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Andrea Abel

Ah, Central Eastern Europe; efficiency and service with a smile. Oh wait, I think the end of that sentence is "and then I woke up."

Based in Hungary for almost two months now, I've attempted to make some headway in finding out why some countries sell their strategic sectors to foreigners whilst others do not - especially in the context of transitioning countries in the region. This question forms the basis of my PhD dissertation, and my time in the region thus far has been centered around interviewing politicians and economists in Hungary and Slovenia - the two extreme examples of foreign direct investment (FDI). Oh, and of course, trying to obtain data is a challenge no PhD student should go through their studies without. E-mails in the order of hundreds to central banks, labor unions and central statistical offices have resulted in various degrees of "If we just ignore her she might go away," and various degrees of "We're actually not quite sure how many trade unions we have, or how many people are members, for that matter." Well shoot, if the central statistical office doesn't know....

Traveling in the region has resulted in some, let's just say, interesting experiences. The nine hour train trip to Ljubjana from Budapest, which actually turned out to be a 13 hour train, bus, train, bus, train trip... for example. In a way, I'm cheating because I speak the language (Hungarian); I just felt for the few crazy tourists who also decided this was the most efficient use of their time - being faced with various menacing train conductors shouting and shooing them off various rickety communist era trains.

As for life in general here in Hungary - absolutely amazing. Summer in Europe is something truly special; but try getting anywhere - even across Chain Bridge in Budapest - in August, and you will be faced with a formidable challenge in the form of thousands and thousands of tourists. I suppose the Sziget festival (the second largest music festival in Europe), and the Red Bull air races later this week, certainly contribute to the human traffic jam in the city.

Right, off to get caught up in the festival atmosphere leading up to August 20th - Hungarian National Day; perhaps followed by a visit to one of the many incredible baths here, followed up of course, by some spectacular Hungarian cuisine. Did someone say large hunks of meat in tomato and onion based sauce?