Is it Spring yet?

Pigeons have been inspecting the window ledges for a potential des-res. Branches in the street-trees are spreading signs of olive green. I'm assured we'll see no more snow. And, this Saturday, Budapest opens its artistic Spring Festival.

Could this mean real Spring is actually on it's way?

Weather-wise, the average day remains chilly. Overcoats and jumpers are still preferred. But skies can change quickly over Budapest. Mornings can be bright and sunny, delivering warmth through glass windows, yet easily turn to overcast afternoons – threatening, though rarely delivering, rain.

Fortunately, Thursday, 15th March turned out to be a fully, clear-skied day. 164 years earlier, standing on the damp steps of Budapest's National Museum, poet Sándor Petöfi delivered the politically-charged message that began Hungary's 19th century independence revolution.

The date is marked here by an annual national holiday – despite the ultimate failure and violent repression of the Hungarians' revolt by the country's Hapsburg rulers and their allies.

In keeping with its political history, this day is now an annual focus for party political rallies across the city. Being a short walk away, once again I found myself at a political rally in front of Budapest's grand parliament. And this one was addressed by none other than the Prime Minister himself; as is his responsibility on such a national occasion.

No, I didn't understand a word he said. It is frustrating – but it's how it is. Nevertheless, such events deliver intimations on the Hungarian character and on Hungary's international political stance.

For example: Hungary must submit to the EU, yet it hates EU interference. It creates laws through its democratic parliament, yet they are refused and sent back by the overlords in Brussels.

For Hungarians, history just seems to endlessly repeat itself – it's a fact of life that appears the only certainty. Real independence is forever just beyond Hungarians' reach!

Yet, as I returned through parliament square following the rally – after imbibing at a nearby hostelry – the air shook with the sounds of a youthful, head-banging rock band playing on the same steps that had supported the prime minister and his entourage.

There's plenty of bureaucracy and convention in Hungary, but there's a creative freedom of expression too. Tomorrow might bring a better future but, in the meantime, the present irresistibly deserves to be enjoyed.