COMMUNISM: BRUTALITY AND VIOLENCE THE ERA OF HAMMER AND SICKLE
SYMBOLS
Who knows why these two symbols were used? The hammer stood for the industrial working class and the sickle for the peasantry —combined they stood for the worker-peasant alliance for socialism.
There aren’t so many visible symbols any more of this dark period of Hungary, the 40 years under Communism.
It is more in our heart, in our souls, in our mindset where these years left their trace.
PERSISTENT CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
I only lived through the tail end of it, yet I have very clear memories about the superintendent, or the strange name we used to address the priest of our Church, the stories that the older ones whispered to each other about priests, about other people betraying their own family members.
I remember there were topics we were never meant to discuss outside our immediate families. I never understood why until I was older.
I have loads of personal stories (some fun, some distinctly sobering) that will illustrate this period so well.
BASICALLY NOTHING VISIBLE LEFT
After seeing the emblematic bullets in front of our Parliament we will visit the one and only remaining Communist Memorial glorifying the Soviet Red Army. Oh yes, everything here was about the glory of the Russian soldiers.
My grandma died at the age of 100. She told me countless stories about these ‘glorious liberating Russian soldiers’. If you are able to stomach the details, I may share some with you. Only the softer ones.
ONCE THE HOUSE OF THE GESTAPO, TODAY THE HOUSE OF TERROR
Those who visited always say that it would be more appropriate to call it the House of Torture. I agree.
We will pass by other hidden Communist treasures before stopping at the House of Terror. As its name suggests, this is not a light-hearted part of our trip. It is the spot that was used as the Gestapo’s first headquarters.
Once their reign of terror was over it became the home of the Communist hierarchy.
Personally I think it is the most fascinating museum we have in Hungary – assuming you are interested in the long decades under the Communist yolk.
REPRESENTING THE 40 YEARS OF COMMUNISM
Inside we will see the very rooms where people were detained, the tools they were tortured with, even the room where they were hanged.
Who were these unfortunate victims? Anyone who dared to act or say anything against the glorious Communist leaders or the system itself. People were taken here to be tortured until they confessed their so-called sins. If they survived then these false charges would be used to blackmail them afterwards.
During a full day trip we will have enough time to go into detail about the different periods of this era, with all its ups and downs.
After this fascinating but more serious stage of our tour I would recommend taking a break by visiting a lovely restaurant where you can choose between classic Hungarian dishes and delicious international cuisine. Up to you. Hungary is well known for its gastronomy. I am sure you will find what you are after.
MEMENTO PARK WITH ALL THE STATUES FROM COMMUNISM
If you opt for the extended Communist tour, I will take you to Memento Park, where all the triumphalist Communist statues are on display.
Lenin, Stalin, Marx and Engels, all the ‘big names’ are there whose actions are engraved on our souls. I would love to believe the marks are not permanent but they certainly linger.
I am here to tell you the truth about this period through historical facts, family stories as well as personal stories. I will even show you photos and videos to bring this period to life.
DETAILED PRICES STUCTURE- FIND OUT HOW MY PRICES ARE CALCULATED
PRICE OF MY ‘ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNIST TOUR’
With all the airport transfers, entrances, luxury vehicles, licensed tour guide included- if you don’t want to miss a thing during your clients’ time in Budapest.
1-2 guests……………….…………….$ 1340
3-6 guests……………………………..$ 1490
7-10 guests………………….………..$ 1830
11-14 guests……………..….………..$ 1910
15-18 guests……………….……..…..$ 2000
Above 18 people, please email me through the Contact form on my site. Thank you.
PAYMENT
You can pay by PayPal (but PayPal incurs a 4-6% transaction fee in addition to the deposit) or by wire transfer. I can only book your dates in my calendar when I have received payment.
The Communist tour is one of my most requested tours so please book well in advance for your clients.
Please check my availability and I hope to see your clients soon in Budapest with untold stories that they won’t find in guide books!
PRICE OF MY COMMUNIST TOURS
1-2 guests……………….…………….$ 1340
3-6 guests……………………………..$ 1495
7-10 guests………………….………..$ 1835
11-14 guests……………..….………..$ 1920
15-18 guests……………….……..…..$ 2010
Above 18 people, please email me through the Contact form on my site. Thank you.
PAYMENT
You can pay by PayPal (but PayPal incurs a 4-6% transaction fee in addition to the deposit) or by wire transfer. I can only book your dates in my calendar when I have received payment.
The Communist tour is one of my most requested tours so please book well in advance for your clients.
Please check my availability and I hope to see your clients soon in Budapest with untold stories that they won’t find in guide books!