I had a few days off because of a national holiday last week. Elisabeth suggested I do a trip during that week, because I wouldn't have to take vacation time. The day after we talked about that, I got an email from the bus company I used to visit Hungary in June. 50% discount on tickets to Budapest. THEN, one of my old Hungarian classmates posted in our class facebook group, suggesting we have a little reunion--for the very weekend I'd be in Hungary. Sounded like a fantastic combination to me, so I went ahead and bought my round trip tickets for a whopping $12.87.
THAT'S RIGHT, FOLKS! $12.87. That's less than I pay for the round trip ticket from Hollabrunn to Vienna every weekend.
My time there was such a thrill! I spent a couple days in Budapest with Levi and Zsombi--once again enjoying the sights that I know, but still just as impressed with them as the first time I discovered them 5 1/2 years ago. I stand by what I've said time and time again: Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities I've seen! The beautifully lit buildings by night, charming, cozy cafes by day, the Danube, the parliament, the Buda hills and castle.
When Zsombi's dad happened to be in Budapest and driving to Debrecen, so we caught a ride with him there and my excitement multiplied. I do love Budapest, but the people I care for most live in Debrecen. I got to see 2 of my 3 host families, plus my "honorary" host family. We strolled through the city center, walked the dog through the botanical gardens behind the university (but don't tell anyone! The sweet old man just (ahem) looked the other way when we brought in the pup), ate at old restaurants and just enjoyed "home."
I was so nervous about my class get together! The 2 classmates I still talk with the most (and who I've gotten together with the last couple times I've visited) had to stay in Budapest for work, so they weren't coming. I've only been sporadically in touch with a few of the others, thanks to facebook. These classmates focused on German in high school, so just chatting away in English wasn't an option. And yes, I can speak Hungarian, but it was so intimidating to think about a whole night of catching up with these people, even if it weren't in another language.
My nerves were all for naught. I can't believe how much I enjoyed myself! Classmates greeted me by name, they looked genuinely happy to see me, they were interested in my life and I just heard all night long how good my Hungarian still is. Flattery, I must say, is a great stress reliever in situations like this. After chatting with my old friends, those 5 years didn't seem like such a long time.
I spent my last couple days up north in Eger, in the wine region of Hungary. My honorary host family decided to make a little family vacation up there for their Fall Break, and I was invited along. Oh, my friends, it was just breathtaking. The trees were showing off their deep red, loud orange and lemony yellow leaves, leaving me constantly wide-eyed and open-mouthed. We saw natural hot springs and went to an 800 year old (!!!) abbey in the hills.
Then I had the pleasure of figuring out how to eat the village's specialty. A whole trout on my plate.
It was a fast 6 days, but a breath of fresh air out of my Austrian routine. I can't wait to go back to see them again in a couple months!
Grace and peace,
Hilary
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