mika2k1,

Because I speak no Magyar, the first time I visited Hungary in 1993 I thought that the practical thing to do was to speak Russian. Mostly I drew hostile stares, but one time a woman spat on me. I soon learned that when I told them I was American everybody wanted to practice their English with me. It surprised me because at that time I felt about my country about the same way that you do now.
When I visit Eastern European countries today, they no longer treat me like a celebrity, but they are almost all friendly, and when the wine flows they bless George Bush.

Do you speak Russian in Budapest? No, I didn’t think so.

Drink Georgian wine, comrade!