COVID-19 and expatriation in Hungary

fluffy2560 wrote:

It's really the same as the US.  Government here says everyone present in the country will get it for free.  But the twist is that only Hungarians will get it first. Then everyone else but actually there is no information about it.

The US is saying that they are not gating access based on nationality or citizenship.  And that's Hungary's prerogative not to do the same, however I feel about it.   If I had a clue how and when to even get in line I would feel a little better!

Junior Street wrote:

...
The US is saying that they are not gating access based on nationality or citizenship.  And that's Hungary's prerogative not to do the same, however I feel about it.   If I had a clue how and when to even get in line I would feel a little better!

There's no information on that queue.   But it will be a long time.  Possibly even October or even the end of the year.  I think they are doing 60K people a day which is quite good.  However, latest news reports say that the Sinopharm vaccine is less effective than others.  So people might have to go around again.  According to recent UAE reports - three times!

My thinking is that there's a problem with the system. There is no risk based evaluation or the idea of equal treatment of EU citizens or those with permanent residence or HU relatives. 

It makes a nonsense of it to vaccinate some family members on the basis of nationality when there are foreigners there as a family unit and they all live together.   Gets worse if the family unit is dependent on the foreigner as the main earner.   Really they should have an option to vaccinate by family unit, not individuals.

Anyway, IMHO the model is too simple and it seems some people are more equal than others. I think possibly there could be some treaty violations in this too.   

I think it could even be based on voting potential.  It would be interesting to investigate if vaccine distribution has any political context.

Latest from HU government Kormányzati Tájékoztatási Központ (note nothing about foreigners etc):

"More than 1.7 million of our compatriots have already been vaccinated in Hungary. Hungary ranks second in the ranking of EU countries after Malta. This is mainly due to the fact that there are currently five types of vaccines. In recent days, two more vaccines have been approved by the Hungarian Pharmaceutical Authority (CoviShield, CanSino vaccines). The first shipments of these may arrive in a few weeks.

The third wave of the epidemic is spreading strongly. Due to their age, the elderly are most exposed to the severe course of viral infection. Therefore, they are a priority in the vaccination program. 65% of registered people over the age of 65 have already been vaccinated, with the rest coming soon.

We consider it particularly important that our elderly compatriots receive protection as soon as possible. To this end, any citizen over the age of 65 who has not yet registered for the vaccine will receive the registration form again by post. (You can also register online at vakcinainfo.gov.hu.)

If you have a family member or acquaintance who has not yet registered for the vaccine, please encourage them to do so! The vaccine saved lives."

I really think this is about people paying healthcare insurance (TAJ), several of expats have received an invitation, some of them took (which is good), others did not. I am too young, but in my view it is not too bad at all. Situation however is a different matter, today is Thursday, record infections are to be expected.

cdw057 wrote:

I really think this is about people paying healthcare insurance (TAJ), several of expats have received an invitation, some of them took (which is good), others did not. I am too young, but in my view it is not too bad at all. Situation however is a different matter, today is Thursday, record infections are to be expected.

When you say expats do you mean those WITHOUT dual nationality? 

We don't know any that have received invitations. 

People are only too willing to pay the voluntary contributions (at least) but it's actually quite difficult to do that here.  If the government wanted expats to pay, they would. 

I think the situation is absolutely rubbish.

The situation continues to get more bizarre - O1G apparently is thinking (again) of building or expanding an airport in Felscut.  Have to find a link for the news article.

Indeed I mean expats without dual nationality (mostly Germans though), amazingly 2 out of three do not want to take it. But some of them are definitely German only.
Admittedly 2 of them are 70+ and 1 80+
They all have Taj though

fluffy2560 wrote:

If the government wanted expats to pay, they would.

True!!  Whether it's in the name of Christian or humanitarian values, or even out of reciprocity for how some of our home governments are treating Hungarian citizens on their soil, I hope the government will find a way soon to open up the queue to foreign nationals who find themselves here at this unfortunate time.

Junior Street wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

If the government wanted expats to pay, they would.

True!!  Whether it's in the name of Christian or humanitarian values, or even out of reciprocity for how some of our home governments are treating Hungarian citizens on their soil, I hope the government will find a way soon to open up the queue to foreign nationals who find themselves here at this unfortunate time.

Nice to see some,"new blood" on this site.
I am willing to give my jab to any taker.
We have not registered for a vax, Ihave no intention of getting one until I decide there is no other option for travel or to go on with everyday life without being a target of fear or discrimmination.
Sooner or later they will mark people either as safe or unsafe.
I'm afraid when they get back to something like normal again I will have to decide to get a jab or go blind without eye surgery.
I am angry to read the news about life going back to normal after people aged 65 plus get themselves jabbed.
Don't do my any favors, I'd rather take my chances in life and do not want people putting a guilt trip on those who want rights over their own bodies.
I amy of wanted a vax but now with it seeming to be forced on people, I no longer trust getting one.
Maybe they want to kill off us older people? Why should we trust any gov. anywhere to have out best interests at heart. Just look at histry, at least the history they allow us to know.
They should offer a jab to anone who wants it and not force it by age or nationality or immigration status.

I'm sure sooner or later I will break down and get one but first I need to know it's a one time deal and good for all travel and all former human rights.
So far the new normal isn't working out so well.
Maybe those without a jab will be sent off to a new Molokai?

cdw057 wrote:

Indeed I mean expats without dual nationality (mostly Germans though), amazingly 2 out of three do not want to take it. But some of them are definitely German only.
Admittedly 2 of them are 70+ and 1 80+
They all have Taj though

If they are in receipt of a state pension, then they would be covered anyway and would be issued with a TAJ card automatically.  They have to register their S1 forms at the Health Insurance Fund people and then things go easy for them.

I'm talking about non-pensioners and non-dual nationals with or without TAJ cards. 

No-one to my (limited) knowledge has been invited. Willing to be proved otherwise!

On the non-pensioners, but with TAJ card I feel quite comfortable, in any case you can check if you are registered indeed (me and my wife are). It of course does not help that we do not speak Hungarian, but I intend to check after Easter (as the promise was that registered people were supposed to receive the first jab before then). If needed I will ask one of the Hungarian speaking neighbours or acquaintances.
I am not to worried on S1, I have TAJ and I am "employed", but on the negative side I do not speak Hungarian. Lets see how things work out.


In some other countries things are moving quite fast as well although it seems to help if you are friends with a doctor.

This morning Orban had his interview (many things not to like, but he does do his interviews early and consistent). Not too concrete, but some additional measures. In a way I like him.

Promotion of vaccines is fine, but I rely on official additional sources to have my preference. Things will slow down in a week or two.

For all enjoy the good weather this weekend if possible.

cdw057 wrote:

On the non-pensioners, but with TAJ card I feel quite comfortable, in any case you can check if you are registered indeed (me and my wife are). It of course does not help that we do not speak Hungarian, but I intend to check after Easter (as the promise was that registered people were supposed to receive the first jab before then). If needed I will ask one of the Hungarian speaking neighbours or acquaintances.
I am not to worried on S1, I have TAJ and I am "employed", but on the negative side I do not speak Hungarian. Lets see how things work out.


In some other countries things are moving quite fast as well although it seems to help if you are friends with a doctor.

There is a check on registration now.

Much depends with which doctor.  We have a contact with a flexible doctor who we've known for years but even that one is not prepared to be tipped or be flexible in giving the vaccine or working on the edge of the system.   BTW, they give a certificate with the batch number sticker on it.   It has the name of the person, date of birth, TAJ card number, date of vaccination and rubber stamp of the doctor.  But the certificates themselves are not individually numbered or bar coded and neither is the vaccine batch.  BTW, I was at a different doctor earlier this week and was refused point blank.  No discussion or persuasion possible,   Just "no".   I was also at a hospital too.  Didn't look busy to me.

Mrs Fluffy says there are rumours this morning of vaccination clinics idling with no patients and nothing to do. People are just not turning up for it en masse like they should. 

It's almost certainly not a shortage of vaccines if one includes Chinese and Russian versions. I saw the HU government cargo plane (bought late in 2020, registration HA-LHU) arrived a day or so ago from Moscow.  One can speculate that it was carrying vaccines.  It also flies to Beijing.     

Anyways, it seems ludicrous to me to not vaccinate anyone who turns up at a clinic regardless of their status. It's not like foreign nationality is some kind of species shield to infection or transmitting the disease to other humans with a different nationality label.

Been calling my dentist for a couple of days.
Just once a day and it has rung out.
Went over to the medical clinic in the 6th where the 6th and 7th share the building, different floors for each district , think the dental floor is fr both districts though.
They close at non and reopen at 2.
Got there just after noon but only wnated info.
Even on the ground flor with the respection there was only one other client in the 5 story building that we could see. It was dead and a doorknob.
Brought my crown with me ,3 dentists spoke to us but even the emergency doctrs the 2 of them were off shift.
will try next week to catch my dentist, she is now there only one day per week.
In the US they sell dental clue in the drug stores, can't find that here in Hungary at all, looked in the past.
I'd just clue it back myself if I could.

I go to the dentist on a regular basis (I have horrible teeth and on average a serious painful topic once per year). I went last March (2020) and rules were strict but in the area of Heviz more then enough dentists so they were able to accomodate (however I was in a lot of pain and had to take a Covid test (result only after two days at the time), they had however VERY good painkillers (powder) which helped me quite a bit (Paracetomol or alike are nothing) compared to what I have been given). Two weeks ago my wife had to go and no issue at all no test no waiting lines, just a call and they adhere to appointments (admittedly a bit expensive, but then again ...)

In any case (apart from pricing) no real issues with dentists in my area (they typically live off tourists and now no business (I think quite of the normal staff have been put on hold or have been sacked))

cdw057 wrote:

I go to the dentist on a regular basis (I have horrible teeth and on average a serious painful topic once per year). I went last March (2020) and rules were strict but in the area of Heviz more then enough dentists so they were able to accomodate (however I was in a lot of pain and had to take a Covid test (result only after two days at the time), they had however VERY good painkillers (powder) which helped me quite a bit (Paracetomol or alike are nothing) compared to what I have been given). Two weeks ago my wife had to go and no issue at all no test no waiting lines, just a call and they adhere to appointments (admittedly a bit expensive, but then again ...)

In any case (apart from pricing) no real issues with dentists in my area (they typically live off tourists and now no business (I think quite of the normal staff have been put on hold or have been sacked))

The world is topsy turvy ATM.
Sorry about being,"blessed" with bad teeth. My siblings and I have what are called, "shovel teeth" odd but a real,"thing" Asian and naitve Americans usually sport these bad boys.
Most all dentists love working on me because my teeth  strong and a bit of a challenge. My poor deceased older sister needed braces and had to have 4 teeth pulled out to make room in her jaw for these monster canines.
Sort of gave us all the old,"Mick Jagger" look.
I have to give you Kudos for neither you or your wife speaking Hungarian.
For some reason I asumbed your wife was a ,"native".
God bless you both, how do you ever survive here?

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
In the US they sell dental clue in the drug stores, can't find that here in Hungary at all, looked in the past.
I'd just clue it back myself if I could.

You can get temporary dental glue here at DM shops.  I used some to put my bridge back on until I could get to the dentist to stick it on properly.   Used to last a couple of days.   It does the job enough to get by. It's the same stuff they use to secure dentures.

Serbia offers vaccinations for free to foreigners and without prior registration (in HU):

"Huge queues have formed on the borders of Serbia on Saturday, and the Interior Ministry expects similar masses on Sunday, as vaccinations against the coronavirus are being administered in Serbia free of charge and without prior registration.

The Serbian government has made it possible for AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to be given to foreigners at designated vaccination points, and people from countries where vaccination is slow are arriving en masse. Almost everyone told reporters reporting on the scene: you can’t miss the opportunity, you’d rather travel for a few hours but want to be protected.

On Saturday, the largest queues formed on the Bosnian-Serbian as well as the northern Macedonian-Serbian border, but a lot of people also came from Montenegro to get the vaccine in Belgrade or Novi Sad."

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
In the US they sell dental clue in the drug stores, can't find that here in Hungary at all, looked in the past.
I'd just clue it back myself if I could.

You can get temporary dental glue here at DM shops.  I used some to put my bridge back on until I could get to the dentist to stick it on properly.   Used to last a couple of days.   It does the job enough to get by. It's the same stuff they use to secure dentures.

Thanks for the info. Think my husband has some dental sticky stuff.
Not sure if it would be a great idea to use right now in case it pops off while eating and I crack the crown.
It is in good shape right now.
Will try again to ring the dentist in the morning.
We went to the medical center and they don't knw exactly when she is in becuase of C-19 she is there only once a week.
Hey, I'ts not a front tooth  and with these stupid masks no one even knows if one has a piece of brocolli stuck between their teeth!
Actaully I heard somewhere that wearing a mask too long is bad for your teeth, not enough O2 or too much bacterica in the mouth.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....
Thanks for the info. Think my husband has some dental sticky stuff.
Not sure if it would be a great idea to use right now in case it pops off while eating and I crack the crown.
It is in good shape right now.
Will try again to ring the dentist in the morning.
We went to the medical center and they don't knw exactly when she is in becuase of C-19 she is there only once a week.
....

I used the glue for a few weeks as my dentist had a bad back and was off work.   It was manageable.  You could just leave the crown off.  It'd probably be OK for a few weeks.  Just don't try to crack walnuts with it!

I am not sure if my dentist ever come back again due to COVID19 and his bed-ridden Mum having dementia with him living in as the carer.  Have to think of alternate arrangements.  Unless his Mum pops off then there's no excuse.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Serbia offers vaccinations for free to foreigners and without prior registration (in HU):

"Huge queues have formed on the borders of Serbia on Saturday, and the Interior Ministry expects similar masses on Sunday, as vaccinations against the coronavirus are being administered in Serbia free of charge and without prior registration.

The Serbian government has made it possible for AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to be given to foreigners at designated vaccination points, and people from countries where vaccination is slow are arriving en masse. Almost everyone told reporters reporting on the scene: you can’t miss the opportunity, you’d rather travel for a few hours but want to be protected.

On Saturday, the largest queues formed on the Bosnian-Serbian as well as the northern Macedonian-Serbian border, but a lot of people also came from Montenegro to get the vaccine in Belgrade or Novi Sad."

Thanks for posting.  No word on if anyone is queueing up on the Hungarian side of the border to enter Serbia for this?  Think I could make the local news doing that?  :-)  "I had to cross the border into Serbia to get vaccinated at the height of the pandemic in Hungary, although Hungary did have vaccines" - says me recounting the story for the rest of my life.  I remain hopeful that Hungary will open up vaccine access to everybody soon.

Junior Street wrote:

....
Thanks for posting.  No word on if anyone is queueing up on the Hungarian side of the border to enter Serbia for this?  Think I could make the local news doing that?  :-)  "I had to cross the border into Serbia to get vaccinated at the height of the pandemic in Hungary, although Hungary did have vaccines" - says me recounting the story for the rest of my life.  I remain hopeful that Hungary will open up vaccine access to everybody soon.

I've been looking lazily to see if there's a quarantine issue or PCR test either side and as far as I can tell, no there isn't so long as you have a permit allowing you more than 90 days stay in Hungary.   

So it might just be possible to do it by doing a day trip.   I will do a bit more work on it and see if I can find out more (maybe someone else will find out too).  I am not sure how one can prove one was not in another country before crossing the border, i.e. flew into BUD from Timbuktu and then immediately drove South.

I looked at the border queues for Hungary-Serbia and it doesn't look bad - 1h queueing.   Plus then queueing at the vaccination centre.  Going to Novi Sad would probably be the best bet as more likely to get language support.

At the moment, anyone can get the AZ vaccine in Serbia - Novi Sad (my home town, by the way) is the closest to Hungary if anyone is planning to drive.
Currently, no registration is needed, but the Serbian officials announced that foreigners might need to register too. (in Serbia, you never know what the situation is going to be tomorrow).
Also, in spite of getting the vaccine, on return to Hungary, you might be required to do a 10-day home quarantine. I asked the Szeged border police, and they confirmed that.
So unless you wish to stay at home for 10 days, or to travel to a third country from Serbia... I don't know how helpful this is.
By the way, there are only a few countries from which you can enter Serbia without having to do a quarantine there - Hungary is one of them.

I don't wish to spread any fake news or rumors but I've heard something interesting.
A friend flew out of Hungary yesterday and was told by the agent at the airport in the destenation they flew to that next week Hungary and a few other EU countries will be closing off the boarders.
In both directions, no more entering or leaving even for citizens.
OK, lockdown 3.0 is coming soon?
If this is true then no one will be going to Serbia for a vax.
If anyone knows more about this, it would be nice to know if it's true or not.
We all might be stuck on the same sinking ship.

markons wrote:

At the moment, anyone can get the AZ vaccine in Serbia - Novi Sad (my home town, by the way) is the closest to Hungary if anyone is planning to drive.
Currently, no registration is needed, but the Serbian officials announced that foreigners might need to register too. (in Serbia, you never know what the situation is going to be tomorrow).
Also, in spite of getting the vaccine, on return to Hungary, you might be required to do a 10-day home quarantine. I asked the Szeged border police, and they confirmed that.
So unless you wish to stay at home for 10 days, or to travel to a third country from Serbia... I don't know how helpful this is.
By the way, there are only a few countries from which you can enter Serbia without having to do a quarantine there - Hungary is one of them.

Good info.

The 10-day quarantine would be a serious problem. 

I could do it but Mrs Fluffy wouldn't be able to do it at all.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Serbians would stop foreigners.

There's no indication they will be stopping any foreigners, in fact, the Serbian officials are very keen to continue with this as it brings political benefits on the one hand and they have to spend the extra AZ vaccines until they expire in April.

But anyone wishing to go should confirm with the Szeged border police the situation on return.
Also, as Marilyin mentioned, who knows what the situation with travels will be soon.

Just in:
The AZ supplies in Novi Sad have run out it seems. No news about Belgrade.
So if anyone wishes to embark on a Serbian adventure, you need to work fast as soon as there's more news. Only for those seeking true adventures:)

I thought the EU border was closed anyway? You can't enter Austria unless you are a resident or an Austrian citizen, the same applies to a few others.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I don't wish to spread any fake news or rumors but I've heard something interesting.
A friend flew out of Hungary yesterday and was told by the agent at the airport in the destination they flew to that next week Hungary and a few other EU countries will be closing off the borders.
In both directions, no more entering or leaving even for citizens.
OK, lockdown 3.0 is coming soon?
If this is true then no one will be going to Serbia for a vax.
If anyone knows more about this, it would be nice to know if it's true or not.
We all might be stuck on the same sinking ship.

This would not surprise me.   Hungary is having a 3rd wave with crazy levels of new cases. I doubt they'll block it off for countries with HU diaspora.  It will be impossible for the country to function unless the borders are open at least for trade. 

I was planning to go on a job in late April but that would really mess me up if it was a real lockdown. There's only so much video conferencing and Skype I can do.  I'm going to get Mrs Fluffy to check on LD3 (Lockdown 3.0).   She has some connections.

SimCityAT wrote:

I thought the EU border was closed anyway? You can't enter Austria unless you are a resident or an Austrian citizen, the same applies to a few others.

I thought the same but it's hard work for O1G to close borders to diaspora. 

He relies on their votes so if he cuts them off, it wouldn't make them as reliable for his cause.

fluffy2560 wrote:

SimCityAT wrote:

I thought the EU border was closed anyway? You can't enter Austria unless you are a resident or an Austrian citizen, the same applies to a few others.

I thought the same but it's hard work for O1G to close borders to diaspora. 

He relies on their votes so if he cuts them off, it wouldn't make them as reliable for his cause.

Tbh I can't keep up with regulations in the countries let alone the borders anymore. I could last year, but every day just seems to be the same as the last one.

SimCityAT wrote:

....
Tbh I can't keep up with regulations in the countries let alone the borders anymore. I could last year, but every day just seems to be the same as the last one.

Definitely a sense of Groundhog Day and deja-vu.  It's all blurring into a quasi-existence. 

I watched a short BBC reporting piece on life in solitary confinement in USA prisons.   One guy was in there for 27 years - every day the same.  That'd make anyone lose their marbles.

One of my UK Fluffyettes is saying they can do stuff now so has gone to the beach with a friend to experience freedom once again!

My one cousin and his wife are at a antique car show in AZ. They flew from N. Ca. and are out to dinner with friends in AZ like it's no body's business.
My other cousins wife just flew to S.Ca. to visit their daughter, on the beach, no masks and having a blast.
I have no plan at the moment to go anywhere specail but the idea of not being allowed free movement is messed up.
My husband is chill with the whole thing, no big deal to him.
I guess he might feel nastalgic? Couldn't come or go in Hungary when he was young without permission and a slip.
No just kidding. He can except things in life that would upset most people. Mr Chill.
Like he says, why freak out when there is nothing you can do, just do the things you can do.
I had wanted to see more of Hungary and was thinking of taking a drive somewhere out of the city but then remembered things are closed everywhere so why bother?
I'm happy to take a walk abut town for now.
If this BS is over with by summer, we may revisit staying in Hungary long term.
The things about Hungary that I enjoy are off limits right now. Cultural events and swimming in pools.
Don't ask for much.
All my US relations have had their vac shots.
It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds with them all.
My cousins are young at heart seniors, older by several years them me.
My younger bro and his wife both got their shots last week. She had Moderna and he had Pifzer.
That might be interesting to see how 2 different doses work in the same family.
My eye doc here asked 2 weeks ago if I had my vax yet or not. Hope that isn't going to hld up my eye surgery when the lift happens, if ever it does.
Latest I read was the curfew is now only from 10 pm to 5 am.
Those under age 14 and over 65 can enter shops but anyone else must be limited to 10 peple keeping 10 feet apart.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I had wanted to see more of Hungary and was thinking of taking a drive somewhere out of the city but then remembered things are closed everywhere so why bother?
I'm happy to take a walk abut town for now.
If this BS is over with by summer, we may revisit staying in Hungary long term.
The things about Hungary that I enjoy are off limits right now. Cultural events and swimming in pools.
Don't ask for much.

It is indeed strange to tour around Hungary these days.  I have done some exploring in Hungary as safely as I can since the borders were closed (which feels forever ago) and while some things are off-limits (the best things, sadly) every trip has been worthwhile in my opinion.  May as well see what we can now, even in these circumstances, because who knows when we will ever do it again.

Junior Street wrote:

...
It is indeed strange to tour around Hungary these days.  I have done some exploring in Hungary as safely as I can since the borders were closed (which feels forever ago) and while some things are off-limits (the best things, sadly) every trip has been worthwhile in my opinion.  May as well see what we can now, even in these circumstances, because who knows when we will ever do it again.

I feel I've been everywhere within a day trip and everything looks about the same anyway.  Not like you can stop for lunch even and most things seem closed especially in the cities.  It might seem odd to say it but COVID-life has become rather boring. 

We really want to go outside the borders but I don't think they will even consider opening the borders until maybe June or July. 

It must be driving the world economy into the ground.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I feel I've been everywhere within a day trip and everything looks about the same anyway.  Not like you can stop for lunch even and most things seem closed especially in the cities.  It might seem odd to say it but COVID-life has become rather boring. 

We really want to go outside the borders but I don't think they will even consider opening the borders until maybe June or July. 

It must be driving the world economy into the ground.

Yes, it is boring, especially if one has moved to Budapest with expectations, like I did.  Even though we all feel how staggering this situation is, I don't think I've really processed it yet.  It's so surreal.  I mean, even bookstores are closed right now.  For weeks!  Unimaginable.  I want to go sulk in the Király Fürdő and nurse a drink at Ibolya Espresso, but nope.

I am desperate to cross a border in just about any direction.  And even when borders are open again, I am sure there will be tests or proofs required for quite some time.  Where would you go first?  I'd be thrilled to get back into Austria or Croatia, for example... now so close and yet so far.

If they let us out this fall, we hope to see SE Asia but other then that, just normal summer activities inside Hungary are fine with us.
I understand some people have the travel bug.
I hate traveling, day trips are enough for me.
Took a nice walk around the city yesterday,weather was nice.
I never realized how,"boring" I like to live until I see most people complaining about being bored.
Suppose growing up in a boring dull small town taught me to not have large expectations.
I've always been good at being a loner and doing mundane things to keep busy.
Never could understand my sister who HAD to go out all night long at least 5 nights per week.
I've always been one of the first to leave a party early and go home.
Only time we stayed out late talking and going crazy was in Vegas a few years back when my 2 friends from school meet up and we talked and laughed until 5 am. Well worth losing sleep for sure.

Junior Street wrote:

.....
Yes, it is boring, especially if one has moved to Budapest with expectations, like I did.  Even though we all feel how staggering this situation is, I don't think I've really processed it yet.  It's so surreal.  I mean, even bookstores are closed right now.  For weeks!  Unimaginable.  I want to go sulk in the Király Fürdő and nurse a drink at Ibolya Espresso, but nope.

I am desperate to cross a border in just about any direction.  And even when borders are open again, I am sure there will be tests or proofs required for quite some time.  Where would you go first?  I'd be thrilled to get back into Austria or Croatia, for example... now so close and yet so far.

I tend to agree.   This might  be a tiny flavour or aspects of what it would be like living in North Korea.   But it's a new reality.  People can adapt.

I've got a list of things to do and places to go to - everything from work to leisure.   I'm also rather keen to go and see my relatives in the UK.  I don't want to get caught up in some quarantine nonsense at either end.  I've done quarantine here once and it's doable but there would be very difficult. 

We planned to go to the Canary Islands for a couple of weeks last year but that didn't happen because of COVID confusion.  Maybe we'll get chance this year.  But then again, being a foreigner and a 2nd class person here in Hungary as far as being on the list of those worth saving, the chance of getting an acceptable vaccination certificate in the summer time is close to zero.  It's depressing.

On the other hand, in other places more organised, they are talking of opening up by May or June.

I listen to the press conferences coming out  of the UK. It looks like the UK is zooming ahead - now past 30 million people and working on 2nd doses now.  New UK factories for vaccines are being opened with capacity for many millions of  doses being produced every year.   

Obviously that's a counter to the EU threats to stop vaccine exports from the EU.  I don't see any factories opening here.  On this side of the continent, its just become an French led inter-EU-Astra Zeneca-UK blame game - really pathetic. 

I also saw the UK is talking of providing something like 3M doses to the Republic of Ireland.  Almost a master stroke of two fingers up to Brussels!

fluffy2560 wrote:

..... I listen to the press conferences coming out  of the UK. It looks like the UK is zooming ahead - now past 30 million people and working on 2nd doses now.  New UK factories for vaccines are being opened with capacity for many millions of  doses being produced every year.   

Obviously that's a counter to the EU threats to stop vaccine exports from the EU.  I don't see any factories opening here.  On this side of the continent, its just become an French led inter-EU-Astra Zeneca-UK blame game - really pathetic. 

I also saw the UK is talking of providing something like 3M doses to the Republic of Ireland.  Almost a master stroke of two fingers up to Brussels!

I'm finding the EU's inability to organise a pissup in a brewery quite frustrating.  Our daughter has just sold her house and is moving back to the UK - she's had enough.

My opinion - the EU is a joke.  The latest farce is a consignment of meningitis drugs destined for the USA has been delayed in Italy, just in case they are really Covid vaccine - really.

As for the Irish vax, the Common Travel area predates the EU and still exists.  There's something like over 300 roads that cross the Irish/Northern Irish border, only 2 ever had a Customs post and they were a popular target for both sides of the extremist divide.  The EU can pontificate all it likes about it, Paddy will just ignore them and do what's best for Paddy.

There was talk of the EU doing something that would enable them to take over Astra/Zeneca, that was until someone reminded them it's half Swedish.

Cynic wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

..... I listen to the press conferences coming out  of the UK. It looks like the UK is zooming ahead - now past 30 million people and working on 2nd doses now.  New UK factories for vaccines are being opened with capacity for many millions of  doses being produced every year.   

Obviously that's a counter to the EU threats to stop vaccine exports from the EU.  I don't see any factories opening here.  On this side of the continent, its just become an French led inter-EU-Astra Zeneca-UK blame game - really pathetic. 

I also saw the UK is talking of providing something like 3M doses to the Republic of Ireland.  Almost a master stroke of two fingers up to Brussels!

I'm finding the EU's inability to organise a pissup in a brewery quite frustrating.  Our daughter has just sold her house and is moving back to the UK - she's had enough.

My opinion - the EU is a joke.  The latest farce is a consignment of meningitis drugs destined for the USA has been delayed in Italy, just in case they are really Covid vaccine - really.

As for the Irish vax, the Common Travel area predates the EU and still exists.  There's something like over 300 roads that cross the Irish/Northern Irish border, only 2 ever had a Customs post and they were a popular target for both sides of the extremist divide.  The EU can pontificate all it likes about it, Paddy will just ignore them and do what's best for Paddy.

There was talk of the EU doing something that would enable them to take over Astra/Zeneca, that was until someone reminded them it's half Swedish.

I'm with  you on that.  It's interesting how cohesive the EU is in a crisis. Everyone tolerates it for a bit and then does their own thing.  And Macron has really shown his stripes this time - what a PITA.  I am rather surprised how anti-vax France is and he isn't helping.     

One of the things about Brexit is that it has shown that it's easier to manoeuvre with agility without consensus with the rest of the states on the EU supertanker.  It's an interesting lesson but I hope an advantage that isn't squandered.

As for Ireland, for sure, the UK obviously hit upon a good wheeze.  It's ideal for NI to get the vaccine and be seen to be helping out South of the Border and enabling the border to remain open.  People will appreciate that. 

I actually wondered if the UK government would take on the AZ vaccine production itself but it seems it's already outsourced most of it to Indian companies based in the UK.  Perhaps another Brexit benefit.  I heard that the two new factories are needed to cope with an expected onslaught of COVID variants from about September or October (as reported on the radio).  I am pretty sure all countries will want build up their own capacity, even within the EU individual states. 

I would have liked the UK to stay in the EU but I like this new dynamic UK. If only the rest of the EU could have managed to be more adaptable and open to change.

BTW, I also noticed the German Constitutional Court has rejected the EU COVID19 recovery plans.  That's stuffed up that  for quite a while.  Another case for reform of the EU perhaps.

Does the current crisis call into question your long-term expatriation project?
If you are already settled in Hungary, do you plan to return to your home country?

Ive been coming to Hungary for about 12 years and I have two homes here. Im very fortunate because I could easily live in the uk and up until the travel restrictions kicked in I  visited the uk frequently.
I can't really afford long term private healthcare should I become aged and chronically sick .  I would also prefer English speaking services then and my family would want me "home". So I have always accepted I would limp back to the uk at some stage.


How are you living through such an uncertain period, especially if you are far from your loved ones?

I probably have more contact with all friends and family now via social media video and messaging.



Paradoxically, has this crisis brought you closer to some people?

Because of the curfew and other restrictions I see a lot more of very few people and really appreciate their company.

But on the other hand some superficial friendships have come to a natural end because Ive always enjoyed some solitude and Ive always got several project on the go that can fully occupy me .
Those that irritated me a little in the past really started to grate once I was a captive audience.

What are your plans for the future?
I just enjoy life day by day. I wake up and decide to be happy. And I have some plans AND DREAMS to travel once we are able to.