Sauntering on the train in what felt like a downwards direction from Salzburg through to Budapest, I arrived in the dry and hot plains of Hungary. Stung immediately for twenty Euro on the cash exchange at the train depot, I would be steeled for difficulties in making everyday transactions with Hungarians. The transport operators and retail staff are not trying anything on, most of the time, but getting correct information out of them or anything resembling useful assistance was trés difficile.

The ... (more)