Optimism for the Future

I also spent some time talking with local residents, historians and contractors about the European Capital of Culture changes and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. Over all, the people are very optimistic about the changes. Some are skeptical about the insurgence of government and European Union intervention and the rapid reshaping of their city. The ECOC changes have all but turned the city upside down in the construction process. Still, the new and completed elements are unveiling themselves and visitors and residents are quickly adopting them. There is also some concern that the large venues such as the new gallery at the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter as well as the new library and concert hall may not be financially feasible for a city of this size.  This is a familiar concern for new art spaces in Canadian cities as well.

Family and friends came to visit for a day: My cousin Albert, his fiancé Agi and my new friend, Sanyi

Knowing from my family what hard times Hungary has seen over the last century, it is exciting to see the revitalization of Pécs. The ECOC title encouraged the Hungarian government to develop a major highway between Budapest and Pécs. The locals are optimistic that this will help attract more businesses and employment opportunities to Pécs that is been largely cut off from the economic action since the fall of Communism in 1989.