This is beautiful. As an American with Irish citizenship and once married to a Hungarian citizen I appreciate the paths you have followed and I agree with you about Hungary’s potential for greatness that would be a contribution not a threat. Minden Jôt!!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment. It means a lot to hear from someone with such a personal connection to Hungary. I really believe the country’s greatness lies in what it can contribute, not in what it can menace. Köszönöm, and minden jót to you too.
Beautifully written. I am 82.I lived shortly in Moscow on scholarship, in Washington as a diplomat, was an advisor of Prime Minister Nemeth and was proud to be a diligent soldier of building a Hungary deserving the respect of the world. From the regime change our hope was high, rightly so, until Cipolla (called Orbán) managed to lote our country, our pride, our National Bank, our universities, but never our backbone and our hope. When a young police officer, Bence Szabó stands up to the criminal state, the destiny of Hungary turns, and we shall vote on April 12.
I wait for your coming home.
We can have a nice Guiness on Margaret Island and talk about a Hungary, becoming proud again.🇭🇺
Thank you so much for this. It genuinely means a lot to me. Your life sounds absolutely fascinating, and reading this message felt like hearing from someone who has lived through so much of the history I spend my time writing and thinking about.
I also have a personal connection to Russia through my family; my mum lived in Moscow as a child from around 1971 to 1976, if I’m not mistaken. So that part of your story especially stayed with me.
And yes, when I’m in Budapest, let’s absolutely have that Guinness on Margaret Island and talk about a Hungary we can be proud of again.
Thank you so much for this. I’m really moved that it spoke to something so personal for you. I’m sorry you’re carrying that kind of goodbye, but it means a lot to know the piece made you feel seen.
I can only imagine how hard, but necessary, this feeling must be to hold onto for so long. 🫂🫂✨ Thank you for sharing this with all of us. ❤️🩹
In America we now have the same rot, Donald trump and in my other country, Ukraine, we are actively fighting against the original orator of all this evil (Putin). I’ll be anxiously awaiting Orcban’s defeat right along with you. 🫂🫂The election is on April 12th isn’t it? Can’t wait!
I have a good feeling about it this time. ✨Seems like NOW his time is up. 🫶
Thank you so much, Lynn. This really means a lot to me. I think about Ukraine often, and I’m longing for the day Hungary finally stands with Ukraine instead of against it. Yes, you’re right, it’s April 12. It feels like such a huge moment. Thank you for hoping with me. I really hope this time will be different.
I believe the Hungarian citizens have become extremely tired of being pillaged by Orban’s authoritarian regime.
Since the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine, it has become very clear to me that the Hungarian people (for the most part) do support Ukraine and do not support what Orban has done to them or to Ukraine, how he hurts his own citizens with policy and financially, and how he helps Putin, in denying support for Ukraine. There are many Hungarian fighters, in a Hungarian Brigade, as part of the AFU, as well. ✊ One of the most notable people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in another brigade, is Robert Brovi Magyar of Magyars birds, who is a Hungarian Ukrainian.
Good people around the world are coming together against the entire Oligarchy network. This has given me a lot of hope for the future. ❤️And this election will be one of the biggest steps in that direction. ✨
Like you so beautifully stated in your article, the desire for your home country to be free, has never gone away. Hungarians have an overwhelming desire to take their country back and I believe (and hope) that they will! 🔥✨
So, I believe that I will be right here with you, ready to celebrate the Victory, on April 12th✌️In Just 10 days!! 🫶🥂
In the meantime, hang in there, my friend, and keep writing ✍️. Your voice in this crazy era, that we are all living through, is absolutely priceless! 🫶
Thank your kind words, Lynn, truly. It meant a lot to read. I really believe there are far more decent and brave Hungarians than Orbán wants the world to see, and you’re absolutely right to point to those standing with Ukraine too. That is part of why this moment feels so important. And please don’t apologise, I loved reading every word. Here’s to hoping we get to celebrate on April 12. 🫶🇭🇺🇺🇦
I wonder what you don’t write a detailed account of what fox news media did in Hungary. How they influenced the election by selling russian propaganda back then in Hungary. And how it isn’t safe for them to work there now. You should do some research and write about that. I’d be interested in a Hungarians point of view on that. Are Hungarians aware of this as a whole?
That’s a really good suggestion, thank you. I think there’s a genuinely important story there about how parts of the US right helped sell Orbán’s system to foreign audiences, often by recycling narratives that overlapped very neatly with Russian propaganda.
I’m going to look into it properly soon and write an article on it.
As for whether Hungarians are aware of it, I’d say some definitely are, especially people who follow politics closely, but not nearly enough as a whole. The international media side of Orbánism is still badly underexplored.
If you have any sources you’d recommend, please do send them my way.
I think it needs attention. fox spew media is a russian friendly propaganda machine here in the states. Repeated lies and misinformation with a fancy background with hot women with big boobies sells a cult. They did it there in Hungary using those same tactics. It works too well. I was very happy to hear that there are Hungarians that stepped up and made them leave. But that doesn’t mean others didn’t start up using the same format. A format supported by russia.
This is a beautiful essay and what little I saw of Hungary, last October, just underscores your memories. I had written an anecdote, and yes, it was from Vienna, not Salzburg, that I went to Budapest and beyond. (Senior moment, mea culpa). The anecdote just detracted from this post, so it's gone. May you return to a home that is on the mend, however slowly that may be.
Thank you so much for this beautiful comment, Gary. I was really moved by your words, especially your hope that I return to a home that is on the mend. I carry that hope with me too.
I’d truly love to hear more one day about your travels through Hungary and what the country was like through your eyes. Thank you again for such a thoughtful and generous message.
I guess we all have reasons to be ashamed of our countries, Russians for Putin, Brits for Brexit, Americans for Trump. The mistake we make is to identify ourselves with our nations.
Péter, ez egy nagyon szép írás. Nekem is megvan a saját történetem, amit most nem írok le, de sok a párhuzam a tiéddel. Szurkoljunk együtt hogy vége legyen ennek a fosnak!
Nagyon köszönöm, László, ez sokat jelent. Megható, hogy ennyi párhuzamot éreztél a saját történeteddel is. És igen, szurkoljunk együtt, már kevesebb mint két hét van hátra!
All my fellow Americans need to read this excellent piece. They need to get the view you have of being a patriot whose country has been stolen. That is happening to us now. I share your grief.
Salzburg to Zagreb by train (or bus or auto) wouldn't take you through Budapest (where there are no NK-style minders - much less for random passers through), unless you chose strange routing.
I had similar-ish experiences in the early to mid 1980s in Czechoslovakia and East Germany - merely amusing.
You're describing recent incidents? They don't have resources to assign "minders," like that. Perhaps some plain clothes type asked you some questions? But followed from Salzburg? Forgot to take your medications?
This is beautiful. As an American with Irish citizenship and once married to a Hungarian citizen I appreciate the paths you have followed and I agree with you about Hungary’s potential for greatness that would be a contribution not a threat. Minden Jôt!!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment. It means a lot to hear from someone with such a personal connection to Hungary. I really believe the country’s greatness lies in what it can contribute, not in what it can menace. Köszönöm, and minden jót to you too.
Gosh this is so touching,literally bursted in tears 🥺❤️
Thank you so much, Anastasiia! That really means a lot to me. This one came from a very personal place.
Peter,
Beautifully written. I am 82.I lived shortly in Moscow on scholarship, in Washington as a diplomat, was an advisor of Prime Minister Nemeth and was proud to be a diligent soldier of building a Hungary deserving the respect of the world. From the regime change our hope was high, rightly so, until Cipolla (called Orbán) managed to lote our country, our pride, our National Bank, our universities, but never our backbone and our hope. When a young police officer, Bence Szabó stands up to the criminal state, the destiny of Hungary turns, and we shall vote on April 12.
I wait for your coming home.
We can have a nice Guiness on Margaret Island and talk about a Hungary, becoming proud again.🇭🇺
Thank you so much for this. It genuinely means a lot to me. Your life sounds absolutely fascinating, and reading this message felt like hearing from someone who has lived through so much of the history I spend my time writing and thinking about.
I also have a personal connection to Russia through my family; my mum lived in Moscow as a child from around 1971 to 1976, if I’m not mistaken. So that part of your story especially stayed with me.
And yes, when I’m in Budapest, let’s absolutely have that Guinness on Margaret Island and talk about a Hungary we can be proud of again.
So be it!
If you send me your email address, I send you my concise bio.
You wrote everything I feel about my own country, that I'll be leaving soon, forever. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this. I’m really moved that it spoke to something so personal for you. I’m sorry you’re carrying that kind of goodbye, but it means a lot to know the piece made you feel seen.
You're welcome. I look forward to seeing more of your journey.
I can only imagine how hard, but necessary, this feeling must be to hold onto for so long. 🫂🫂✨ Thank you for sharing this with all of us. ❤️🩹
In America we now have the same rot, Donald trump and in my other country, Ukraine, we are actively fighting against the original orator of all this evil (Putin). I’ll be anxiously awaiting Orcban’s defeat right along with you. 🫂🫂The election is on April 12th isn’t it? Can’t wait!
I have a good feeling about it this time. ✨Seems like NOW his time is up. 🫶
Thank you so much, Lynn. This really means a lot to me. I think about Ukraine often, and I’m longing for the day Hungary finally stands with Ukraine instead of against it. Yes, you’re right, it’s April 12. It feels like such a huge moment. Thank you for hoping with me. I really hope this time will be different.
You are so very welcome. 🤗
I believe the Hungarian citizens have become extremely tired of being pillaged by Orban’s authoritarian regime.
Since the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine, it has become very clear to me that the Hungarian people (for the most part) do support Ukraine and do not support what Orban has done to them or to Ukraine, how he hurts his own citizens with policy and financially, and how he helps Putin, in denying support for Ukraine. There are many Hungarian fighters, in a Hungarian Brigade, as part of the AFU, as well. ✊ One of the most notable people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in another brigade, is Robert Brovi Magyar of Magyars birds, who is a Hungarian Ukrainian.
Good people around the world are coming together against the entire Oligarchy network. This has given me a lot of hope for the future. ❤️And this election will be one of the biggest steps in that direction. ✨
Like you so beautifully stated in your article, the desire for your home country to be free, has never gone away. Hungarians have an overwhelming desire to take their country back and I believe (and hope) that they will! 🔥✨
So, I believe that I will be right here with you, ready to celebrate the Victory, on April 12th✌️In Just 10 days!! 🫶🥂
In the meantime, hang in there, my friend, and keep writing ✍️. Your voice in this crazy era, that we are all living through, is absolutely priceless! 🫶
PS: Sorry my reply is so long 🤦♀️
Thank your kind words, Lynn, truly. It meant a lot to read. I really believe there are far more decent and brave Hungarians than Orbán wants the world to see, and you’re absolutely right to point to those standing with Ukraine too. That is part of why this moment feels so important. And please don’t apologise, I loved reading every word. Here’s to hoping we get to celebrate on April 12. 🫶🇭🇺🇺🇦
Yes, we will!
And Amen to All of that! 🫶
Glory to Hungary 🇭🇺
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
Freedom and Truth will prevail!! 🔱💕🔱
I wonder what you don’t write a detailed account of what fox news media did in Hungary. How they influenced the election by selling russian propaganda back then in Hungary. And how it isn’t safe for them to work there now. You should do some research and write about that. I’d be interested in a Hungarians point of view on that. Are Hungarians aware of this as a whole?
That’s a really good suggestion, thank you. I think there’s a genuinely important story there about how parts of the US right helped sell Orbán’s system to foreign audiences, often by recycling narratives that overlapped very neatly with Russian propaganda.
I’m going to look into it properly soon and write an article on it.
As for whether Hungarians are aware of it, I’d say some definitely are, especially people who follow politics closely, but not nearly enough as a whole. The international media side of Orbánism is still badly underexplored.
If you have any sources you’d recommend, please do send them my way.
I think it needs attention. fox spew media is a russian friendly propaganda machine here in the states. Repeated lies and misinformation with a fancy background with hot women with big boobies sells a cult. They did it there in Hungary using those same tactics. It works too well. I was very happy to hear that there are Hungarians that stepped up and made them leave. But that doesn’t mean others didn’t start up using the same format. A format supported by russia.
That hits home.
This is a beautiful essay and what little I saw of Hungary, last October, just underscores your memories. I had written an anecdote, and yes, it was from Vienna, not Salzburg, that I went to Budapest and beyond. (Senior moment, mea culpa). The anecdote just detracted from this post, so it's gone. May you return to a home that is on the mend, however slowly that may be.
Thank you so much for this beautiful comment, Gary. I was really moved by your words, especially your hope that I return to a home that is on the mend. I carry that hope with me too.
I’d truly love to hear more one day about your travels through Hungary and what the country was like through your eyes. Thank you again for such a thoughtful and generous message.
I guess we all have reasons to be ashamed of our countries, Russians for Putin, Brits for Brexit, Americans for Trump. The mistake we make is to identify ourselves with our nations.
Yes, exactly. We are shaped by our countries, but we are not reducible to them. Loving a place does not mean identifying with its worst instincts.
You are almost there. 💙💙💙💙
Péter, ez egy nagyon szép írás. Nekem is megvan a saját történetem, amit most nem írok le, de sok a párhuzam a tiéddel. Szurkoljunk együtt hogy vége legyen ennek a fosnak!
Nagyon köszönöm, László, ez sokat jelent. Megható, hogy ennyi párhuzamot éreztél a saját történeteddel is. És igen, szurkoljunk együtt, már kevesebb mint két hét van hátra!
Life has these unknown ways of taking us to places we never imagined possible…
All my fellow Americans need to read this excellent piece. They need to get the view you have of being a patriot whose country has been stolen. That is happening to us now. I share your grief.
Salzburg to Zagreb by train (or bus or auto) wouldn't take you through Budapest (where there are no NK-style minders - much less for random passers through), unless you chose strange routing.
Salzburg → Villach → Ljubljana → Zagreb
Salzburg → Graz → Maribor → Zagreb
What's your point?
I had similar-ish experiences in the early to mid 1980s in Czechoslovakia and East Germany - merely amusing.
You're describing recent incidents? They don't have resources to assign "minders," like that. Perhaps some plain clothes type asked you some questions? But followed from Salzburg? Forgot to take your medications?