Strange Hungarian Customs

[RichBaker]

I could use a couple of them for my yard.....  Gotta be cheaper than teenagers!  More reliable, too   

[chapindad]

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.

[Lotsokids]

I personally took this photo yesterday at a Hungarian military base. Maybe a little chunky? 

[FJmonkey]

I personally took this photo yesterday at a Hungarian military base. Maybe a little chunky? 

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.

[Lotsokids]

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.

[mz_rider]

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

[oldktmdude]

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.

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.     Regards, Pete.

[Lotsokids]

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.

[Lotsokids]

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.

[Signaller]

This is an interesting insight. Thank you for the stories... Keep them coming.


Dan

[Lotsokids]

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!!!

[Mark Olson]

sounds like the dmv.

[Signaller]

Have you ever been to Canadian Tire in North Bay?? All most eerie in description.

[FJTillDeath]

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

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

[Lotsokids]

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.