The magnificent neo-gothic structure shown several times in these photos (particularly the second photo) is the Hungarian parliament building. I was in Budapest years ago, and the Hungarian tour guide bribed a soldier guarding the main door to let us tag along on a tour of of Hungarian school children. Believe me, the building is just as impressive inside.
About that guard, I was a bit worried when that tour guide offered that bribe, thinking that he might get our little group in trouble. The guard accepted the bribe so readily that I wondered if the Cold War could have been settled with just more cash and less arms. (grin)
Of course, like many of those countries in central/ southern/ eastern Europe, the Hungarians never much liked their Russian overseers, so they probably felt that they were due their fair share of graft.
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