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 examples of what I find odd. My intention, however, is not to "bash" the Hungarian way of life.
- 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! I just saw a family walking their bikes - The mom was pushing her bike, and the dad was pushing his AND the kid's bikes... while they all walked. I asked a Hungarian friend why they walk their bikes around so often, and he said, "Where do you see this?" ...kind of like he was in denial. Sorry, but this is really bizarre to me!
- 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 changed the oil (and seals) on my forks, and I coudn'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 for one year, 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.
- Here's my favorite part of Hungary... the "shelf toilet." When you poop, it just lands on nearly dry porcelin, then when you flush, the water wisks it over the edge where it should have gone in the first place. Of course, there are brushes next to EVERY toilet I have seen here in Hungary. And you must use them because of the skidding action you might imagine. What in the world??? I guess after you take a dump, Hungarians must enjoy seeing (and SMELLING) their crap. It's also called, "lay and display." Some exist in Germany also. Read this article for a funny explanation:
http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000212.html (http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000212.html)
(http://www.hudin.com/img/box/931.jpg)
Here's a video of a railroad crossing near where I work. I was on the bike, so the video is short. Just to the left of the stop sign, you can see a guy hand cranking the railroad crossing arms up - by hand.
(http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/?action=view¤t=Railroad.mp4)
Thank you ....I think..... :scratch_one-s_head:
thats some weird shit. :rofl2:
Some pics for your enjoyment:
They still sell record players here!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Recordplayer.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Kawasaki.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Hungarian_Police_Kop.jpg)
A trailer full of bread?
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Breadtrailer.jpg)
Most pizza comes with corn on it.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Pizza.jpg)
What does "Non-Stop Parking" mean?
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Parking.jpg)
I don't remember ever seeing orange cola in the U.S.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/American_cola.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 31, 2010, 02:07:35 PM
Most pizza comes with corn on it.
I bet that works really well with them toilets you have, "Yep, that pizza sure was loaded with corn".... :bad:
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 31, 2010, 02:07:35 PM
What does "Non-Stop Parking" mean?
Sounds like if you park there you don't get your back.
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 31, 2010, 02:07:35 PM
I don't remember ever seeing orange cola in the U.S.
Bring some back for us when you return for a rally, might be good with red cap.
(popcorn)
That toilet reminds me of the Japanese style toilets.. same concept, but you have to squat over them.
(http://www.wordpress.tokyotimes.org/archives/squat_toilet.jpg)
Why do all their food labels refer to Americans? :scratch_one-s_head:
Not a lot makes me happy about living in this country anymore,
but this is helping quite a bit. Thank you
also what is the law enforcement like over there? is there peace? or do they like to use clubs on the citizens like they do over here (USA)?
i do love budapest, it has some lovely quirks and customs!!, must go back soon as it has been a couple of years now,
i do still have some fantastic triple stamped complicated train tickets somewhere, those toilets are pretty popular all
over mainland europe as is the orange and coke mix, in germany and holland there is a good one called mezzo mix which
i think is made by pepsi or coke,
$7 for petrol is pretty good for europe these days, it is more here (in uk) and even more in france, germany and holland,
mind you a gallon over here is bigger than a us gallon.
i do miss lounging in the open air pool in city park, esp on a cold winters day with frozen hair (well what is left of it these days!)
and snow falling but being really warm and toastie in the hot water.
Quote from: Travis398 on November 01, 2010, 04:24:02 PM
...also what is the law enforcement like over there?...
Pretty crazy actually. I know someone who was driving a BMW and got rear-ended. The "Rendorseg" or police showed up and the officer said that since he appears to be more wealthy than the guy that hit him, he could charge HIM with the accident to let his insurance pay for that poor other guy's car.
Doesn't sound corrupt at all... :nea:
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 02, 2010, 10:37:51 AM
Quote from: Travis398 on November 01, 2010, 04:24:02 PM
...also what is the law enforcement like over there?...
Pretty crazy actually. I know someone who was driving a BMW and got rear-ended. The "Rendorseg" or police showed up and the officer said that since he appears to be more wealthy than the guy that hit him, he could charge HIM with the accident to let his insurance pay for that poor other guy's car.
Doesn't sound corrupt at all... :nea:
Reverse snobbery for the win! In America we get rear ended by the rich guy all the time. Sometimes there is even a car involved.
On a more positive note, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE driving here on the highways. It seems they get their driving practices from Germany or Austria. Vehicles generally DO NOT SIT IN THE LEFT LANE!!! Sorry, this is a pet peave of mine. The left lane here is ONLY for passing. If only Americans could figure that out. When I came back from the track a couple months ago, I was holding the old FJ right at nearly 100 MPH for a couple hours. Hungarians pay close attention to what is going on around them and especially behind them. If they see you coming up pretty hot behind them they make every effort to get over to the right to let you by. They turn their turn signal on well in advance so you know that they intend to get over. Maybe that's the key - arrogance might be why Americans don't move over. Just a thought...
I just watch people peel off to the right like Moses parting the Red Sea - it's great. My road rage has nearly disappeared. :smile:
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 02, 2010, 04:27:16 PM
Sorry, this is a pet peave of mine
Mine is poor spelling. (popcorn)
I was hoping Klavdy would be on this faster and use torrents of foul language to correct the misdeed, however punctuation was not involved in this transgression.
I envy your freeway freedom! I think it is ignorance not arrogance that causes the traffic trouble over here. And do be careful riding, I hear the Hungarian medical system is about 40 years behind the rest of civilization.
Doug
Not so much ignorance as obliviousness...... nobody in cages pays any attention to what's going on around them.
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 02, 2010, 04:27:16 PM
Maybe that's the key - arrogance might be why Americans don't move over. Just a thought...
No, it isn't arrogance, its the stupid sense of entitlement that Americans have learned in the last 50 years. I seriously think it began when they started telling people that they can't beat their children and that they should encourage every mediocre thing that their children do. Because of that, every American citizen believes that they are the most important individual in their particular postal code, and that they shouldn't have to wait in line like everybody else. This is why we ride the left lane at 3 miles over the posted and rush the merging lane at 20 mph over just to be three cars ahead of where we'd have been had we just waited our turn.
Quote from: carsick on November 02, 2010, 04:53:28 PM
I was hoping Klavdy would be on this faster and use torrents of foul language to correct the misdeed, however punctuation was not involved in this transgression.
Yeah, me too.
Are You Smarter Than Kellie Pickler? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVdoSQHJ0aU#noexternalembed)
I've seen that video, Mike. Sad, but funny. It's so bad, it looks staged.
I thought I would share a couple more things with you.
#1
A couple of co-workers moved here from the U.S. and bought their furniture here instead of shipping theirs. So they went to the furniture store downtown and picked out a couch and chairs.
One couple picked out a couple chairs that were different colors. The salesperson asked if both chairs would be in the same room. When they said, "yes" they refused to sell them the chairs. They left and returned later and lied and said they would put them in different rooms. Then they "allowed" them to buy the chairs. :unknown:
The other couple were in the same situation. After talking with the manager, the manager reluctantly sold the furniture to them.
You gotta love former communist countries! :mocking:
#2
I give you the......... TRABANT. It's a wonderful little East German car (Commie car, I call it). It's pretty popular here. It's a 600cc 2-stroke car. It comes in only a few wonderful flat colors. Of course you have to mix the gas and the gas tank is in the absolutely best location - UNDER THE HOOD ABOVE THE ENGINE.
(http://mycarblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/trabant60126.jpg)
Maybe a better use for it:
(http://getmyphoto.net/pics/252.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 05, 2010, 03:11:04 PM
I give you the......... TRABANT. It's a wonderful little East German car (Commie car, I call it). It's pretty popular here. It's a 600cc 2-stroke car. It comes in only a few wonderful flat colors. Of course you have to mix the gas and the gas tank is in the absolutely best location - UNDER THE HOOD ABOVE THE ENGINE.
Isn't that the one that has the body made of some kind of composite?
Randy T
Indy
Quote from: rktmanfj on November 05, 2010, 07:48:01 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 05, 2010, 03:11:04 PM
I give you the......... TRABANT. It's a wonderful little East German car (Commie car, I call it). It's pretty popular here. It's a 600cc 2-stroke car. It comes in only a few wonderful flat colors. Of course you have to mix the gas and the gas tank is in the absolutely best location - UNDER THE HOOD ABOVE THE ENGINE.
Isn't that the one that has the body made of some kind of composite?
Randy T
Indy
Randy,
Trabbies were made of Duroplast - a material like glass fibre except using cotton. There was a problem when they came to dispose of them. Duroplast can't be re-cycled and causes pollution if burned or buried. A bacteria was developed that eats them - turning then into compost. I visited Liepzig in the former East Germany last year and didn't see any Trabbies. I had an MZ motorcycle and they're also gone. The only communist era vehicle I saw was the Simson moped.
Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)
Quote from: mz_rider on November 06, 2010, 08:00:42 AM
Quote from: rktmanfj on November 05, 2010, 07:48:01 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 05, 2010, 03:11:04 PM
I give you the......... TRABANT. It's a wonderful little East German car (Commie car, I call it). It's pretty popular here. It's a 600cc 2-stroke car. It comes in only a few wonderful flat colors. Of course you have to mix the gas and the gas tank is in the absolutely best location - UNDER THE HOOD ABOVE THE ENGINE.
Isn't that the one that has the body made of some kind of composite?
Randy T
Indy
Randy,
Trabbies were made of Duroplast - a material like glass fibre except using cotton. There was a problem when they came to dispose of them. Duroplast can't be re-cycled and causes pollution if burned or buried. A bacteria was developed that eats them - turning then into compost. I visited Liepzig in the former East Germany last year and didn't see any Trabbies. I had an MZ motorcycle and they're also gone. The only communist era vehicle I saw was the Simson moped.
Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)
That's what I was thinking... one of the US 'news magazine' shows did a bit on them a few years ago. They were talking about how the government wanted them to go away, but the loyal owners just keep driving them, kinda like older cars in Kalifornia these days.
Randy T
Indy
trabants do have a bit of charm in there own way! i like them, spent some time driving round nova huta in poland once in a matt black one with a furry pink fluffy interior! was fun to hurtle round in, but the lights had been left on so we had to bump start it every time!
I remember reading an article in "Automobile" magazine a few years ago about the Trabant. They were interviewing an automotive journalist from that country and asked him if he had ANYTHING good to say about the Trabant. He thought for a moment and them replied,"Production of it has ceased" or something to that effect. Supposedly the engine was sourced from Russian tanks; it was the starter motor.
sounds like an excellent adventure and experience for you and your family. I was i could do something that allowed me to live and work in another country. as much as USA rocks, it also has its fair amount of suck
I took a Hungarian driving class yesterday. WOW. Talk about a world of difference! Here are some interesting notes:
- When you park your car, you MUST lock your car.
- You cannot drive with your fog lights on in town. EVER. Even when it's foggy. There should be sufficient lighting in town. Out of town you may turn them on ONLY when it is foggy. I've had mine on a couple time without fog, and let me tell you - that's VERY offensive to other drivers. Every car will flash you to tell you to turn them off. I asked that question in the class, and the instructor got very upset and emphasized that if you drive with your fog lights on with no fog, it is a HUGE distraction to other drivers and you could cause an accident. You would be at fault, of course.
- You are required by law to carry a spare bulb for each light your car has, plus a reflective vest INSIDE the car. You cannot get out of your car to get it out of the trunk. I've seen many cars with a reflective vest draped over their seat back or in the back window. While I am talking about getting out of the car, I can't tell you how many times I've seen Hungarians peeing beside the road. Many women also, just squatting in the ditch. Yeah, that's a little distracting!
- After Oct. 15, you are required to install snow tires. If you have an accident after Oct. 15, and it is determined you did not have snow tires installed, it is automatically your fault.
We had our medical physical for our driver's license (required by law). They check your vision, your blood pressure, AND and EKG to make sure you are physically fit to drive. A couple problems - I've had a heart valve condition since high school, and they didn't detect it. Also, my wife had to take her shirt AND bra off to do the EKG. NOT COOL, especially since it's just a box they place a box above the heart. We heard about this before going in, but we were told that she could leave her bra on or use a towel. The lady that was translating for us slipped around the corner and said the doctor demanded her to be completely topless. Then she said, "sorry, I can't argue with a doctor." It's like they are invincible here. I just about stopped everything and left, but my wife said it's alright - it's required. I can only imagine all the young girls this guy gets to see as they are getting their license for the first time (about 18 year old). Absolutely not necessary!!! Welcome to former communist way of life! I'm not happy about that at all.
>and let me tell you - that's VERY offensive to other drivers
LOL sounds like the German "do not ever ever ever flash your lights to tell someone to move out of the way " rule. They do get quite upset! :crazy:
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 12, 2010, 10:02:28 AM
I took a Hungarian driving class yesterday. WOW. Talk about a world of difference! Here are some interesting notes:
- When you park your car, you MUST lock your car.
- You cannot drive with your fog lights on in town. EVER. Even when it's foggy. There should be sufficient lighting in town. Out of town you may turn them on ONLY when it is foggy. I've had mine on a couple time without fog, and let me tell you - that's VERY offensive to other drivers. Every car will flash you to tell you to turn them off. I asked that question in the class, and the instructor got very upset and emphasized that if you drive with your fog lights on with no fog, it is a HUGE distraction to other drivers and you could cause an accident. You would be at fault, of course.
- You are required by law to carry a spare bulb for each light your car has, plus a reflective vest INSIDE the car. You cannot get out of your car to get it out of the trunk. I've seen many cars with a reflective vest draped over their seat back or in the back window. While I am talking about getting out of the car, I can't tell you how many times I've seen Hungarians peeing beside the road. Many women also, just squatting in the ditch. Yeah, that's a little distracting!
- After Oct. 15, you are required to install snow tires. If you have an accident after Oct. 15, and it is determined you did not have snow tires installed, it is automatically your fault.
Damn, sounds like I'm a communist! Were they wearing the vest to tinkle? Cause that's OK then.
Quote
We had our medical physical for our driver's license (required by law). They check your vision, your blood pressure, AND and EKG to make sure you are physically fit to drive. A couple problems - I've had a heart valve condition since high school, and they didn't detect it. Also, my wife had to take her shirt AND bra off to do the EKG. NOT COOL, especially since it's just a box they place a box above the heart. We heard about this before going in, but we were told that she could leave her bra on or use a towel. The lady that was translating for us slipped around the corner and said the doctor demanded her to be completely topless. Then she said, "sorry, I can't argue with a doctor." It's like they are invincible here. I just about stopped everything and left, but my wife said it's alright - it's required. I can only imagine all the young girls this guy gets to see as they are getting their license for the first time (about 18 year old). Absolutely not necessary!!! Welcome to former communist way of life! I'm not happy about that at all.
Good thing they don't have a prostate exam, eh?
One thing to remember is that America is very prude compared to most other countries. Remember how ape shit people went with Janet Jackson's nipple slip at the Superbowl? The FCC fined CBS $550,000 for an "indecency violation". OMFG it's a nipple, the world is going to end! Quick, levy a fine!!
I've visited other countries around the world and they all were more lax on sexuality than the U.S. is.
Good to see they take driving more seriously than we do in the states. You don't even have to read, write or speak English to get a drivers license here. The DMV will give you the written portion of the test in just about any language.
Quote from: pdxfj on November 12, 2010, 11:32:57 PM
Remember how ape shit people went with Janet Jackson's nipple slip at the Superbowl? The FCC fined CBS $550,000 for an "indecency violation". OMFG it's a nipple, the world is going to end! Quick, levy a fine!!
How could we forget. Although she never exposed her nipple. she had some cone shaped metal thing covering it up. IIRC
Another little story for you.
My wife and I were driving home at about 10:00 last Saturday night and as we were leaving a small village, we notice a very old lady trying to flag someone down. I pulled over (the 2 cars in front of me kept driving), and she was crying and very hysterical. The funny part is that the only people she got the attention of was the Americans - so unfortunately she couldn't tell us what was wrong. I had a feeling that her house was broken into, and I was correct. I called the police (Rendorseg), and they arrived within a few minutes. As we waited for the police, we went inside her house. She was a widow living alone. she literally owned only a cook stove, 2 chairs, a very small woodstove for heat, and a couch she slept on. We learned that some punk broke into her house while she was home, grabbed her arms and roughed her up a little, and stole her phone. One of the only things of value she owned. Made me want to track him down and teach him a lesson. Maybe I'll buy her a tazer... The whole situation makes me angry. :mad:
You can buy American food here in Hungary, but here are some items I found yesterday. None of these items were available when I first got here. I think I saw maple syrup for about $7 also...
$10 brownie mix
$7 blueberry muffin mix
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1189.snc4/154170_1499665018282_1433874020_31108375_581284_n.jpg)
$4 marshmallows
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs805.snc4/68504_1499665138285_1433874020_31108376_2030390_n.jpg)
$7 peanut butter
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs617.ash2/156956_1499665218287_1433874020_31108377_858120_n.jpg)
"$10 brownie mix
$7 blueberry muffin mix"
Wow, it's just like shopping at the co-op!
And I greatly enjoy the posts from the 20th century also. Keep it up and never mind the criticism.
Doug
I'd like to add my support for this thread.
I have found it very entertaining and interesting to the point where I have referred to it more than once to my wife.
It's sort of a looking glass into a world I know nothing about and I enjoy reading about life in another land by one of our own.
Keep it going, by all means!
Leon
On a positive note, we do not have central heat and air here. In fact, I haven't seen it at all here anywhere. I have a daughter who has allergies, so this is a real blessing. There is a water heater outside that pipes hot water into radiators throughout the house (generally under each window). It keeps the house nice and toasty. No air blowing, no dust, no fan kicking on. And to top it all off, hot water is also routed through heated towel racks in the bathrooms. So after my shower, I grab a nice hot dry towel.
BTW, they are trying to schedule my driver's test soon - I'll keep you posted... :mail1:
Hungarian Hell's Angels spotted at a gas station today! There were actually 2 biker gangs there. The other was the "Desperados." They were actually some very big guys.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1387.snc4/163957_1510047717843_1433874020_31125435_245951_n.jpg)
Hey, is that his bitch riding behind him? Apparently the Hungarian Angels have a more relaxed dress code.
Quote from: Lotsokids on November 16, 2010, 08:33:08 AM
Another little story for you.
My wife and I were driving home at about 10:00 last Saturday night and as we were leaving a small village, we notice a very old lady trying to flag someone down. I pulled over (the 2 cars in front of me kept driving), and she was crying and very hysterical. The funny part is that the only people she got the attention of was the Americans - so unfortunately she couldn't tell us what was wrong. I had a feeling that her house was broken into, and I was correct. I called the police (Rendorseg), and they arrived within a few minutes. As we waited for the police, we went inside her house. She was a widow living alone. she literally owned only a cook stove, 2 chairs, a very small woodstove for heat, and a couch she slept on. We learned that some punk broke into her house while she was home, grabbed her arms and roughed her up a little, and stole her phone. One of the only things of value she owned. Made me want to track him down and teach him a lesson. Maybe I'll buy her a tazer... The whole situation makes me angry. :mad:
We made a Christmas day visit to this old widow lady. We made sure she had a good Christmas. That was FUN. She never saw it coming. Our landlord met us at the widow's house to translate for us. It's true that "it's more blessed to give than to receive."
Good onya for having the true Christmas spirit this holday season.
Giving is Fun!
KOokaloo!
Frank
As with many of the other posters, I appreciate learning of other customs and idiosyncrasies. I'm sure our customs are equally confusing to outsiders.
Very nice surprise for the widow, too. Each year, I dress up as Santa and deliver good cheer to patients at the hospital where I work. It's wonderful to watch their faces light up when my "elf" asks if they'd like to have a visit with Santa and Frosty the Snowman. It's always a lot of fun.
A very cool parking solution: http://www.woehr.de/en/projekte/budapest_m730/index.htm (http://www.woehr.de/en/projekte/budapest_m730/index.htm)
Some very smart folks over there....
That's quite the high tech parking garage. And you don't don't have to worry about someone giving you a door ding while you are gone :good2:
wow what a great system, we need that for the walmart . :rofl2:
Quote from: Mark Olson on January 11, 2011, 12:53:44 PM
wow what a great system, we need that for the walmart . :rofl2:
What is Wal-Mart?
Just kidding. I haven't been there in a LONG time!
Neat parking system. I just showed my wife, and she suggested we try it out sometime soon.
Well I just found out that Hungary changed the rules on Jan 1. They now require our high school diploma for our Hungarian driver's license. My wife's and my diploma is in storage back in the U.S. Oh well. I don't really care. I'll let my international relocation office worry about that one.
We haven't taken the driver's test yet, but the people who have said it's quite an experience. There are two people - each sitting beside you watching you while you accomplish the written test. Plus you are videotaped. Talk about SECURE. :mail1:
Quote from: Mark Olson on January 11, 2011, 12:53:44 PM
wow what a great system, we need that for the walmart . :rofl2:
Leave the cars up top, put the Walmart underground. Right next to the spent fuel rods.
SERIOUSLY... I'm getting weary of seeing all the Hungarians pushing their bikes. On a daily basis I see it. What in the world??? Just leave the bike at home and walk to where you're going. Am I the crazy one? :wacko2: Just this week I almost hit a couple guys with my car. They were both walking their bikes side by side down the road. That takes up a lot of space, especially on a 2-lane road with a car coming in the other lane!
I need to start taking pictures so you all can get a better visual of this mass hysteria.
Have you aked anyone why they do it? Sounds bizarre.....
Maybe they are saving their tires from all that excessive wear associated with riding?
Just guessing...
Dan
Quote from: RichBaker on February 18, 2011, 06:57:58 PM
Have you aked anyone why they do it? Sounds bizarre.....
Yeah, I asked a Hungarian friend why they do that. He just said, "Where do you see them walking their bikes?" He kind of said it like he was in denial or something. I said, "Everywhere!" The only thing he could tell me is that it is illegal to ride your bike in the center of town in the walking street. We're talking about a 1/4 mile area. During the whole conversation he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. Maybe because that's normal for them.
"C'mon, kids, let's take a walk... grab your bikes." :wacko2:
Speaking of bicycles... a couple of my friends bought bikes here. They are VERY expensive here. What you would find at Wal-Mart for $80 is about $200 here. Most bikes are in the $400 - $500 range. Remember, these are just basic bikes. I went with a friend to buy a bike at a sporting goods store. They seem to be very serious about making sure everything is perfect. They put it on a stand and carefully calibrate and measure everything for about an hour. You don't just walk in, buy one, and walk out with it.
wow, are the bikes not assembled correctly in the first place so they gotta check them again before they leave the store? Maybe this is a job security thing.
Quote from: Mark Olson on February 19, 2011, 12:59:41 PM
wow, are the bikes not assembled correctly in the first place so they gotta check them again before they leave the store? Maybe this is a job security thing.
They seem to be assembled sufficiently. They just do the tweaking you normally do on a bike when you get it home - like setting the gear shifter and brakes... I'm not sure what else, but they spend about an hour on it.
Another note: The Hungarian government taxes businesses on their stock on hand, so stores don't have a lot of stuff readily available. Like at furniture stores, many times you have to tell them what you want, then they start making it.
One last thing. Hungary was under Communism until 1989. Some of this way of life and thinking is still around. A friend of mine said, "Communism has always been an enemy of liberty." There's real truth in that. If you could spend a week here with me in my little town, you would see it, too. Hungarians here are unmotivated, I guess. Maybe from the decades of getting beat down. I applied for a couple jobs back in the U.S., but my wife doesn't want to leave yet. She has more of Europe to see. Plus we have to save up for that new Camaro SS, remember? :i_am_so_happy:
Yes the camaro, don't wait too long as it sounds like your are starting to lose your cheese. :wacko2:
I'm taking a Hungarian driving refresher course today to prep me for the test. Here are some notes to study. Here's another time when the Europeans say, "Well, yeah..." and the Americans say, "What in the world???"
Enjoy!
Which way does the front of the car move when making a left turn? Left. The rear? Right
How close do you get to the car in front of you before passing (blindly)? Close enough to stop safely if necessary.
Can you pass a motorcycle at an intersection? Yes, as long as you don't cross the solid line.
Manual transmission, when do you have to downshift? Before 1/3 of the max RPM. When do you shift up? 2/3 of the max RPM.
When the weight of the car goes up, the balance of the car goes down.
In a residential area can you use a bicycle? Yes.
What are the mandatory items for a car?
a. Spare bulbs (for each type of bulb in your car)
b. Triangle reflector
c. First aid kit
d. Vest if you leave vehicle
Minimum length of rope to tow a vehicle? Long enough to turn without hitting the towing car.
Do you need to have windshield wipers on in heavy rain? Yes all the time
Car Systems Must check daily:
a. Lights: Check to see if they are not broken.
b. Operating temperature of the car is 90 degrees C
c. Steering: freeplay no more than 5-15 degrees
d. Tires: Tread must have 1.6 mm. Same as on 1 axle winter/summer) and all one structure diagonal or radial.
e. Brakes: Resistance in 1st 1/3 good, not until last 2/3 (means brakes worn) and all the way to the floor need fluid (do not drive). If brakes are "spongy" this means there is air in the system. You must dry brakes after they are wet from a wash.
f. Battery: Cover all cells with 10-15 mm of "ionized water (distilled water)
When do you know your steering wheel is not working? When it is hard to move
When are you endangering some one? When you are endangering them!
If the car in front of you stops you don't crash. This is how far you can follow.
How can you get information while driving? The mirrors.
How do you lift your leg while driving? Slowly and steadily.
I did my motorcycle test in 1975. After the riding part the examiner asked me a few questions on the Highway Code, identifying road signs etc. The last question, however, caught me out a bit. "How would you carry a passenger on your motorcycle?" I said "eh... on the rear seat.... eh... facing forwards....eh...feet on rests....eh....wearing a helmet..." This must have been ok since I passed the test.
Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)
Stuart I had to ask since your from Glasgow are you a Blue nose.
Quote from: Flying Scotsman on February 24, 2011, 12:25:44 PM
Stuart I had to ask since your from Glasgow are you a Blue nose.
I don't have much interest in Scottish football (soccer) I was brought up near Paisley and going to see St Mirren in my youth nearly put me off for life. Nowadays I enjoy watching the English Premier League matches on Saturday night TV.
Stuart
Stuart I lived near Paisley.I went to Paisley Grammer school.Lived in Elderslie and Kilbarchan.Moved to England when i was 12 .I used to go see Man u when i was in England.I am still A Blue nose to this day.Rangers and Manchester United are my 2 British teams.
Well it's a small world. I lived in Barrhead and also went to school in Paisley - the John Neilson High School. My brother lives in Kilbarchan. I now live in Newton Mearns.
Stuart
Cheers mate,lets give lotso kids his thread back.
Quote from: Flying Scotsman on February 24, 2011, 06:27:42 PM
Cheers mate, lets give lotso kids his thread back.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r302/jrios68/thread_hijack.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on February 25, 2011, 05:04:49 AM
Quote from: Flying Scotsman on February 24, 2011, 06:27:42 PM
Cheers mate, lets give lotso kids his thread back.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r302/jrios68/thread_hijack.jpg)
:lol: too funny, good one!!!
CraigO
90FJ1200
I just learned some tax info:
1. I just got my annual tax bills for my car and the FJ1200. I need to pay about $175 for them both total. Vehicle tax here depends on the POWER of the engine, NOT the type or value of the vehicle. Basically more horsepower, more tax. I heard that the tax is also proportional to the interior space, but I'm not sure.
2. I just had an income tax briefing today. I am not tax exempt here, but "tax compensated." In other words, my company pays my Hungarian taxes. So today the Hungarian tax representative told us about "super-gross." This is great - they charge tax on my gross income PLUS an additional 1.27% on top of my gross income. You know... SUPER gross! What in the world??? They must have seen us coming. :scratch_one-s_head:
Took my Hungarian driver's test today. I passed, but missed 3 questions. After reviewing my test, I learned that you CAN pass a 4-wheeled horse-drawn cart in a no passing zone, not a tram. Two questions were about motorcycles with sidecars, and two other questions were about horse-drawn carts.
Welcome to the 21st century! :wacko2:
I just saw a 200cc quad for sale for about $1,500. IT'S LICENSED FOR THE STREET!!! License plate, turn signals and everything. Crazy! I remember seeing a guy riding one downtown and thought he was just taking a chance at getting caught. Seems he was legal.
My wife said I should buy it to ride to work. I'm considering it. :biggrin:
Here's an example of a new 250cc for about $3,000:
(http://hasznaltauto.medija.hu/2704/4450929_2.jpg)
Here's a Honda "VFR quad"
(http://hasznaltauto.medija.hu/840211/3805583_1.jpg)
(http://hasznaltauto.medija.hu/840211/3805583_3.jpg)
And more...
The licensed quad I saw the other day
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Quad__rear.jpg)
A guy pushing a trailer full of stuff. This is pretty common. They usually take up an entire lane of traffic, not a short distance, either. You don't want to use your car to pull your trailer, right?
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0146.jpg)
Pringles!!! Only $4
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Pringles.jpg)
Sour lung with bread dumplings on the Pork menu. Mmmmm.
Fried Brains - with rice and tartar sauce... Yum, yum.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Fried_brains.jpg)
Well, here we go with more pictures. Most of the photos I take are on my phone, but even then it's hard to catch some stuff (usually happens when I'm driving). I'm going to take a video on the freeway one day and show you how Europeans pass in the left lane, then do their best to move back over to the right to get out of your way. It's an amazing concept!
Pushing bikes everywhere!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0165.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0164.jpg)
Cart of scrap metal - of course in the middle of the road. Don't use that nice paved area off on the right.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0161.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0162.jpg)
If you are going to carry a bottle of propane, make sure you carry it on your bike strapped down with a couple small bungee cords. That's probably a good time to push it and not ride it!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0160.jpg)
AND BEST OF ALL... The police ride FJRs!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0167.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Police.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on April 18, 2011, 12:51:23 AM
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Police.jpg)
With dark wind screens, so they can sneak on ya with out your slightest hint of it. Ok...the "Police" decal in reverse might give it away if you can read. It is kind of strange that in a place of walking bicycles and pushing/pulling heavy carts by foot or (God forbid, ride) a bicycle, the police have modern vehicles.
Lotsokids, we are walking the proverbial mile with you in their moccasins. I very much enjoy your reporting of perspective form a place very different from mike. Thanks.
Shifting gears a little...
I've been buying gifts for some older Hungarians that live near me. Every once in a while, I'll get a pastry or drink or something for them. It's fun.
This is the widow lady that got robbed last winter, and my daughter giving her a little gift.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Widow_Jenna.jpg)
And below are a couple photos of "Gyula." He's an old man that had his right leg amputated because of an infection. He literally sits all day in his wheelchair near the road and watches cars go by. I really have fun getting stuff for him because he has no way to pay me back. That's what giving is all about. We cannot communicate very well, but he nearly comes out of his wheelchair when I pull over to say hello. Yesterday I brought him a drink (weather is getting hotter). He wouldn't let me leave. He had his wife call his grandson to come over and help translate for us. WOW, did I learn a lot. He is 93 years old and a WWII veteran. He fought with the Germans against the Americans. I told him I was retired from the U.S. military. He said after the war, the Americans were very kind to him and gave him chocolate and goodies. I said, "And today you still have Americans bringing you goodies." He started to cry and shook my hand and gave me a big hug. That's priceless!
These are my kids behind him. The stick he's holding is to bang on his window to get his wife's attention (I need to get one of those).
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0170.jpg)
Today I bought him a Hungarian war magazine with info and pictures from 1941. He soaked that up like a sponge...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0171.jpg)
Great Life lesson there....
Giving for the sake of giving. ... It's not hard to be a good person :good2:
I love History and sharing a conversation (even thru a translator) with that man would have been priceless.
KOokaloo!
I've learned that large Renault vans are CRAP. I took this work van of ours that resembles the pic below to bring a friend to the airport. This thing is an automatic (VERY rare here in Hungary). The problem is that it has a feature that shuts down accelleration while shifting to the next gear. We call it the "simulated manual shift mechanism." It almost killed me twice on the way home trying to pass on a 2-way road. It's a fearful thing when you pull over to the left to pass, nail the gas pedal and the engine feels like it just shut down... all the while you see the headlights of the car approaching getting closer and closer!
(http://www.ponderingcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2002-renault-trafic-2_1600x0w-300x187.jpg)
Note #2: I didn't get a picture, but yesterday there was a lady carrying nearly an entire tree across her bicycle (not lengthwise, but ACROSS the lanes of traffic!). It was about 15 feet long and stretched across the road, causing us all to weave WAY around her. I should have stopped to get a photo.
Note #3: They LOVE cement here! The telephone poles, houses, and even a few fences are cement.
There are no houses here with shingles on the roof. Most are an interlocking ceramic tile that works very well. Install them once, then replace them 200 years later!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0181.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0183.jpg)
THANK YOU! I was crying from laughing so hard and a few of the posts.
Keep em' coming Lotokids, this is great for me. I love this kind of perspective, I was destined to travel but not to have the means or funds. You are one of my proxy travelers to help me experience other parts 'o' the world. :drinks:
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 06, 2011, 07:39:06 PM
Keep em' coming Lotokids, this is great for me. I love this kind of perspective, I was destined to travel but not to have the means or funds. You are one of my proxy travelers to help me experience other parts 'o' the world. :drinks:
You asked for it...
Hey, I just got my Hungarian drivers license yesterday! It was funny when we signed for them, the lady put 2 pens down on the counter and told me and my wife, "You must sign these documents ONLY with THESE pens!" There's never been a stronger desire for me to pull out another pen from my pocket and sign them. :rofl2:
Also, in my village they have a new weed-eater concept. Forget spending $4 to fill the gas tank in your weed-eater. Here's something WAY better. Just get some goats and tie them to the posts you need edged. Three days later it's nicely trimmed!
This is the sign entering our village:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/WeedEaters3.jpg)
This is the other side of the street:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/WeedEaters2.jpg)
Ohh, I think I want one of those. Are those the 1 GP (goat power) models?
Dan
I could use a couple of them for my yard..... Gotta be cheaper than teenagers! More reliable, too :dash1:
This could save the states some money. Just tie a few goats in the interstate medians to take care of the grass. Plus they act as a road barrier for cars.
I personally took this photo yesterday at a Hungarian military base. Maybe a little chunky? :shok:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Chunky.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 12, 2011, 06:11:02 AM
I personally took this photo yesterday at a Hungarian military base. Maybe a little chunky? :shok:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Chunky.jpg)
I guess this gives the military more time to muster up the chow wagon during conflicts, they could last a week or two before their next meal. :lol:
Here's today's adventure. This is GOOD...
I was driving my car in town and was pulled over by the Police (Rendőrség). I was not speeding, but they asked for my license and registration. They noticed there was a problem - my annual vehicle inspection was overdue. Of course I couldn't read it, so I didn't know. I called my translator to help me since I couldn't communicate with the policeman. I received a ticket and fine for the infraction. Here's the best part - THE FINE IS INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO THE SIZE OF YOUR FAMILY. The bigger the family, the less the fine. As my screen name implies, I have a wife and 6 kids. My translator told this to the policeman, and he said the fine would then only be about $10. There's actually a place on the back of the ticket to list your wife and number of children! Other items that were mandatory to list on the ticket is where I work, my place of birth, and my mother's maiden name.
As the policeman was writing the ticket, I took the photo below while I was sitting in my car. Why didn't they pull THEM over? Maybe THEIR inspection was overdue.
This is one seriously odd place. :wacko2:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Horse_cart.jpg)
About 25 years ago I was visiting Portugal - then a dusty backwater of Europe. I parked my hire car (a Leyland Mini) in a no parking zone (although there was little to indicate this) When I returned to the car the local Police hadn't given me a ticket but couple of them were leaning on the car awaiting my return. I strolled past and hung about a bit but it became clear they weren't going to go away. The cops looked a bit scary in those days - the country had been a fascist dictatorship only a few year before and their uniforms reflected this - riding boots & jodhpurs etc. Anyway I gave myself up and was escorted to the police station where much form filling took place including seemingly pointless questions (marital status?) I was then given my fine - 500 Escudos - £2 ($3). I paid up and was on my way with a few friendly "bom dia!"
Stuart
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 28, 2011, 04:08:21 PM
Here's today's adventure. This is GOOD...
I was driving my car in town and was pulled over by the Police (Rendőrség). I was not speeding, but they asked for my license and registration. They noticed there was a problem - my annual vehicle inspection was overdue. Of course I couldn't read it, so I didn't know. I called my translator to help me since I couldn't communicate with the policeman. I received a ticket and fine for the infraction. Here's the best part - THE FINE IS INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO THE SIZE OF YOUR FAMILY. The bigger the family, the less the fine. As my screen name implies, I have a wife and 6 kids. My translator told this to the policeman, and he said the fine would then only be about $10. There's actually a place on the back of the ticket to list your wife and number of children! Other items that were mandatory to list on the ticket is where I work, my place of birth, and my mother's maiden name.
As the policeman was writing the ticket, I took the photo below while I was sitting in my car. Why didn't they pull THEM over? Maybe THEIR inspection was overdue.
This is one seriously odd place. :wacko2:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Horse_cart.jpg)
My mother was born in Hungary and had sixteen brothers and sisters, so if her father had been pulled over for the same offense, the Police would owe him money. :lol: Regards, Pete.
Alright, so I got the car inspected and went to the auto registration office. The inspection cost a little over $100, and is good for 2 years. I had to purchase the new sticker for my license plate for about $2. HERE'S THE FUNNY PART - They gave me a hand-written bill at the registration office for the $2 fee. They do not take money at this office. I had to walk down to the Post Office (of course where I and all Hungarians pay our bills), and pay the $2 fee. The bill was scanned and processed. I then had to take the stamped receipt (everything MUST be stamped) back to the registration office and finalize the deal. I should have bribed them with about $50 to keep me from walking down to the Post Office.
P.S. - I saw so many people walking their bicycles today it was crazy. Families, everyone... it was like national bike walking day (more than usual). I understand that it is illegal to ride your bike across a street. Yesterday I saw a guy hop off his bike, take about 2 steps, and get back on and start pedaling again. I try to take pictures, but I'm always in the car or on the FJ.
Back in the U.S. now for a few days. I'm working on my V-Max... still not fixed. I'm changing the starter clutch. NOT fun.
Driving in the U.S. generally sucks. My road rage seems to have returned. I guess in Hungary, I'm used to ALL the other drivers moving to the right unless actively passing! Hungarians invite you to pass them anytime. Seems to be the opposite here. And also, 60 MPH feels pretty slow.
Sorry for the rant. It's just very different cultures.
This is an interesting insight. Thank you for the stories... Keep them coming.
Dan
Quote from: Signaller on June 21, 2011, 09:05:40 PM
This is an interesting insight. Thank you for the stories... Keep them coming.
Dan
O.K. - just today I had to go to the Post Office to sign for a certified letter. Three ladies were sitting behind the counter, and NOBODY else was in the room. I had my notice in hand and just needed to sign for my letter. When I got eye contact with one, I walked up and tried to hand her my notice. Her eyes got big, and she shook her head "no" and looked confused. She knew no English, but I don't fault her for that - I'm in THEIR country, remember. She looked at the other ladies and they tried to figure out what to do. Then she pointed behind me as another guy just entered the room. He said in English, "You have to take a number." which he just did. They called him up as I took a number. The other ladies continued to sort some papers as I waited another 5 minutes, then they called my number. SERIOUSLY? They are so rigid with some things here.
How aggrivating!!! :dash2:
sounds like the dmv.
Have you ever been to Canadian Tire in North Bay?? All most eerie in description.
And I thought things in South Africa wer weird. Dont get me wrong, I have been here all my life and honestly some things dont really make sense. We have some strict rules but not really any enforcement of them. And your worst enemies on any road in South Africa would have to be a taxis (minibus) and pedestrians who Jwalk(there are hundreds if not thousands)
Hats off to you lotsokids :hi:
This thread kept me busy for an hour reading through it with laughs all the way, cant wait to see what you come up with next
Yesterday I went into the restroom at the airport in Vienna, Austria. I've heard about it before, but this is the first time I saw the cleaning lady mopping the floor around the feet of a guy using the urinal. He said something and they both laughed. I just sneaked into the stall and locked the door.
Quote from: Lotsokids on August 18, 2011, 02:51:37 AM
Yesterday I went into the restroom at the airport in Vienna, Austria. I've heard about it before, but this is the first time I saw the cleaning lady mopping the floor around the feet of a guy using the urinal. He said something and they both laughed. I just sneaked into the stall and locked the door.
Yes the continental Europeans are less uptight about this sort of thing than in the US or UK. This is how they do it in Amsterdam:
(http://images.metrophotochallenge.com/photos/big/60720.jpg)
At least we call it the toilet. "Restroom", did you go in for a lie down?
Stuart
In my first days of arriving in Germany in 1990, I attended a concert in Torhout, Belgium. They had urinals like that, but the majority of men simply stood next to the perimeter fence facing out, and let fly.
In fact, I recall that on the day I arrived in Europe, on the bus ride to the base, we went by several people who had pulled off the highway to relieve themselves, in full view of everyone else. It was tolerated and didn't offend anyone!
Don't *EVEN* get me started on the differences between the highways and driving practices! <sniff, I miss the autobahn>
A couple updates:
I finally received my letter concerning letting my inspection lapse on my car. I have 3 choices:
1. Pay a $40 fine
2. Work for the Hungarian government (?) for one day
3. Spend 4 days in jail
What shall I choose? Hmmmmm. :pardon:
I asked 2 Hungarians that I work with again about the bicycle pushing hysteria here in Hungary. They had nothing to say, and again acted like that's normal. But when I pressed the issue, they gave me 2 reasons:
1. The bicycle pushers might have been drinking alcohol. I guess if you have been drinking you cannot operate anything, even a bicycle, or you could be arrested.
2. They told me "sometimes it is more comfortable." I said that it would be a lot more comfortable if you just leave the bike at home. They just grunted and shrugged their shoulders. I'm not sure if I'll ever get a good answer on this.
Spent three plus weeks in Hungary. They really do take the drinking and not driving rule pretty seriously. You can see the folks sleeping in their cars instead of driving after midnight in Pest just like in Japan. Acceptable behavior and smart. Got stopped by the police at a check point, very nice and no hassle. Those little Trabants are like slow rolling road obstacles to zip around as well. Nice country, nice food, easy going at this point in their history. Good roads for the most part and great signage. But, quirky rules sometimes. And, they serve tater tots wit their beer, obviously advance thinking in play.
Quote from: Lotsokids on September 01, 2011, 10:14:54 AM
I finally received my letter concerning letting my inspection lapse on my car. I have 3 choices:
1. Pay a $40 fine
2. Work for the Hungarian government (?) for one day
3. Spend 4 days in jail
What shall I choose? Hmmmmm. :pardon:
I chose the fine. Here's the really goofy part... I had to go to the Post Office and buy a $40 stamp, then put that stamp on a card and mail it to the Police Department. Seriously. :wacko2:
Here's some photos from the last couple weeks:
More bicycle pushing - This guy was doing this while holding hands with his girlfriend. I've seen this a few times. I personally think three's a crowd. Once again, it's not just to cross the street, it's everywhere.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Girlfriendbike.jpg)
Public peeing seems to be O.K., like this proud mom letting her son pee in front of the grocery store. I took this picture just as he pulled up his pants.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Pee-1.jpg)
Some Gypsies pulled into this gas station with a trailer full of TV's for sale.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/TVs.jpg)
Ahhh, a wedding procession! Bride and groom were in the tractor followed by about 20 cars honking and waving.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Wedding.jpg)
Upon entering a gas station last night, I noticed that they had attached a free bottle of men's shower gel to each quart of oil. What kind of message are they sending?
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Oilwash.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on September 28, 2011, 02:37:38 PM
Upon entering a gas station last night, I noticed that they had attached a free bottle of men's shower gel to each quart of oil. What kind of message are they sending?
That guys that work on their own cars and bikes stink???? :rofl2:
CraigO
1.) Yesterday I drove about 45 minutes away to a scooter shop to order a fuel level sending unit for our 2006 Aprilia SR50. There was a worker who could speak English a little, so I told him the exact part I needed. He asked for the VIN. I told him the scooter was 45 minutes away and I didn't have the number. He persisted in needing the VIN. I told him there is only 1 type of sending unit for that year. He said, "Yes, it's the exact same part back to 2004. I asked him to just order the part since we determined that is the right part. He looked at his manager, and explained what was going on. They just looked at each other kind of confused, like they didn't know what to do. He then gave me his email address and said he would order the part, but I needed to email my VIN to him as soon as I get it.
They did the same thing at the Yamaha dealer when I tried to get a rubber shift lever boot for my FJ. Even though I provided my year and model, they demanded my VIN before they ordered it. They seem to need the VIN for everything.
2.) I've been looking for another car in the last few days - actually the Trabant. Here are some things I've learned:
- You cannot change the engine. If you do, you need to provide a pile of paperwork and the mechanic's name that accomplished the work. This is nearly impossible.
- You cannot change the color of your vehicle.
- You cannot simply add a trailer hitch. This changes the registration of the vehicle. You need to re-register.
- If you buy a car with expired registration, you need to file a ton of paperwork and request permission from the Mayor of your town to register the vehicle.
Here's the Trabant I want to buy. It's a whopping $342. In 2 years, it will be a "classic" and I will be able to bring it back to the U.S. when I return. Finding parts might be a problem, though. It's got a 900cc engine with... get ready... 45 horsepower!
(http://hasznaltauto.medija.hu/1814107/5112705_1.jpg)
Here's the engine compartment of the 2-stroke 600cc version of the Trabant. This one puts out a massive 25 horsepower. Notice the convenient location of the fuel tank - under the hood and over the engine! Yes, you must MIX THE FUEL. There is NO fuel gauge. The earlier models had a dipstick to measure the fuel. There is actually a choke knob on the steering column and a ON/OFF/RESERVE fuel lever on the dash. This is for the most part, a 4-wheeled motorcycle.
(http://hasznaltauto.medija.hu/1781069/4908321_5.jpg)
The Trabbie's body is made of "Duroplast" a plastic reinforced with cotton waste. After the re-unification of Germany they had a lot of them to dispose of but burning caused toxic fumes. So a company developed a bacteria that eats the Trabbie and turns it into compost.
Stuart
Alright, guys. I got a better explanation on the Hungarian bicycle pushing hysteria here. I asked another Hungarian I work with, and he said it is illegal to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk or on the road in town. He explained about the sidewalk, "You cannot just ride a bike where people are walking!" So I guess the only place you can legally RIDE one is in a designated bicycle path or in the country away from town.
Crazy. (http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys%20Summer/1sm463bike.gif)
Well, that at least makes sense. They don't ride because they can't. Occam's razor strikes again!
Dan
It is also illegal to ride your bicycle across the street.
OMG I've just stumbled across this thread and spent the last 30min at work laughing hysterically to myself. :rofl:
This stuff is priceless, keep up the good work :good2:
+1 on your donations to old people in your area, that's a shining example we should all take heed of too, BTW.
Happy riding mate,
James
1. A little more on the bicycle pushing: My daughter said two of her friends (one Swedish, one Norwegian) were stopped by the police on two different occasions. The problem? You guessed it... RIDING their bicycles where they were supposed to push them!
2. I wish I had today's conversation with a Hungarian co-worker recorded. We were talking about vehicle registration. I think I mentioned here before that adding a trailer hitch on a car changes it's entire registration, to include re-registering, new papers, and an additional technical inspection. A friend and I were discussing this with our Hungarian friend. He said that without doing that, you could just install ANY trailer hitch even one that *GASP* wasn't made for that exact car! I said, So what? Being kind of a redneck myself, I said in the U.S., I could just weld something to the frame and call it good. He looked extremely surprised and said, "What if the hitch breaks off when you tow something?" I said, "It just rolls off into the ditch." He just rolled his eyes and left.
3. I went to the auto parts store the other day to purchase regular 1/4 inch pinstripe. They demanded my VIN for my car and refused to help me without my VIN. How rediculous. Talk about over-the-top OEM!!! :dash2:
Here's their government at work.
As I understand it, seems the Hungarian elderly have 2 choices starting this year.
1. Forfeit your savings to the government and retain your pension (U.S. Social Security equivalent)
2. Keep your savings and lose your pension, but you are still required to PAY FOR THE PENSION YOU WILL NEVER RECEIVE.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Adam-Smith-Institute-Blog/2011/0102/European-nations-begin-seizing-private-pensions (http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Adam-Smith-Institute-Blog/2011/0102/European-nations-begin-seizing-private-pensions)
And, so what.
The USA subsumed the surplus into the general fund in the 19080's under Regan. A significant and unprecedented move to srew the people out of their future payments.
So, here in our country we let the government take the surplus for our system and listen to the same people speak about doing away with the system.
Seems like the Europeans are just catching up to our less than wonderful politicians and their irresponsible actions.
Hungary is just doing what the USA had done.
NAME DAY
It seems that most people in Hungary have very common first names. Here's why: the Name Day. Hungarians name their child from a list of names on this calendar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Name_days_in_Hungary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Name_days_in_Hungary). No unique names here! It also does NOT relate to the day they are born at all, but is celebrated like a birthday. So they have a birthday AND a name day. They also reverse their names in formal greetings. So if your name was John Smith, you would answer the phone, "Hello, Smith John here." Introductions are in the same fashion also. The names are chosen after certain saints or prominent historical figures.
The most popular male names are:
- Attila (you know... the Hun)
- János (John)
- Géza
- Balázs
- Tamás (Thomas)
Quote from: Lotsokids on January 23, 2012, 10:24:43 AM
They also reverse their names in formal greetings. So if your name was John Smith, you would answer the phone, "Hello, Smith John here." Introductions are in the same fashion also.
This is true for 1.4 Billion Chinese as well. Many Indians [1 Billion] write it that way, (but do not say it that way).
We are, it would seem, globally speaking, nearly, if not outright, outnumbered in how we in the west sequence of names.
Dan
I took my family to McDonalds for lunch. After we sat down my wife told me there was a guy behind me I HAD to see. I saw a guy standing at the table behind me. He was using the bench seat to support his stomach while he ate. I HAD to get a picture, so I used my phone the best I could to snap these photos behind me. It's not the best, but at least I have proof. He just stood there with his gut on the bench the whole time he ate his meal.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/McPhat2.jpg) (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/McPhat.jpg)
More bike pushers today. This couple was holding hands while walking with a bicycle and had at least another mile to the next village. I think three's a crowd - just leave the bike at home.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0309.jpg)
And don't miss the "Night of Baths" in Budapest on March 10th! There will be 20 DJ's and bathing until 3:00 A.M.! I found this ad in the back of a magazine.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0305.jpg)
Found today next to the tomato juice and carrot juice... SAUERKRAUT JUICE. YUM!!! There was a picture of sauerkraut on the top of the container.
I didn't buy it, but I'm sure it's delicious. :shok:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0314.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on March 10, 2012, 02:41:37 PM
Found today next to the tomato juice and carrot juice... SAUERKRAUT JUICE. YUM!!! There was a picture of sauerkraut on the top of the container.
I didn't buy it, but I'm sure it's delicious. :shok:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0314.jpg)
Send some to Klavdy, it may not be spicy but weird enough for his requirements to bring back to the land of Aus....
If only I had a dollar for every time I saw a guy pushing his bike with one hand and holding his girlfriend's hand with the other while walking, I'd be rich.
Dude - three's a crowd. Leave the bike at home or park it! :wacko2:
There, I got that off my chest.
While looking at a menu at a local restaurant, I found this:
"Brainscream"? Who needs coffee after that? :rofl:
Probably Brains-cream, not Brain-SCREAM. Not good no matter how you cut it. No pun intended...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0352.jpg)
I saw this in Amsterdam while returning from the U.S.
If you say the name of the bank out loud, you'll know why it's funny.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Photo0353.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on June 05, 2012, 12:56:49 PM
While looking at a menu at a local restaurant, I found this:
"Brainscream"?
Lotta zombies in your area, maybe???
Who knows, it *might* be delicious.
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on June 05, 2012, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on June 05, 2012, 12:56:49 PM
While looking at a menu at a local restaurant, I found this:
"Brainscream"?
Lotta zombies in your area, maybe???
Who knows, it *might* be delicious.
I see two Zombies, this guy and the guy walking toward the couple with the bike.
Quote from: Dads_FJ on June 05, 2012, 01:48:56 PM
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on June 05, 2012, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Lotsokids on June 05, 2012, 12:56:49 PM
While looking at a menu at a local restaurant, I found this:
"Brainscream"?
Lotta zombies in your area, maybe???
Who knows, it *might* be delicious.
I see two Zombies, this guy and the guy walking toward the couple with the bike.
That's hillarious!!! That guy in the photo probably just came from the restaurant. LOL
A co-worker today went to a wheel and tire shop here in Hungary. His car currently has 16-inch wheels and he asked them to install 18-inch wheels and low profile tires. This is obviously NOT the original standard, so they refused to sell and install them. He asked to just purchase the wheels and tires alone and carry them out. THEY REFUSED TO SELL HIM THE WHEELS AND TIRES and lost the sale simply because they were not factory specs. Wow, talk about rigid.
Us crazy Americans think we can do whatever we want to our vehicles... :nea:
I bought an Audi TT here and today I went to the parts store to buy an oil filter. They demanded the VIN before they would sell me the filter. I had to go back out to the car and get the registration so they could look at the engine numbers [?] even though I told them it was a 1.8 turbo. It's not like there are 1.8 turbos that used a different oil filter - there's only one application. So I bought one, and from now on I will buy them on Ebay... like most of my other auto parts.
Also I added a dome light in my Trabant, which originally did not have one installed. A Hungarian friend told me today that for my technical inspection, I will be required to remove it because it is not original equipment.
A friend bought a Fiat Polski here and installed halogen headlights. They required him to install the dim yellowish original headlights to pass his inspection!
MAN this country sucks sometimes. :dash2:
More on the "please pass me" Hungarian culture...
Coming home from work today in my Audi, I was going pretty fast and coming up behind a car pretty hot. It was a training vehicle with a driver's ed student behind the wheel. As I got closer (rapidly), the car's right blinker came on and pulled off the road to the right about half way onto the shoulder. I thought they were turning right onto an approaching road, but when I passed, the car pulled left back over into my lane and continued on. I see this all the time. I probably tailgate too much, but the other drivers do whatever it takes to get out of my way. They wave me around, signal when it's clear for me to pass them, etc... What a concept. Exactly the opposite of most U.S. drivers. Now that I saw this action from a training vehicle, I assume it's taught as formal instruction.
Basically, if I drive fast, everyone else peels off to the right. Then after I pass and move right, I get passed by the 200 MPH Lamborghini, and everyone's happy!
Spent some time in Aviano, IT.. Same kind of rules. "Pull to the right as far as possable" (this includes your right wheel off into the grass or dirt). Flashing lights in your rear view mirror, pull over out of the way..... The cops have nice little ping pong size paddles they will hold up "requesting" you pull over. There partner has a sub machine gun.... pull over... If your auto gets stolen and you do not have your vehicle papers and insurance on your person when the police show up then YOU are part of the problem. You can not tell the cops what to look for....... A lot of Americans die of G force injurys. They look ok but there heart or internal organs seperated upon impact. Brings a whole new concept of looking both ways before you enter a roadway.
When I was in Japan if the car in back of you honks his or her horn then they have the rightawy... So EVERYONE is allways honking there damn horn "just incase". In South Korea don't even think about driving, your not up to it...
I am told that in Russia IF you plead not guilty to a crime and are found guilty then the judge by law must sentance you to the maximun sentance for the crime. If you plead guilty then the judge has the authority to give you a very light sentnce, they probably figure you are owning up to the crime and not wasting there time. Its an interesting world. "When in Rome".......
Oh, I forgot. In Japan if there is a riot or large disturbance and the police show up they circle the crowd and EVERBODY inside the perimeter is guilty... If you are walking home with your fried rice in hand and you see a disturbace or large crowd then you have a descion to make. See whats happening, try to get though it before the cops show or go around the block and take a different route. The law is pretty simple. You are there you are guilty....
In Oman they have traffic cams and if they take your picture driving down the road on a cell phone its a 150.00 US fine. No appeal, the ownerof the car pays 150.00 US. They don't care who was on the phone the owner of the car pays. If rented you are consided the owner. No cell phone while driveing in Oman.... Pretty good for a place that 25 years ago didn't have any paved roads......
"Car-Free Day"
I received a message at work yesterday notifying us of "Car-Free Day" in Budapest. It's a European observance of not using cars for transportation. That's all good and everything if you wish to participate. But we were told the Police have blocked off the main roads in Budapest, forcibly preventing driving whatsoever. I mentioned this to a Hungarian co-worker and he said "That's a good idea." I told him (jokinglly) that America has a bike-free day. Everyone is required to drive their car everywhere on that day, and you will be arrested if you are seen on a bike or walking. :rofl:
Seriously, liberty is something not found in Eastern Bloc countries.
Happy OCTOBER 15!!!
Our building at work finally got the heat turned on. Seems regardless of the temperature, the heat will not be turned on until Oct. 15.
It is also illegal to drive without snow tires after Oct. 15. We were told that if you are in an accident after Oct 15 without snow tires on your vehicle, you are automatically at fault.
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 16, 2012, 02:22:21 PM
Happy OCTOBER 15!!!
Our building at work finally got the heat turned on. Seems regardless of the temperature, the heat will not be turned on until Oct. 15.
That sounds a lot like how our Barracks was back in the 80's when I was in the service. The heat was turned on Oct. 15th. No more Air Conditioner. April 15th the reverse happened.
Fred
What a beautiful sunset tonight - common here in Hungary. Complete with massive steaming pile of manure in the foreground. :mocking:
Yeah, we're in the country!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/10212012015.jpg)
Must say i had a couple of laughs reading your stories from Hungary.
It's strange how thees old eastern countries are compared to the rest of western Europa. The difference is big.
Heck, the difference is big even within western Europa :-)
Cheers.
I took this picture today of this guy pulling his wife with his powered wheelchair... on the road, of course. Awesome.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Wheelchair_small.jpg)
For lunch today I went to a restaurant and got some fried pork stuffed with chicken liver and peas. I'm a liver lover anyway, but WOW, that was good. Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it.
Slipping into a food coma now....... :boredom:
Went to pick up my pizza last night and this guy was performing. The video does not capture how LOUD it was. :nea:
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/?action=view¤t=Performer.mp4 (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/?action=view¤t=Performer.mp4)
Let's talk about cars for a minute.
I saw this "Caddylac" on the highway. Yes, a Volkswagen.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Caddylac.jpg)
I took this picture this morning of a Camaro Z28. In the U.S. you see these all over, but this is the first and only one I've seen in the country (actually in ALL of my travels in Europe) since 2009. The reason? The buyer pays an additional 27% VAT on American cars imported here.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/11182012060.jpg)
Well, let me resurrect this post. I'll share 3 recent interesting stories. (popcorn)
- A friend went to a parts store here and needed to buy a turbo part for his VW Passat. They told him a mechanic needed to install it. Through the conversation, he realized they were not going to sell it to him to install himself. They actually made him promise that he would have a mechanic install the part before they would sell it to him! He agreed, then drove the car across the street and installed the part himself. They are MUCH more interested in rules than selling anything here.
- I changed the color of my Trabant from tan to red. I've been to the registration office, service shops, etc., and everywhere they look at me like I'm crazy, and they do not know what to do. Now I need to drive 45 minutes away to an office that will give me a form verifying my car is now red. THEN I can get it registered.
- I was renewing my insurance, and they said I underpaid by about $2. I reached into my pocket, but they stopped me and told me I needed to pay with a credit card. Whatever. So I move to the end of the counter near the security guy. My card sometimes does not swipe down, but works when it is swiped up. She swiped it down 3 times, then said the card was bad. I explained that she should swipe it the opposite way. "NO." was her response. I argued a little and told her it would work if she swiped it the other way. Again, "NO." This time also from the security guy. They started making a scene and I thought they would send me to jail. Their reaction was like, you cannot just go the opposite way. There's an embossed arrow showing the direction.
The theme of all this: There is NO LIBERTY HERE. My pastor spent some time in Budapest after the Berlin Wall came down. He told me before we moved here, "Communism has always been an enemy of liberty." They seem to be hanging on to the same way of thinking. You cannot just do what you want.
Wow! You would have been detained if you'd have tried to get them to wrap a plastic bag around it and swipe it! :dash2:
I'd say this sort of thing pre-dates Communism by a good bit. The Austro-Hungarian empire is alive and well in their heads.
Have you heard of Jaroslav Gacek?
Quote from: JPaganel on July 19, 2013, 03:07:00 AM
Have you heard of Jaroslav Gacek?
No, and I couldn't find any info in English from Google either. :pardon:
Quote from: Lotsokids on July 19, 2013, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: JPaganel on July 19, 2013, 03:07:00 AM
Have you heard of Jaroslav Gacek?
No, and I couldn't find any info in English from Google either. :pardon:
That's probably because I misspelled his name. :crazy:
Sorry, it was late night here, plus it's always a tossup as to whether a foreign name is anglicized. :pardon:
This guy: http://www.private-prague-guide.com/article/jaroslav-hasek/ (http://www.private-prague-guide.com/article/jaroslav-hasek/)
Anyway, his most famous book is about Svejk the soldier, it takes place during WWI when the Czechs were fighting for the Austria-Hungary. What he describes is pretty much what you describe, especially in the sense the ridiculous rigid bureaucratic rules.
Quote from: JPaganel on July 19, 2013, 03:07:00 AM
I'd say this sort of thing pre-dates Communism by a good bit. The Austro-Hungarian empire is alive and well in their heads.
Interesting. Makes sense.
So blame can be shifted to "culture" and not "Communism" for much of this stuff.
Communism did create some of that, but without fertile ground it could not have flourished like it did. In Russia, that sort of stuff was described as "administrative ecstasy" by Dostoyevsky, a while before Lenin and his buddies showed up.
Here's another one for you.
A friend owns a different "communist car" called the Lada. He has 13 inch wheels. He went to a shop to buy some aftermarket wheels, and he found some he really liked with the same bolt pattern but 14 inch diameter. They were proceeding with the sale, then they asked him what car he was putting them on. He told them, and they knew the Lada had 13 inch wheels stock. SO THEY REFUSED TO SELL THE 14 INCH WHEELS TO HIM. They would rather lose a sale than sell him wheels with a different diameter than stock.
Similar to when my friend went to buy a brown couch and blue chair, but they refused to sell them to him when he said he would put them in the same room. He had to tell them he would put them in different rooms before they sold them to him.
I really don't understand that way of doing business (or not). :wacko2:
On extremely hot days, the Hungarian road crews spread sand all over the roads. Even the roundabouts! It's such a danger to bikers. I have no idea why they do this. Anyone ever seen this before or have any ideas why?
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/07292013136_zps788ac0b0.jpg)
Quote from: Lotsokids on July 29, 2013, 12:32:48 PM
On extremely hot days, the Hungarian road crews spread sand all over the roads. Even the roundabouts! It's such a danger to bikers. I have no idea why they do this. Anyone ever seen this before or have any ideas why?
Lotsokids,
Probably to keep the oil-based "sealer" on the roadaway from oozing up and getting flung from wheels onto everything around, which includes people.
The build-up on the undersides of cars must be serious, to motivate so much work and expense.
Quote from: Lotsokids on July 29, 2013, 12:32:48 PM
On extremely hot days, the Hungarian road crews spread sand all over the roads. Even the roundabouts! It's such a danger to bikers. I have no idea why they do this. Anyone ever seen this before or have any ideas why?
This also happens in Australia on very hot days. The main place that I've seen it is on sharp curves on mountain roads. The sand stops the tar sticking to the tyres and peeling off the surface. It's usually used where there is alot of heavy vehicle movement. Bloody dangerous for motorcycle riders, especially after the temps have dropped and you're not expecting to see sand on your favourite corners! :wacko3:
Vehicle registration and insurance
I recently took the liberty of painting my Trabant RED over the original tan. Well I had to go to what I call the "Color Change Office" here in Hungary to get an official paper that says the color is now red. Well, the guy came out and took photos of everything. The car, odometer, engine code, VIN, everything. I thought it was funny, so I took a picture of him.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Trabant/08292013186_zpsd95d68e9.jpg)
He found a problem. The engine code didn't match my registration paper. Everything stopped. He refused to give me the letter for the COLOR because the engine code was wrong. The engine was changed by the original owner, but they did not change it on the car's registration. They required that I get a signed letter from the original owner that they sold the engine to me. Then I had to get the engine inspected at a service shop and get a signed letter from them saying the engine was installed properly. I got this all done and will be registering it today. How ridiculous!
I continually get bills in the mail from my insurance company (in Hungary) for a car I sold over a year ago. The insurance has expired, but they keep sending me these notices. So I went to their office and asked them to remove this car as I no longer own it. They asked for the bill of sale, which I don't have. They said they could do nothing without a bill of sale PROVING that I sold the car. I told them they can continue to pay postage sending me these notices every week for the next few YEARS until I move out of Hungary. I guess I'm starting to act like an American.
Hey! Those fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror aren't STOCK!
Off with his head!
Very entertaining thread. Please keep it running...
Steve
Quote from: Lotsokids on September 06, 2013, 12:19:05 AM
Vehicle registration and insurance
I recently took the liberty of painting my Trabant RED over the original tan. Well I had to go to what I call the "Color Change Office"
He found a problem. The engine code didn't match my registration paper. Everything stopped. He refused to give me the letter for the COLOR because the engine code was wrong. The engine was changed by the original owner, but they did not change it on the car's registration. They required that I get a signed letter from the original owner that they sold the engine to me. Then I had to get the engine inspected at a service shop and get a signed letter from them saying the engine was installed properly. I got this all done and will be registering it today. How ridiculous!
I continually get bills in the mail from my insurance company (in Hungary) for a car I sold over a year ago. The insurance has expired, but they keep sending me these notices. So I went to their office and asked them to remove this car as I no longer own it. They asked for the bill of sale, which I don't have. They said they could do nothing without a bill of sale PROVING that I sold the car. I told them they can continue to pay postage sending me these notices every week for the next few YEARS until I move out of Hungary. I guess I'm starting to act like an American.
This is an excellent example of the inevitable end-state of socialism: bureaucratic paralysis! It's also, what the dems in our country want us to be. Elections have consequences, folks.
Just my $0.02
Dan
Quote from: Dan Filetti on September 06, 2013, 09:30:01 AM
Elections have consequences, folks.
Just my $0.02
Dan
AMEN! :dash1:
Quote from: Dan Filetti on September 06, 2013, 09:30:01 AM
Quote from: Lotsokids on September 06, 2013, 12:19:05 AM
Vehicle registration and insurance
I recently took the liberty of painting my Trabant RED over the original tan. Well I had to go to what I call the "Color Change Office"
He found a problem. The engine code didn't match my registration paper. Everything stopped. He refused to give me the letter for the COLOR because the engine code was wrong. The engine was changed by the original owner, but they did not change it on the car's registration. They required that I get a signed letter from the original owner that they sold the engine to me. Then I had to get the engine inspected at a service shop and get a signed letter from them saying the engine was installed properly. I got this all done and will be registering it today. How ridiculous!
I continually get bills in the mail from my insurance company (in Hungary) for a car I sold over a year ago. The insurance has expired, but they keep sending me these notices. So I went to their office and asked them to remove this car as I no longer own it. They asked for the bill of sale, which I don't have. They said they could do nothing without a bill of sale PROVING that I sold the car. I told them they can continue to pay postage sending me these notices every week for the next few YEARS until I move out of Hungary. I guess I'm starting to act like an American.
This is an excellent example of the inevitable end-state of socialism: bureaucratic paralysis! It's also, what the dems in our country want us to be. Elections have consequences, folks.
Just my $0.02
Dan
(A risky counter, but here goes.)
We Aussies get ta vote today. :boredom:
A Huge majority can`t decide between the two major parties. The two leaders of the usual idioms appear to be stupid puppets and thankfully the masses are so much more informed thanks to the Internet. - Even the bias of major media owners is now obvious.--- as a result, many (imho) see clearly that the elections do not have the real consequences both our Countries` need.
Karl Marx made the power split so clear two centuries ago (without the internet) and half the world are down his preferred path. I see the other half suffering similar fates including the onset of bureaucratic paralysis, and it`s around election time our demise (and his predictions) become reluctantly vindicated.
I do question to a degree, the peaceful acceptance of the paint colour dictated by the manufacturer, verses giving it a pink stripe and waiting for the bullets! and eventually a :bomb:
However, I do envy the symbolic display of patriotism I see regularly in America, along with brilliant articulation of civil debate - it`s so lacking here.
(wtf! - time for a ride me thinks!)
Mark,
I thought of you while taking my family for a trek up one of the Jeep trails here in Colorado.........................
Not far up the trail I spotted this...............No doubt parked and hiked up the trail, cause the way the trail was, there was no way this person would have made it any farther.........Even as robust as these cars are reported to be............
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/P6150019_zpsc892e57d.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/P6150019_zpsc892e57d.jpg.html)
Anyway, I'm sure there are thousands of them over there..........Millions?
Just something you don't see much here in the States..........
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 06, 2013, 07:39:30 PM
........Even as robust as these cars are reported to be............
Yeah... ha ha! That certainly is a rare sight in the U.S.
There are a few here, but the general population does not like them. There is no way to dispose of them, either. It's got a Duroplast body, so you cannot recycle it or burn it (toxic gasses). It REALLY confuses the Hungarians here as there are a few of us Americans here who bought a Trabant. They don't understand that we buy these cars more as a joke than anything.
The HEAT is turned on!
The heat in buildings is operated rather efficiently by a hot water radiator system. BUT it is only turned on Oct. 1. THE HEAT IS NOT TURNED ON BY OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE, ONLY A DATE. My kids were freezing in school, bundled up wearing jackets and scarves in class. :negative:
My manager's wife was driving home when a car came into her lane in a corner (Hungarians cut through corners a lot). She dodged out of the way, but over-corrected and went into the ditch on the left and hit a tree. She broke her arm and also suffered a spinal injury. While she was recovering in the hospital, the police showed up AT HER ROOM, and gave her a traffic ticket for losing control of her car. It was about $20.
If it was me, I think I might have created an international incident. :ireful:
A friend here has a Hungarian girlfriend. She said, "I don't know why you keep talking about how Communism ended in 1989. That's only when the Russians left. Communism was alive and well until about 1996."
So they are not far removed from it. Only relatively recent changes. But as you know from this thread, some things have not changed. :pardon:
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 10, 2013, 12:30:59 PM
My manager's wife was driving home when a car came into her lane in a corner (Hungarians cut through corners a lot). She dodged out of the way, but over-corrected and went into the ditch on the left and hit a tree. She broke her arm and also suffered a spinal injury. While she was recovering in the hospital, the police showed up AT HER ROOM, and gave her a traffic ticket for losing control of her car. It was about $20.
If it was me, I think I might have created an international incident. :ireful:
They do that here too, show up and give the injured tickets.
Quote from: Klavdy on November 22, 2013, 07:20:53 AM
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 10, 2013, 12:30:59 PM
My manager's wife was driving home when a car came into her lane in a corner (Hungarians cut through corners a lot). She dodged out of the way, but over-corrected and went into the ditch on the left and hit a tree. She broke her arm and also suffered a spinal injury. While she was recovering in the hospital, the police showed up AT HER ROOM, and gave her a traffic ticket for losing control of her car. It was about $20.
If it was me, I think I might have created an international incident. :ireful:
They do that here too, show up and give the injured tickets.
They sometimes do it here, as well.
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 10, 2013, 12:30:59 PM
My manager's wife was driving home when a car came into her lane in a corner (Hungarians cut through corners a lot). She dodged out of the way, but over-corrected and went into the ditch on the left and hit a tree. She broke her arm and also suffered a spinal injury. While she was recovering in the hospital, the police showed up AT HER ROOM, and gave her a traffic ticket for losing control of her car. It was about $20.
If it was me, I think I might have created an international incident. :ireful:
The question is did the other party that cut the corner get a ticket also ? I know that in Italy they have a tendency to proportionately assign blame or fault. I can't say if it is right or wrong but "when in Rome"....
A scenario could be an aggressive driver, gives a turn signal and "jinks" into a lane that you are in, and you rear end them because they had to put the brakes on because of traffic in front of them. In Italy both party's would most likely get ticketed. One party might be more guilty than the other but both will pay.
Keep the reports coming I enjoy reading them.
George
Here's some new stuff on this topic.
I was working at a desk in the same room they were holding a driving class for a few of my co-workers to get their Hungarian drivers license. They were going over some possible questions for the test.
- One question discussed was that you absolutely could never turn on your headlight high beams in town. Ever. You can also NEVER turn on your high beams when you are not moving. Seems Hungarians are very sensitive about when to use high beams or fog lights. I know personally that if you have your fog lights on when it's not foggy, Hungarian drivers are GREATLY offended and will flash their lights until you turn them off.
- They discussed questions about the car's clutch. Most vehicles over here are manual transmission and the instructor said every driving test has at least one question about the clutch - how to identify when it's worn (length of travel of the pedal before it engages), etc. He said if you take the driving test with an automatic, your license will be identified that you can ONLY drive an automatic vehicle.
- Many questions deal with who has the right-of-way at intersections, main roads, etc. You need to identify the BACK of a sign. So if you see the back of a yield sign facing another car, he must yield to you.
- Then all the questions about motorcycles with sidecars, horsecarts, and so on.
The air here is somewhat dry now, and my hands are dry and I get painful splits in the corner by my fingernail. So I took some superglue and put a drop on one of these splits which helps instantly. But there were two Hungarians watching me. They said, "What are you doing?" in a concerned way. I explained. They both shook their heads and said [in Hungarian], "That's bad, very bad!" I said "Why?" They just kept repeating, "That's very bad." One guy said, "I accidentally got some on my finger, but NEVER on purpose!" It seemed like a big deal to them. Not sure why. Strange culture.
Again, "no liberty" sums it up. :pardon:
I like your posts...It's always fascinating to me to hear or see a completely different take on a subject in a different culture. Their views on high beams or fog lights for example. I've noticed on shows that depict European highways, it's not uncommon to see someone pulsing their high beams at a slower driver in the fast lane to get them to move over. Here in the states that would probably get you brake-checked!
Whenever I'm wrenching in the garage for weeks on end on various vehicles, the regular hand washing dries out my skin and I get those same painful cracks at the upper corner of a fingernail. I never thought of just super gluing it!! :good2:
Cap'n Ron. . .
Quote from: Capn Ron on April 04, 2014, 03:45:56 PM
...I get those same painful cracks at the upper corner of a fingernail. I never thought of just super gluing it!! :good2:
Yes, I also found that certain cleaners like brake or carb cleaner are very bad for causing that. Super glue is the PERFECT cure.
Actually, when it says "bonds skin instantly" that is not a warning, but directions. :rofl2:
Yep, I used super glue to stick the tip of my rt index finger on Monday this week, after my snaggletoothed dog accidentally laid it open. I was able to play ball with it on Wednesday night. :good2:
Moisture accelerates the bonding process, our skin has moisture.... If you need a primer, use plane old water on one or both surfaces for a faster bond.
As I mentioned before, Hungarians push their bicycles everywhere it seems. There are many places that are illegal to ride your bike like sidewalks, across any street, if you've had any alcohol, etc. There is a heavy fine for any of these. It's a very "rules" driven culture.
Yesterday I saw this. It's an additional paved area just for bikes, right next to a sidewalk, right next to a street. I've ridden bicycles on sidewalks all my life. I guess that's why it seems odd to me.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/04062014413_zps263da6c5.jpg)
Large American company hires Hungarians...
I work for Boeing as an aircraft mechanic here in Hungary. We've hired a few Hungarians to help us. All the ones we hired are great workers and eager to learn. There are some differences, though. Over-the-top frugality is one. Businesses here never have any lights on. When I go to car dealerships or other big businesses, it's always very dark with the lights off. Maybe one little lamp on the desk for the secretary or something. So our Hungarians have tried to get used to us leaving our lights on in our building, etc. But I agree, us Americans are wasteful in many areas.
Anyway... Boeing has a new policy that flightline workers must wear a yellow reflective vest while on the flightline. So Boeing purchased some vests locally. I was wearing my vest while lubing our main landing gear (dirtiest job). I had grease head to toe and all over my [formerly] yellow vest. We have a Hungarian that works in our tool room. I asked him for a new vest. He said, "You need to try to clean it." I chuckled and said, "There's no way this will get clean. I need a new one." Well, he made a big deal about it. He said, "We cannot purchase 10 vests per week!" I said, "Yes you can. Boeing is paying for them, not you." We argued back and forth for a few minutes which seemed like eternity. He went to my manager and told him. My manager said "Yeah... and...?"
Boeing has a lot of money. I think they can afford a new $5 vest. (popcorn)
Quote from: Lotsokids on April 16, 2014, 03:37:27 AM
Large American company hires Hungarians...
I work for Boeing as an aircraft mechanic here in Hungary. We've hired a few Hungarians to help us. All the ones we hired are great workers and eager to learn. There are some differences, though. Over-the-top frugality is one. Businesses here never have any lights on. When I go to car dealerships or other big businesses, it's always very dark with the lights off. Maybe one little lamp on the desk for the secretary or something. So our Hungarians have tried to get used to us leaving our lights on in our building, etc. But I agree, us Americans are wasteful in many areas.
Anyway... Boeing has a new policy that flightline workers must wear a yellow reflective vest while on the flightline. So Boeing purchased some vests locally. I was wearing my vest while lubing our main landing gear (dirtiest job). I had grease head to toe and all over my [formerly] yellow vest. We have a Hungarian that works in our tool room. I asked him for a new vest. He said, "You need to try to clean it." I chuckled and said, "There's no way this will get clean. I need a new one." Well, he made a big deal about it. He said, "We cannot purchase 10 vests per week!" I said, "Yes you can. Boeing is paying for them, not you." We argued back and forth for a few minutes which seemed like eternity. He went to my manager and told him. My manager said "Yeah... and...?"
Boeing has a lot of money. I think they can afford a new $5 vest. (popcorn)
If it makes you feel any better, I'd write you up for insubordination.
Wear your dirty vest and be grateful to have a good paying job.
I'm making the assumption it's a good paying job.....
Anyway, I need to make some time to read this whole thread, very interesting. We've got it so good here in the States, most of us have no clue...
Spoiled might be a good term -
Give Obama and those like him enough time, we'll be just like them.....
.
Quote from: motohorseman on April 16, 2014, 06:09:38 AM
Give Obama and those like him enough time, we'll be just like them.....
He's doing his best, ain't he.
.
Quote from: motohorseman on April 16, 2014, 06:09:38 AM
If it makes you feel any better, I'd write you up for insubordination.
I don't understand this statement. :pardon:
Needed to get my son a tetanus shot today. Here's the procedure:
1. Wait to see a doctor. Explain the need.
2. The doctor writes a prescription for the injection.
3. You bring the prescription to a pharmacy and they hand you a small box containing the syringe and vaccine.
4. You bring the package back to the doctor and wait again. Then he opens the box and injects the vaccine.
Not very efficient. :scratch_one-s_head:
Mark, Until I saw the title of this thread, I assumed you were in Kalifornia & dealing with 0bamacare...
This same routine will be happening here soon enough :dash1:
Quote from: Lotsokids on April 23, 2014, 02:20:12 PM
Needed to get my son a tetanus shot today. Here's the procedure:
1. Wait to see a doctor. Explain the need.
2. The doctor writes a prescription for the injection.
3. You bring the prescription to a pharmacy and they hand you a small box containing the syringe and vaccine.
4. You bring the package back to the doctor and wait again. Then he opens the box and injects the vaccine.
Not very efficient. :scratch_one-s_head:
That`s what I have to do here in Australia! ....Though I know my doc, so he leaves the prescription for the injection at his reception desk for me these days.
I could write a book on the bureaucratic inefficiencies of our medical world, yet their workers, incl nurses & doctors are efficient, professional and extraordinary. My kids (both teachers now) have reminded me on more than one occasion of a statement I made to them regarding their career choices, while they were at school, "Any profession that involves compassion and/or passion will be raped by bureaucracy".
Bicycle pusher captured on video! As mentioned before, they push their bikes everywhere. I just don't understand it. My Hungarian friends deny it mostly. But one said, "Sometimes it's just more comfortable."
After I recorded this old guy pushing his bike, I counted 4 more in the next 10 minutes. :pardon:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/Bike_Pusher_zps0edc6d2e.mp4)
We call bicycles "pushbike's" in Australia, but we don't go to that extreme and push em everywhere.
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 05, 2014, 01:46:40 PMBicycle pusher captured on video! As mentioned before, they push their bikes everywhere. I just don't understand it. My Hungarian friends deny it mostly. But one said, "Sometimes it's just more comfortable."
After I recorded this old guy pushing his bike, I counted 4 more in the next 10 minutes. :pardon:
Lotsokids,
Sounds like a nationwide epidemic of bad bike seats, there. This unit was the difference between night and day, for my bike riding comfort:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle (http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle)
It fits on standard seat posts, and does not poke at that nerve bundle at the base of the spine. That is a more important consideration, as we get older. It takes about a week to get accustomed to the new seating arrangement, but it's well worth it.
Cheers,
Red
Quote from: red on May 06, 2014, 08:44:13 AM
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 05, 2014, 01:46:40 PMBicycle pusher captured on video! As mentioned before, they push their bikes everywhere. I just don't understand it. My Hungarian friends deny it mostly. But one said, "Sometimes it's just more comfortable."
After I recorded this old guy pushing his bike, I counted 4 more in the next 10 minutes. :pardon:
Lotsokids,
Sounds like a nationwide epidemic of bad bike seats, there. This unit was the difference between night and day, for my bike riding comfort:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle (http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle)
It fits on standard seat posts, and does not poke at that nerve bundle at the base of the spine. That is a more important consideration, as we get older.
Cheers,
Red
mmmm....they do look a bit like those crotch roclet`s pillion seats. ....Only a max gap of 38.4mm? Need more for FJ riders me thinks! ....and and why is it more important as we get older?...I had much more of them when I was younger!
Quote from: The General on May 06, 2014, 11:35:24 AM
Quote from: red on May 06, 2014, 08:44:13 AM
Quote from: Lotsokids on May 05, 2014, 01:46:40 PMBicycle pusher captured on video! As mentioned before, they push their bikes everywhere.
Lotsokids,
Sounds like a nationwide epidemic of bad bike seats, there. This unit was the difference between night and day, for my bike riding comfort:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle (http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-amaderesdx-Easyseat-II-Saddle/dp/B001C6DROM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399383281&sr=8-1&keywords=Hobson+Easyseat+II+Saddle)
It fits on standard seat posts, and does not poke at that nerve bundle at the base of the spine. That is a more important consideration, as we get older.
Cheers,
Red
mmmm....they do look a bit like those crotch roclet`s pillion seats. ....Only a max gap of 38.4mm? Need more for FJ riders me thinks! ....and and why is it more important as we get older?...I had much more of them when I was younger!
General,
All joking aside, as we age we lose the "padding" down there that healthy young tissue provides, for those nerves. When injured, it also takes them longer to heal. Re-injuries can become chronic pain or discomfort. Most bike seats put your full body weight on a part of your body which was not built for that. The tilting plates of the Easy Seat let your bone structure carry the load as you pedal. As said earlier, it takes about a week to make the transition to having a pad under each hip, instead of the old bicycle seat pressing up between the legs.
Cheers,
Red
Full Leathers and High-Quality Oil vs. Income
LEATHERS:
So Hungarians earn an average of $300/month, yet they insist on wearing full leathers. A Hungarian co-worker just spent nearly $1,000 on full leathers, and wears them all the time. Protection is great... priceless actually. But if I'm going to the store, I'm not going to suit up like that. Actually, I don't own full leathers. I've been racing at the drag track here without leathers - and I am the only one. If you notice my icon, I'm on the racetrack wearing a textile jacket and textile motocross pants. It was smoking hot in August. But the track manager was fine with that because I signed a waiver stating something to the effect that if I crashed, they would sweep my body to the side and continue racing. P.S. - lawsuits do not exist here. The U.S. should try emphasizing personal responsibility like that! But if I was racing with turns, I certainly would invest in good protection. Full leathers, no doubt. But now, I would just have a hard time justifying using 3 months of my entire income to buy a full set of leathers. Yet Hungarians do. I'M NOT SAYING THIS IS WRONG, I just find it odd. I have other priorities.
Here's a picture I took at the Shell fuel station this morning. The "scooter" riders wore textile, but all 6 motorcycle riders and passengers wore full leathers:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/Hungary/05242014491_zps2c5c0e47.jpg)
OIL:
Most of the oil here is synthetic. I have a hard time finding regular mineral oil. I've never used synthetic oil in my motorcycles with a wet clutch. I'm sure the oil topic has been debated somewhere else. I love to rebuild engines. It's fun for me. I've done 15 engine rebuilds in my life, mostly Chevy small-block V8's. So I use the cheapest oil money can buy. Engine rebuilds don't scare me. My Hungarian friends always debate with me about this. Again, they earn very little money. Yet they pay up to $75 PER LITER for oil. Not to mention our current $8.60/gallon of gas.
"Boy, you look good in those leathers, and we sure have awesome oil in the car, but we will need to put more water in the soup for dinner." :pardon:
Jobs / Marketing Rant:
I went to a restaurant yesterday with a friend and his family. There was only one waiter. He continually complained about being the only one, and asked for a simple order. We all ordered the daily special to help him out. He said his manager only had one waiter that day to save money. Later, a customer complained about the wait time. The waiter told the customer, "If you want fast food, go down the street to McDonald's."
This is not an isolated incident. This is certainly NOT a capitalistic society. As you can read in my earlier posts, it seems merchants don't care if they sell you anything or not. I've asked my local car parts store to look up a sunroof and some other accessories for my car. They never did. If the roles were reversed, I would think, "Hey, a rich American wants these parts. I have a great opportunity to make a big sale!" Marketing is minimal. Is it because they are heavily taxed on their profits? Maybe. I've learned that under Communism, certain people had certain jobs. If you needed something welded, go to the local welder. Need a butcher? Go to the local butcher. There is no "competition" either, it seems. Maybe some of that Communist thinking is still around. I am sometimes criticized for working on my own vehicles, because there is a local mechanic that does that. Our hired Hungarian translator could not believe that I removed my own wheels to install a plastic spacer. He even made an appointment with the tire shop and everything.
I'm trying to sell a small dirtbike. It is VERY hard to start (I suspect the carburetor). It's a Chinese 125. But it does eventually start and run, but rough. I just don't want to mess with it.
Yesterday, a Hungarian rented a trailer and drove from Budapest (2-hour drive). He already talked me down from about $300 to about $275 before seeing it. It was advertised as hard to start, but runs. When he arrived, he inspected the rear wheel closely and noticed is was a little loose. Evidently it needs rear wheel bearings. So he gets completely focused on the wheel bearings and unconcerned about the way it runs or anything else. He made calls for TWO HOURS, pacing back and forth, trying to get estimates. A mechanic friend of his finally gave him an estimate of about $150 for a whole new wheel. I told him the bearings are very inexpensive and easy to replace. He said "No... bye." I dropped my price to about $200. That added another 15 minutes of pacing around and thinking. Then he said, "Sorry, no. Bye." He had no intention of giving me an offer. Odd. He rented a trailer, spent $8 per gallon of gas, and drove 4 hours, just to leave and not try to work with me. Whatever. They can really nit-pick the little things. Now I'll be replacing the bearings tomorrow for maybe $20.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/Lotsokids/4_zpsace5b9e4.jpg)
In Hungary, it is illegal to ride a bicycle across a street. You must push it across.
But now it is legal to ride a bicycle while drunk - they changed this law in 2014.
:crazy:
Quote from: Lotsokids on October 03, 2014, 05:20:55 AM
In Hungary, it is illegal to ride a bicycle across a street. You must push it across.
But now it is legal to ride a bicycle while drunk - they changed this law in 2014.
:crazy:
Hello!
I registered solely because of this thread. I appreciate that you choose my country for your stay. However I have witnessed in this thread some confusion about our customs, and sometimes even denigration towards us (couldn't tell if it was satirical or not).
I came here to answer any questions, either already posted or future ones about my country. You can ask anything. Something is not clear, seems illogical, primitive or disgusting? Ask. Anything from toilets to laws, horsecarts, food, politics, customs, etc.
Thanks :hi:
Welcome! It is all in good fun, we are always up to a good laugh or expanding our knowledge. As the FJ motorcycle was sold world wide for many years we have members from all over the world. Feel free to also ask us questions wounder why we do strange things. Do you ride a motorcycle? Not that it matters you are welcome here.
George
Quote from: Hermit on January 09, 2015, 12:26:18 AMHello!
I registered solely because of this thread. I appreciate that you choose my country for your stay. However I have witnessed in this thread some confusion about our customs, and sometimes even denigration towards us (couldn't tell if it was satirical or not).
I came here to answer any questions, either already posted or future ones about my country. You can ask anything. Something is not clear, seems illogical, primitive or disgusting? Ask. Anything from toilets to laws, horsecarts, food, politics, customs, etc. Thanks :hi:
Hermit,
You are welcome here. I like to hear about the people of the world, and their customs.
The USA has a crazy mixture of cultures and customs, so life here can be baffling at times, but it is seldom boring. :rofl2:
Back at post #175, I was asking about the "bicycle pushers," who have a bicycle but walk (and push the bicycle) for some distance instead of riding the bicycle. I have never been to your country, so I do not understand why people would do that. I made a guess (a joke, really) that all of the bicycle seats were not comfortable. In the USA, you almost never see "people pushing bicycles," except when going up the steepest hills. Are there really a lot of "bicycle pushers" there? Why do they push the bicycles, instead of riding?
Thanks,
Red
Quote from: movenon on January 09, 2015, 01:13:50 AM
Welcome! It is all in good fun, we are always up to a good laugh or expanding our knowledge. As the FJ motorcycle was sold world wide for many years we have members from all over the world. Feel free to also ask us questions wounder why we do strange things. Do you ride a motorcycle? Not that it matters you are welcome here.
George
Thanks for the warm welcome! I don't own a motorcycle, but I always wanted one, since I rode one when I was 7 (with an adult of course).
Quote from: red on January 09, 2015, 08:51:08 AM
Quote from: Hermit on January 09, 2015, 12:26:18 AMHello!
I registered solely because of this thread. I appreciate that you choose my country for your stay. However I have witnessed in this thread some confusion about our customs, and sometimes even denigration towards us (couldn't tell if it was satirical or not).
I came here to answer any questions, either already posted or future ones about my country. You can ask anything. Something is not clear, seems illogical, primitive or disgusting? Ask. Anything from toilets to laws, horsecarts, food, politics, customs, etc. Thanks :hi:
Hermit,
You are welcome here. I like to hear about the people of the world, and their customs.
The USA has a crazy mixture of cultures and customs, so life here can be baffling at times, but it is seldom boring. :rofl2:
Back at post #175, I was asking about the "bicycle pushers," who have a bicycle but walk (and push the bicycle) for some distance instead of riding the bicycle. I have never been to your country, so I do not understand why people would do that. I made a guess (a joke, really) that all of the bicycle seats were not comfortable. In the USA, you almost never see "people pushing bicycles," except when going up the steepest hills. Are there really a lot of "bicycle pushers" there? Why do they push the bicycles, instead of riding?
Thanks,
Red
Well it is because of several reasons. Some people put heavy things on bicycles, and use them as somekind of "packmules", like a sack of food, or several boxes or bags. I used mine once to trasport 4 packs of mineral water when our car was broken.
The elderly push it when they are tired.
In villages people use it when they are a bit tipsy to keep balance.
Also when you push a bicycle you are counted as a pedastrian, this way you can use crosswalk.
People tend to get off when they move through heavy pedastrian traffic or public parks.
Others are simply hate to go up on steep hills, and only sit on it when they roll down.
Keep in mind that when you get off you are a pedastrian so you have to use the sidewalk.
In intersections when the lamp is red most people tend to get off to keep balance easier, especially old people.
However I recommend using the sidewalk even if you are on the bicycle (you can use it if you go under 10 km/h) it's safer and quicker, and you don't slow traffic this way. Some people go into roundabouts also, most of us see this as recklessness. I only use the road if it is necessary, or the sidewalk has extra pedastrian traffic. Even so I never go through intersections or roundabouts, I always go up the sidewalk before them, and push by bicycle through the crosswalk.
I also use my bicycle when I visit my wife after her shift ends. And since she doesn't use one, we walk home holding hands, and I push it with my other hand. Why should I leave my bicycle home, when I can do the trip with it in 10 minutes? This way I don't have to leave home 1 hour early. Besides it's their business to push it if they like (when they use the sidewalk), on the otherhand pushing on the road is only allowed if there is no sidewalk.
P.M.: That small vehicle previously pulling scrap, it's not going in the middle of the road, that's the side of it (where the asphalt ends), the nice paved area is exclusively for pedastrians or bicycles going under 10 km/h.
P.M2.: Many people (farmers for example) in small villages use horse drawn carriges. You see when you buy a car you have to pay at least 1 million forints (3800 dollars, that's an average one year salary), and that's only if I count with a used, crap, low-tier car + taxes + compulsory car insurance + registration + sale papers + technical inspection + driving test + driving license. And it can't hold much cargo. A truck with the necessary load cost even more to maintain. So they use a carrige, mostly to transport food for the animals, or harvested goods to the market. You could see chairots in major cities as a tourist attraction also.
PM3.: Bicycles are also very low cost transport, not just poor people use them, I use it all the time in the city, what took me 5 minutes in rush hour, is 2 hours for a car. Besides the speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, I can easily gain 40-45 km/h with a bicycle so what's the point in using a car? The fuel is also very expensive. Some other people use bicycles, because of environmental factors (you know global warming). Also sometimes cars are not very mobile, especially in cities with lots of one-way roads. For further than 30 km-s I use mass transit or rarely a car.
Quote from: Hermit on January 10, 2015, 07:04:34 PM
Quote from: red on January 09, 2015, 08:51:08 AM
Quote from: Hermit on January 09, 2015, 12:26:18 AMHello!
I came here to answer any questions, either already posted or future ones about my country. You can ask anything. Something is not clear, seems illogical, primitive or disgusting? Ask. Anything from toilets to laws, horsecarts, food, politics, customs, etc. Thanks :hi:
Hermit,
You are welcome here. I like to hear about the people of the world, and their customs.
Are there really a lot of "bicycle pushers" there? Why do they push the bicycles, instead of riding? Thanks,
Red
Some people put heavy things on bicycles, and use them as some kind of "packmules", like a sack of food, or several boxes or bags. I used mine once to trasport 4 packs of mineral water when our car was broken. Bicycles are also very low cost transport, not just poor people use them, I use it all the time in the city, what took me 5 minutes in rush hour, is 2 hours for a car.
Hermit,
I like the idea of bicycles as "pack mules." I have done that myself. Before I got a motorcycle, I had a bicycle with pannier cargo baskets. I used this bicycle for school and for work. I never considered a bicycle as a serious "cargo carrier" then, but with the magic of the Internet, I found a great idea for a bicycle cargo trailer. The material (to make the trailer) can be bamboo, as shown. Now I might use cheap aluminum tubes, or maybe some other light wood to build it. This idea may not be useful to you now, but you might want to make these plans available to your local bicycle clubs. The trailer fitting bolts on to the rear axle, and the trailer connects quickly, with one vertical bolt at the end of the front tube.
http://www.carryfreedom.com/downloads/Bamboo%20Trailer%20Instructions%20Email2.pdf (http://www.carryfreedom.com/downloads/Bamboo%20Trailer%20Instructions%20Email2.pdf)
Best wishes,
Red