Tdekany,
when you left, in 1980 it sucked. True. Our most popular comedian, Hofi was joking about socialism. Then in 1989 it was the turnaround. Since then... capitalism at its best. Not sure which was worse. More personal limits or more financial.
Now you can get everything. Certain Hungarians have lotsa money - but it is concentrated around the capitol. We were always centralized, because of the location of Budapest. There is everything and the other towns, cities, etc., following behind. The govt builds a lot of highways now, but it should have been built a long time ago.
We had a gipsy prime minister (whoa!), but now the government is a more refined one. Although everyone wants to steal money from everywhere.
The security is still pretty good, you can walk on the streets anytime; you are safe. Of course some criminal activites increased, but it is not so bad.
To be honest, it is still a beautiful country, but it gets saturated with low-key values, etc. But as a place to live it is
:xyxthumbs , although some things are expensive! Example: Makita DA for $600! A gallon of fuel for $4.3-5.4. OK, it's 91/95/98/100 octane but nevertheless... The average per capita income is $350. But you see countless Merc Ss, Audi A8s, BMW 7s. But luckily, only a few Lexuses. Why luckily? Luckily it remained as a car for the demanding individuals, not for tattooed pimps, and gipsy greengrocer's Premium Choice! Any further questions?
P.S.: and we don't have detailers!!! (lack of interest)