Culture tips when visiting Hungary
 

I will be visiting (and teaching English) for a month in North-Eastern Hungary this Summer, and would appreciate any tips on local customs and culture. Also, any places or events that are a "must see" in that area. Thanks!

Learn to drink Unicum and smile :)

Thanks Fowler! Smiling is no problem - but what is Unicum? (Drinking's no problem either, so long as I know what it is!)

That should have been learn to smile WHILE drinking unicum:) Do a search for the Ouzo thread for a fuller explanation of this unique Hungarian digestiv. <BR>Seriously, you will love Hungary.I'm not as familiar with the northeast part, but my experience is that the Magyars are a proud people with a culture and history that has some non-western elements. Speaking a language that is linguistically singular and difficult to learn has added to their sense of going it alone. If you can visit the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest - it will help you understand their history - from being a partner in an empire to being stripped of much of their land. <BR>My favorite purchase in Hungary is always paprika. It is inexpensive and comes in several types. <BR>

It is more like North-Central, but Eger is a very nice town with lots of history and interesting architecture. Great for a day or two. Lots of wine cellars there too. You might like the Tokaj wine region, which if I remember correctly, is just east of Eger. Make sure to try some Bull's Blood wine, a specialty of Eger (called Egri Bikaver there).

Thanks Dan and Fowler for the tips - I certainly plan to visit as many wine cellars as I can! <BR> <BR>Fowler, I must be rather dense, but, are you putting me on about this Ouzo/Unicum? Thanks for the tip on the National Museum - I'll be sure to include it! <BR> <BR>Now, excuse me, I must investigate Ouzo ...