Budapest - Safe for Americans
 

This coming Saturday I am starting a trip that includes Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna & Budapest. I am somewhat concerned as to the situation in Budapest - if there is strong anti-American sentiment and if it will be safe. Any thoughts? Also, suggestions for an alternate place to end my trip. Thanks very much.

I don't think there is anti-American sentiment in Hungary, maybe some anti-NATO if anything. You know Hungary is now a member of NATO, so it wouldn't make too much sense. I'm from Hungary, but I live in Canada since two years ago.

Hi Christine! <BR>Last time I had to finish quickly, and I just want to add that most Hungarians will be happy to talk to you...to practice their English! <BR>lindi

Christine: Our son (actually my step-son) is touring Europe (giving the plastic a workout!) on a rail pass since finishing his final semester at the U. of Manchester. He called just yesterday from Berchtesgaden and said that he hasn't seen any anti-American activity from Brussels to Berlin to Prague to Budapest, now into Austria and Bavaria. He said he's seen a little anti-NATO, but nothing special. It hasn't affected his trip at all. <BR> <BR>We were interested because of his safety and we are leaving for Germany on the 23rd. Presently, it's OK. <BR> <BR>Now, if they could just avoid targeting foreign embassies... <BR>

I'd doubt very much if you'll find any anti-American sentiment in Budapest. One thing does cross my mind is that there are a number of ethnic Hungarians in the Vojvodina (Novi Sad) region of Yugoslavia so I guess there will be some concern as to their safety through the conflict. <BR>Just take normal "big city" precautions and you'll be fine. <BR>

No problem! My wife and I returned to budapest just a few weeks ago when the bombings started in Yugo. and there were no protests at all. Lid=fe went on as usual. This conflict should stay strictly inthe Balkans.

Just returned from Budapest yesterday. No problems at all, in fact, didn't see anything. However, since I can't read Hungarian.......don't really know what the signs said. But there were no demonstrations at all, heard from the city tour people that tourism is off sixty percent. <BR> <BR>We were also in vienna and Prague, and there was only a small protest that we happened into in Prague. enjoy your trip. <BR> <BR>rod