route from the point A to point B is almost always associated with large overruns. The city is in a state of permanent traffic jams (though not as bad as Moscow gridlocks), while the pedestrians constantly face the inconvenience in the way: wider streets are poorly arranged, there is a long wait for the green light, disgusting navigation and so on.
Fifthly, the city is not stylish. This refers to both: people, shop windows and some other things. Here I will not write any more comments - it's a matter of taste. Perhaps someone thinks that the billboards on the roof are normal, and the windows may look like in the picture from the previous article about the city.
Sixthly, the city is very filthy. There is a homeless on every second bench! Do not tell me about Paris, it is way cleaner and there are much fewer homeless people around.
This is the center of the city, a typical pattern. There are urine marks everywhere on the walls and pavement. (excuse me for not taking the pictures).
And this is how they fight with it.
Does not help much.
And here is one of the most beautiful places of Budapest, a rock on the bank of Danube. The exact center. Next to the biggest attractions of the city.
At the foot of the cliff a hobo organized himself a hobo amusement park. There is a half-meter blade in his hands, that he throws to the ground, accompanying it all with some muttering.
The police and the city government are not interested at all in any of this. It is evident that the problem of the homeless is completely bypassed and ignored, moreover it can not be solved at once.
This is not only unpleasant (haven't ever seen every second city corner stinking of urine anywhere else), but in general, it describes the attitude of citizens and municipal authorities to their city.
So, if you like a sugar sweet Europe with neatly laid tiles, full of cleanliness and order, it is better to choose another destination for traveling. This is not so important for me during the vacation, I value cities for other things, but I definitely will never live in Budapest.