For three brisk days--sunny and mild ones--our students have traversed the Hungarian capital absorbing the events of the past seventy years, or so. To Hungarians, the cold war begins almost immediately with the end of World War II and Soviet troops inside Hungary, in effect replacing Nazi troops. There are earlier precursors and ample nuances, but it's substantially a continuum of occupation.
Much of our attention has been focused on the events of the 1956 Hungarian uprising, its suppression and the role of external media, especially Radio Free Europe. The students will have to make their own conclusions about how influential the American radio broadcasts were in encouraging the Hungarians. We'll get additional perspective on that next week in Prague at RFE headquarters.
The pace is challenging, as we try to get in two or three formal meetings a day, a bit of sightseeing to familiarize ourselves with where we are historically and at present, and the adventure for most of being in an unfamiliar land with a largely unfathomable language. (Hungarians themselve admit no one else can understand them.) Very pleased with the way the students have figured out shopping, public transportation and the best wi-fi spots.
Seven hours on the train tomorrow to get to Prague. Prep time and nap time.
CB 6/25
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