They’re gonna put me in the movies….

(Budapest, Thursday) They’re gonna make a big star out of me. OK, not me.But someone is starring in a movie about the 1956 Hungarian revolution that is filming in our lobby. The star is carrying old suitcases, the “bellhops” are wearing old uniforms and some old lamps have been placed on the reception desk along with a bell. But not much needs to be done to transport this historic old hotel back 50 years to a time when it played a pivotal role in the planning for the revolution. The lights, cameras and large crowd of movie makers are very modern. Some of the students are in the lobby watching. And if you have ever seen a movie being made you know it is like watching paint dry…only slower. As for the title of this entry, my apologies to Buck Owens and Ringo Starr.

The students had the morning for independent study or to take care of chores or shop. The afternoon was spent in class followed by a trip to the US embassy to talk with the economic officer here. It was a fascinating hour with a knowledgeable diplomat who was very generous with his time. After that, we took the underground to Buda to see the traveling exhibit of Titanic artifacts (maybe this was movie day). It is incredible to see what has been scooped off the ocean floor and the story was presented in a very moving way. Unfortunately, we all know how it ends.

Tomorrow we are up at 5:30 for a three-hour train ride to Vienna and a full day of meetings that includes visits with some ambassadors and other high-ranking officials. Some of us plan to stay overnight, others may return here. Because I plan to stay, the next blog post may not be until Saturday night or Sunday.