Melody Smith
@missustoad
American expat in Hungary
Forum posts
66
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Tata
Speaks English
Registration: 01 January 2013
Dealing with loneliness in Hungary by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to ...
My continued friendships, even when I am back in the States, is with a few coworkers, one or two students now grown up, and two families that owned businesses I frequented. You have to work hard to find a good friend, but once you do, it's for ... Read More
Get thee behind me, sweet wrapper by SimonTrew
What is it with the Hungarian habit of dropping litter? When I was a lad, there was a campaign, "Keep Britain Tidy" and we put the litter in public bins etc (which have sadly disappeared because councils can't be bothered to spend your ...
I can't stand the parks. Moms let the kids just drop trow and do their business anywhere because it's easier than walking to the loo. I could never trust a picnic on the grass here. Plus the puking drunks. Maybe not as common in Budapest ... Read More
"Security Alert" message about luggage at the Budapest Airport? by Marilyn Tassy
I wonder how real that alert really is? The US embassy sent me a message about luggage going missing from the airport. I am a bit surprised this can still go on with the modern screening of bags and only passengers being allowed into baggage claim ...
Correction IPod suitcase should be IZOD. Read More
"Security Alert" message about luggage at the Budapest Airport? by Marilyn Tassy
I wonder how real that alert really is? The US embassy sent me a message about luggage going missing from the airport. I am a bit surprised this can still go on with the modern screening of bags and only passengers being allowed into baggage claim ...
I always do as well. Name and both addresses everywhere. Read More
"Security Alert" message about luggage at the Budapest Airport? by Marilyn Tassy
I wonder how real that alert really is? The US embassy sent me a message about luggage going missing from the airport. I am a bit surprised this can still go on with the modern screening of bags and only passengers being allowed into baggage claim ...
I actually wrote to the embassy about what I felt was happening. My luggage went missing on a flight from Paris to Budapest early February. I was one of the last off the plane and despite my rapid exit and rush to the luggage carousel, one of my ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Hungary by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Hungary. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
C'mon. Give us the other side. Read More
Looking for a Bed
I have no idea about this person,, but the ideas are good. http://www.thespoiledqueen.com/furniture-stores-in-budapest/ Read More
Looking for a Bed
Try Jysk, too. But Facebook groups exist in BP for used or secondhand items, Read More
Now what?
Some of the bookstores have groups to read Hungarian books or authors' work in English. There are some groups that meet to practice English. There is a group in Szeged, too. If you visit there. My closest friends are people I met at yoga ... Read More
How to save money in Hungary by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you plan your budget before your move to Hungary? If so, how did you go about it? How do you save money in your day to day life? Do you find there are any areas where you can't cut costs? Do you have any tips about ...
1. Don't spend like an American. It takes effort to spend that much. Remember the sales tax as motivation. Don't eat out as much. 2. The grocery stores have bonus cards or points. Use them. 3. Rely on friends locally for advice. 4. You ... Read More
Hungarian citizenship oath and ceremony by segnre
Has anyone gone through the Hungarian simplified naturalization oath-taking ceremony (outside Hungary) since they tightened up the language requirement? Do you do it individually when you're approved or do they make you wait until whenever they ...
By closing do you mean ending? Read More
What is a good bank for USA expats in Budapest? by GuestPoster115
Forgive me if this is covered already but i did a search and did not see any. We are from USA and have had an account with OTP for over 6 months and it has been horrible! Every branch has had something different to say, and the fees are always ...
I used MKB in Tata. I liked that I could use the ATM with an English screen. I always could get a teller or manager to speak English. It is different that you set up the account before you put money in. My job direct deposited later with no problem. Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Hungary by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Hungary can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent homesickness? How ...
The first time that I stayed in Hungary for a year, I was miserably homesick. However, it was certainly partly due to my lack of language, the fact that at the time, Hungarians were out from under Soviet domination but their neighbor to the east ... Read More
What is a good bank for USA expats in Budapest? by GuestPoster115
Forgive me if this is covered already but i did a search and did not see any. We are from USA and have had an account with OTP for over 6 months and it has been horrible! Every branch has had something different to say, and the fees are always ...
I used MKB with no problems. Read More
Ziploc bags? by bchandrasekaran
Any one knows where we can score some ziploc bags in Budapest? Can't find them in supermarkets. Thanks.
I brought Ziploc bags with me - they are very handy. Read More
Hungary to scrap law on Sunday shopping ban by GuestPoster279
More info ...
I am delighted the shops are open on Sunday. And I hope that they continue to pay extra to people who work on Sunday - Hungarians need those jobs. As for me, as a grandma living here alone, with no Hungarian family support system to help with all ... Read More
Sunday hours? Shops?
I asked this once before and received no answer. Are the big shops open on Sunday? If they are, I'll go shopping in Slovakia since everything is shut in Hungary. Read More
Volunteering in Hungary by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Hungary? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
Marilyn: Why not walk over and ask them who she is and if you can help. You probably will get nowhere, but who knows? Sometimes the adventure is in the asking. I am thinking of a couple of people that I know in my area who probably one day will ... Read More
Not all shops are closed on Sundays by dezpapp
I have seen a topic on fire about why shops are closed on Sundays. While philosophy is a great pastime, it can hardly fill your belly on a long Sunday afternoon. Here's your primer / survival guide to ...
What about Slovakia? If I hop on the train and cross at Komarom / Komarno, will there be an open TESCO there or are the laws the same. By the way, thanks for the information. I like this thread. To me, it's a bit of a challenge or maybe ... Read More
Volunteering in Hungary by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Hungary? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
Well, perhaps that will be an area of volunteering. Human rights observers. Fluffy you always keep me in reality here. Read More
Volunteering in Hungary by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Hungary? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
Facebook has several pet fostering groups in Hungary. There are groups that help in senior homes. Regarding the massive migration, although there are official cleaners, it gets filthy quickly. Last weekend I went to Keleti, distributed coloring ... Read More
Hungarian cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Hungary? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Hungary and why not your best recipe. Thank ...
Tokaj wines - my favorite, but I can only drink them in small doses, because of the sweetness. So I usually take them places to share with people, most of whom are not as excited about it as I am. Read More
Buying a cafe in Budapest by usafpj
Good Day everyone. I posted here before about purchasing a vendeghaz and got a lot of excellent information. Now my plans have changed and I'm thinking more about purchasing a cafe in Budapest as well as flats to rent out. For clarification I ...
Another concern is whether or not you understand how regulated these places are. You will be out of town. You can be fined for not be opened hours as stated, having someone behind the counter who is not on the books (for example, my friends are ... Read More
Considering a job offer in Budapest by Anne_29
Hello! I really hope I get some advice here, as I am torn between relocating to Budapest from another country. I was really excited when I got offered a job by a multinational company to work in telecommunication because it's what I've been ...
I agree with the people who say it is low, but by Budapest standards, average. Do you know what the tax situation will be for you? I would easily live on this, but I don't eat out every night and I use public transportation. Perhaps you ... Read More
Where to go for Christmas?
I am retired and on my own about an hour outside BP. I won't be flying home and I'm trying to find something to do around Dec 24-26th. I was thinking of a spa/thermal baths situation but I dont' know if they are opened on Christmas. I ... Read More
Looking to self some things I don't need, where to post except here? by Khonichev
Hey there 大咖福利影院 :) Unfortunately the IBS university didn't turn out to be really great and the ruble fell too steeply and that ruined my budget so I'm pulling the plug after the first semester and moving back to Moscow to study german ...
let us know where you post for the guitar and monitor. Read More
Mammut Sunday Hours -- for the shops
Are the shops open on Sunday? All of them? I know Mammut gives hours the mall is opened, but I seem to remember not all the shops are open. Yours in senility. Read More
Places to visit at Christmas
For the whole time, Christmas to New Year's? Are museums open? Read More
Dec Jan holidays
I am an older woman teaching English in Central Europe. I was thinking of visiting Turkey for the holidays, mainly Istanbul, perhaps elsewhere. Any suggestions, inexpensive but safe place to stay, what is closed in December, what is open, etc. I ... Read More
Places to visit at Christmas
I am an older woman teaching in Hungary. My family are not with me. I need ideas what to do over holidays this year, even volunteering. As fot travel, not too far and not expensive. Thanks. I will entertain any and all ideas, no matter how ... Read More
What things are difficult if you are American in Budapest? by missustoad
I will be in Hungary in a month and be staying for a while. 1. are there doctors or clinics I can visit easily? 2. how much are doctor visits there? 3. can I get dry eye eye drops over the counter? 4. if my US doctor writes my ...
That is really good information. It would never occur to me to tip a medical doctor. A waitress, yes. A doctor, no. I have heard hospital staff can be rough in some places. Would tipping your nurse or doctor there be useful? Read More
public transport, BP to Zalaegerzseg? by missustoad
:/ What is best? bus, train, combination? How long a trip?
:D Thank you so very much. Melody Read More
public transport, BP to Zalaegerzseg? by missustoad
:/ What is best? bus, train, combination? How long a trip?
Thanks. I enjoy bus or train, so I look forward to trying it! Read More
public transport, BP to Zalaegerzseg?
:/ What is best? bus, train, combination? How long a trip? Read More
Catholic mass near Budagyongye?
I can't find one using a map, but then I can't do a search in Hungarian. Read More
Cost of living in Chile by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Chile. Don't forget to mention where in Chile you are living. How much does it cost to live in Chile? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares (tube, bus etc ...
How about the cost of living in Coyhaique? And please specify whether in Chilean or US dollars. Read More
Three items I can't find by missustoad
(1) a REASONABLY priced saucepan with handle (the ones at Mammut are expensive and I don't want to buy expensive. I'd love one for under $50 that is in the middle quality range...) Any large grocery stores sell them? I am desperate but unwilling ...
Yes, Tesco had it in the frozen section. I just HAD to have my fix of dark greens! Thank you all. Read More
Three items I can't find by missustoad
(1) a REASONABLY priced saucepan with handle (the ones at Mammut are expensive and I don't want to buy expensive. I'd love one for under $50 that is in the middle quality range...) Any large grocery stores sell them? I am desperate but unwilling ...
Thanks for the tips! And the walk this weekend sounds perfect for me! Read More
Three items I can't find
(1) a REASONABLY priced saucepan with handle (the ones at Mammut are expensive and I don't want to buy expensive. I'd love one for under $50 that is in the middle quality range...) Any large grocery stores sell them? I am desperate but unwilling ... Read More
Yes, I know. I forgot today is a very ipmortant holiday!
Anyone have any ideas regarding where I can get a few copies (about 20) at the end of the day? Mammut copy center is closed. Read More
found a lizard on my steps -- any guesses? by missustoad
I didn't take any photos. He (or she) was small, less than two inches, sort of brownish -- not up on my lizards -- is it a salamander or newt? What kinds of crazy cold blooded creatures would be alive in these hills? Poor creature, I took him ...
HE definitely looked more like your photo than the one of the European wall lizard I have seen elsewhere Thanks! Today I went to the zoo. Finding my own lizard is a lot more fun! Read More
What is Magyar for "space heater" by missustoad
I want a tiny one to heat my big closet while I am dressing. I don't want to turn on the big heat yet. The weather is still nice. I just want to be warm for five minutes in the morning while dressing. Any suggestions where to find one?
Yes it was. Time to close the thread? Read More
The Dangers of Chestnuts!
I have a huge collection of horse chestnuts in a bowl and I am trying to decide what to do with them. Does anyone know the rules to a game of conkers? :D Meanwhile, every time that I try to walk down the street, if the wind picks up, little ... Read More
found a lizard on my steps -- any guesses?
I didn't take any photos. He (or she) was small, less than two inches, sort of brownish -- not up on my lizards -- is it a salamander or newt? What kinds of crazy cold blooded creatures would be alive in these hills? Poor creature, I took him ... Read More
district 12, Zugligeti ut Budapest by missustoad
can anyone tell me what is around this area i will be staying? Shopping, food, paper products, books? Those are my major interests.
Thank you, Fluffy. MediaMarkt had them on sale. I also found some lovely Hungarian books in translation to keep me busy. Read More
What is Magyar for "space heater"
I want a tiny one to heat my big closet while I am dressing. I don't want to turn on the big heat yet. The weather is still nice. I just want to be warm for five minutes in the morning while dressing. Any suggestions where to find one? Read More
district 12, Zugligeti ut Budapest by missustoad
can anyone tell me what is around this area i will be staying? Shopping, food, paper products, books? Those are my major interests.
thank you for your help. So far, I am slowly adjusting to life up the hill from Budagyongye Shopping Mall. The tram line seems quite effective and I am not a creature that requires a limo. It is a bit cold -- do you know where I could buy a ... Read More
district 12, Zugligeti ut Budapest
can anyone tell me what is around this area i will be staying? Shopping, food, paper products, books? Those are my major interests. Read More
Any dog fancier meetups in Budapest?
I will not have my frenchie with me and want to know people who have pets to get my fix of pet cuddling! Read More
Hungarians, what are your guilty pleasures in food by missustoad
What biscuits, snacks or cookies do Hungarians buy? What is your most popular local jam? What breakfast item? And I love that bit of fat? ? sometimes with a bit of scallion served on bread at some wine cellars. What is that, exactly?
Thank you. These are a great beginning. I think the geese lard sounds like what I remember. I will try all. Read More
Hungarians, what are your guilty pleasures in food by missustoad
What biscuits, snacks or cookies do Hungarians buy? What is your most popular local jam? What breakfast item? And I love that bit of fat? ? sometimes with a bit of scallion served on bread at some wine cellars. What is that, exactly?
Yes, that was it! Yummy! Read More
Hungarians, what are your guilty pleasures in food by missustoad
What biscuits, snacks or cookies do Hungarians buy? What is your most popular local jam? What breakfast item? And I love that bit of fat? ? sometimes with a bit of scallion served on bread at some wine cellars. What is that, exactly?
It wasn't foie gras. If it was, it was very pale. It has a very light flavor. Lighter than the typical foie gras. It was very delicious! Read More
Hungarians, what are your guilty pleasures in food
What biscuits, snacks or cookies do Hungarians buy? What is your most popular local jam? What breakfast item? And I love that bit of fat? ? sometimes with a bit of scallion served on bread at some wine cellars. What is that, exactly? Read More
What things are difficult if you are American in Budapest?
I will be in Hungary in a month and be staying for a while. 1. are there doctors or clinics I can visit easily? 2. how much are doctor visits there? 3. can I get dry eye eye drops over the counter? 4. if my US doctor writes my ... Read More
seeking Budapest room for three months by missustoad
I will be taking languages classes in Budapest for three months at Intl House, quiet retired teacher. Approx dates Sept 24 to Dec. 21. Anyone have a room, or recommendations for an older women on a budget? Wifi desirable, near transportation ...
Please send me costs and your particulars. Thank you. Read More
seeking Budapest room for three months by missustoad
I will be taking languages classes in Budapest for three months at Intl House, quiet retired teacher. Approx dates Sept 24 to Dec. 21. Anyone have a room, or recommendations for an older women on a budget? Wifi desirable, near transportation ...
Will check out couchsurfing. Airbnb can sometimes be expensive but will check. If someone's Magyar Grandma has a small pension and could use a housemate for a little forint before Christmas, let me know! If you are in Vienna and ever at the ... Read More
seeking Budapest room for three months
I will be taking languages classes in Budapest for three months at Intl House, quiet retired teacher. Approx dates Sept 24 to Dec. 21. Anyone have a room, or recommendations for an older women on a budget? Wifi desirable, near transportation ... Read More
Getting to know Hanoi :) !
Tell me about the climate temperature weather month by month for Hanoi. I know Ho Chi Minh City but not Hanoi. Read More
Moving to/working in/ volunteering in Nepal by IsabelM
Hi, I am looking for me next adventure and Nepal is high on my list. On checking the web for info, I am however getting a bit discouraged. Is it really as difficult as it seems to just go to a different country and experience the country, the ...
Nepal can be difficult. Unemployment is high. Even many volunteer jobs require fees and donations. You might consider tutoring as you go. I tutor online, but payments are delayed a month. It just covers extras. And I have to have reliable ... Read More