Kossuth Mausoleum #4 Budapest, Hungary 2011

The view from the top of the mausoleum.

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Kossuth Mausoleum #3 Budapest, Hungary 2011

Some nice geometry in the steps at the Kossuth Mausoleum.

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Kossuth Mausoleum #2 Budapest, Hungary 2011

A close up view of the ceiling in the Kossuth Mausoleum.

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Kossuth Mausoleum #1 Budapest, Hungary 2011

Architectural detail from the massive mausoleum housing the remains of Lajos Kossuth, a former president of Hungary. He was a quite famous leader although his claim to fame seems somewhat confusing in that I’ve seen him referred to as both a “virtual dictator” and “freedom fighter and bellwether of democracy in Europe.” The size of his mausoleum would suggest the more positive view of him has won out, in Budapest anyway. Advocating for national independence always gives one the benefit of the doubt I guess, at least if the drive for independence is successful.]]>

Gellért Steps Budapest, Hungary 2011

Stairs on Gellért Hill leading up to a statue of St. Gellért. Known as Bishop Gellért before his martyrdom, he was sent to Hungary to convert the population to Christianity in the 11th century. He was martyred some say by pagans who preferred to stay that way.]]>

Still Life With Losers Szentendre, Hungary 2011

An odd paring of memorabilia from two diverse failed military/political movements at a curio shop in a small town in Hungary. (That’s a Communist star pinned on a Russian military hat on the left and of course the Confederate flag on the right.)]]>

Patriot’s Dream #28 Budapest, Hungary 2011

Another shot from the flea market.

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Patriot’s Dream #27 Budapest, Hungary 2011

Who’d have thought Budapest would be a good place to add to this series of photos? This shirt was at a flea market in the main city park.

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Evening Stroll Budapest, Hungary 2011

Date night on Gellert Hill in Budapest.

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Leaving Stalin Budapest, Hungary 2011

This is a replica of a grandstand that once served as the pedestal for an 8-meter-tall bronze statue of Soviet party secretary, head of state and military general Stalin. The original grandstand was located in central Budapest along the route where parades were held on Communist holidays. Communist leaders would gather on the grandstand at Stalin’s feet, waving at marching crowds that were forced to cheer them and celebrate. On October 23, 1956, a crowd revolting against Soviet oppression cut the statue off at its knees and pulled it down. Stalin’s boots were left on the pedestal as a sarcastic reminder of the dictator. The communists, not able to take a hint, put down the revolution and remained in Hungary until 1989. The replica grandstand was built later in Memento Park where many of the old communist statues were moved, not to honor the communists but simply as documentation of that dark period. Originally I believed that while the grandstand was a replica, the boots were the actual ones from the original statue. But I later read that they too were a recreation.  ]]>