Midterm insanity is finally over. Its not that they were exceptionally difficult, it was simply the combination of not having to use my brain since May, and the fact that this feels like pretend school that culminated into making this a horrific week. A four-day weekend is ahead of me, and Dad should be landing in Budapest in 13 short hours. He had a slight (24-hour) delay in lovely JKF, but not to worry, we will make up for the lost time. I will be dragging his jetlagged butt all over Budapest tomorrow, and then we are off to Vienna for 3 days! I am so excited—Becs, as it is called here—is supposed to be the loveliest city, and we are staying in such a posh hotel that I know it will be glorious!
On a side note, everyone should watch this movie from my Film and History class: Sunshine by Szabo Istvan. Ralph Finnes stars and it is wonderful. Let me know what you think!
Hungarian word of the day:
Erdekes “interesting”
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Less Study, More Abroad
Studying, or the lack there of for my midterms. Two and a paper down, three to go. All back to back to back. Basically its going to be miserable; send some love.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Photo Albums!
Here are the links to my photo albums for everyone who's not on facebook!
My first week-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051398&l=a2316&id=13306486
Week 2, Western Hungary, and Danube Bend-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2052755&l=53a4e&id=13306486
Northern Hungary-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054204&l=26542&id=13306486
Transylvania-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054902&l=7e04e&id=13306486
Pecs-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055120&l=d383b&id=13306486
Enjoy!
My first week-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051398&l=a2316&id=13306486
Week 2, Western Hungary, and Danube Bend-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2052755&l=53a4e&id=13306486
Northern Hungary-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054204&l=26542&id=13306486
Transylvania-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054902&l=7e04e&id=13306486
Pecs-
http://claremont.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055120&l=d383b&id=13306486
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Big Mac with a side of Riot Gear
Last night Ali and I decided to have a date McCafe. Yes, I actually have stooped low enough to go to a McDonalds, albeit, the classiest one you will ever see. We had hoped that there might actually be “real” food there; alas, it was the classic menu. Still, it made for an entertaining diversion after attempting to study all day. After our lovely “meal”, we left to find a sea of sirens and flashing lights. We hoped on the tram back to Ali’s place, and immediately turned on the TV to see what was happening. Of course it was all in Hungarian, but we managed to figure out there was rioting and protesting. Then, we realized that the hundred or so police in riot gear were about a block away from the apartment. Called our RD, Elizabeth, who basically said not to worry, just do not leave the apartment. Right, not worried, just about 100 police a block away and angry protesters…we’re not worrying at all. Needless to say the girls were not about to let me leave the apartment, and I crashed there. Really, it was somewhat exciting, although I’m interested to see how crazy things get tonight. Today is the official anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. (Hungarians ousted the communists, and then the Soviets brought in tanks and crushed the revolution.) Not to worry though, I am safe in my apartment on the outskirts of the city, studying and trying to write my paper. Makes my life seem pretty dull. Oh well.
Hungarian phrase of the day:
hetfo, kedd, szerda, csutortok, pentek, szombat, vasarnap
"days of the week"
Hungarian phrase of the day:
hetfo, kedd, szerda, csutortok, pentek, szombat, vasarnap
"days of the week"
Sunday, October 21, 2007
szeretlek magyorozsag
So it’s a 5 day weekend, and basically everyone in the program is currently traipsing around Europe; instead of following suit—and considering we have midterms coming up for the next two weeks—Ali and I decided that we felt like doing a day trip instead.
Ali has a friend, Courtney, here and we are having a ball showing her around the
city. Its fun to show it off and I still can’t quite get over how much I love it here. It’s nice, and a little peculiar to be in such a foreign place and feel so much at home.
Yesterday we went to Pécs,which is in southern Hungary. Had a lovely time, only downside was Ali losing her student ID and metro pass, but at least they are easily
replaceable. After catching the 6:30 am train out of Budapest, we caught someZzzzz ’s during the 3-hour ride. Got to Pecs, hopped off the train, and without a guidebook, or map still managed to find the mainsquare in a matter of 10 minutes.
First off, we decided that coffee and food were not something that could wait, so we promptly popped into the nearest pastry shop. Ali and I had the largest coffees we have seen since arriving in Europe, and the three of us each decided we had to order the most amazing looking desserts…for breakfast. We like to think we make good choices; after all, when will we ever get the chance to try them again? (They were as amazing as they looked by the way.)
Afterwards we saw a mosque that the Turks built during their occupation of Hungary, which after they were driven out, was converted into a catholic church. However, the architecture and much of the originaldécor is still in use. It was a strange feeling seeing all of the classic architecture of the Turks resplendent with crucifixes.
Afterwards we saw the basilica, and an early Christian mausoleum. The basilica was beautiful, and had the most amazing front gate. The early Christian mausoleum was cool; it’s really quite amazing how colorful they were after all of the centuries.
We then met up with Tila and Garret who had spent the night in town. We all went to a quirky restaurant—they played some very random American music and had bowls of
peanuts on the tables—but we had a great lunch nonetheless. Then we all grabbed some ice cream from a little shop Garret had found the previous day, and then all caught the train home. I can’t say train is my favorite form of travel, but that could be because I spent about 6 hours round trip, and it’s just not that exciting, or fast. Still, very glad that we decided to go see Pecs.
Today I’ve done almost nothing productive; been attempting to write a paper for my Art History class for hours, although I think my mental block is simply because I despise that class. I really should have known better… I mean, in all seriousness, I get bored at the Getty in about an hour, how did I ever think that I could take an art history class? In addition, no one cares about Hungarian art. I mean really, can you name even one Hungarian artist? Didn’t think so. Therefore, there is zero information; type in “Hungarian art” and wikipedia has nothing… Anyway, I’m going to the baths this afternoon with Ali and Courtney, and then out to dinner, and probably to Morrison’s, so itought to be a nice evening.
It’s getting pretty cold here, and I get a bit sad every time I think of how beautiful it is in California right now. Then again, it’s still rather novel having to put on so many layers. I’m sure the fun in that will wear off pretty quickly though. Another side note, Val is looking at colleges this weekend… still can’t believe she’s a senior, makes me feel pretty darn old. Anyway, must grab the bikini and get going. At least I can pretend I’m in Cali,right?
Hungarian word of the day:
születésnap "birthday"
As in, Happy 20th születésnap Stephie!
Ali has a friend, Courtney, here and we are having a ball showing her around the
city. Its fun to show it off and I still can’t quite get over how much I love it here. It’s nice, and a little peculiar to be in such a foreign place and feel so much at home.
Yesterday we went to Pécs,which is in southern Hungary. Had a lovely time, only downside was Ali losing her student ID and metro pass, but at least they are easily
replaceable. After catching the 6:30 am train out of Budapest, we caught someZzzzz ’s during the 3-hour ride. Got to Pecs, hopped off the train, and without a guidebook, or map still managed to find the mainsquare in a matter of 10 minutes.
First off, we decided that coffee and food were not something that could wait, so we promptly popped into the nearest pastry shop. Ali and I had the largest coffees we have seen since arriving in Europe, and the three of us each decided we had to order the most amazing looking desserts…for breakfast. We like to think we make good choices; after all, when will we ever get the chance to try them again? (They were as amazing as they looked by the way.)
Afterwards we saw a mosque that the Turks built during their occupation of Hungary, which after they were driven out, was converted into a catholic church. However, the architecture and much of the originaldécor is still in use. It was a strange feeling seeing all of the classic architecture of the Turks resplendent with crucifixes.
Afterwards we saw the basilica, and an early Christian mausoleum. The basilica was beautiful, and had the most amazing front gate. The early Christian mausoleum was cool; it’s really quite amazing how colorful they were after all of the centuries.
We then met up with Tila and Garret who had spent the night in town. We all went to a quirky restaurant—they played some very random American music and had bowls of
peanuts on the tables—but we had a great lunch nonetheless. Then we all grabbed some ice cream from a little shop Garret had found the previous day, and then all caught the train home. I can’t say train is my favorite form of travel, but that could be because I spent about 6 hours round trip, and it’s just not that exciting, or fast. Still, very glad that we decided to go see Pecs.
Today I’ve done almost nothing productive; been attempting to write a paper for my Art History class for hours, although I think my mental block is simply because I despise that class. I really should have known better… I mean, in all seriousness, I get bored at the Getty in about an hour, how did I ever think that I could take an art history class? In addition, no one cares about Hungarian art. I mean really, can you name even one Hungarian artist? Didn’t think so. Therefore, there is zero information; type in “Hungarian art” and wikipedia has nothing… Anyway, I’m going to the baths this afternoon with Ali and Courtney, and then out to dinner, and probably to Morrison’s, so itought to be a nice evening.
It’s getting pretty cold here, and I get a bit sad every time I think of how beautiful it is in California right now. Then again, it’s still rather novel having to put on so many layers. I’m sure the fun in that will wear off pretty quickly though. Another side note, Val is looking at colleges this weekend… still can’t believe she’s a senior, makes me feel pretty darn old. Anyway, must grab the bikini and get going. At least I can pretend I’m in Cali,right?
Hungarian word of the day:
születésnap "birthday"
As in, Happy 20th születésnap Stephie!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Four Days in Transylvania, and Not a Single Bite to Show For It.
My apologies, I know its been ages since I have posted. It has
been an incredibly busy week, and I just haven’t had the time to
actually sit and organize my thoughts.
First, let me start with a huge compliment to the boys, Vin in particular, who hosted a dinner party for us last week. It was wonderful; Vin made a spectacular
spread, homemade bread and gnocchi, as well as great pasta. It was lovely, and put our previous dinner party to shame. We are still trying to recover from the humiliation and piece together our broken pride as future homemakers and housewives. After the lovely dinner, we bade goodbye to the boys, whom we would see in 6 short hours, as our bus was due to depart Hero Square at 6:30am. Again, a painful hour, made all the more difficult to face knowing we had an eight-hour bus ride, complete with bathroom stops every 45 mins. For some reason, our group seems to be composed solely of the tiny-bladdered.
Well, after what seemed like forever we finally reached Transylvania!
Spooky? Scary? Vampires? Sadly, I do not think I saw a single bat. However, it was certainly cold and rainy; worth noting were the 2 hours we spent at a Romanian market, in the pouring rain. As well as the terrifying walk back to the bus, on the side of a road, being splashed by the passing semis… it was awful, but funny to think back on now.
Giving a play by play of the 4 day trip would bore you to tears, as it did to us for a good part of the time. However, this excursion did what none of the others had, and that was to give us a view into the lives of the people who inhabit the region. We were primarily in the Kalotaszeg region, a mainly Hungarian area known for its textiles and woodwork. For all of you who aren’t up on your 20th century world history, after WWI with the Treaty of Trianon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken into multiple different regions, because that is what happens when you lose a war. The Hungarian are still a bit bitter about the entire affair because they lost about 2/3 of their previous territory, including Transylvania. Basically making Hungary a
country surrounded by Hungarians. Very convenient.
So, back to the excursion, it was quite an experience. For everyone who knows me well,I will summarize it in 3 words: no indoor plumbing. Yes… I used an outhouse, for four days, while it was practically snowing. Now,aren’t you all proud of me? After getting over the initial shock, I actually came to adore the host family I was staying with. There was Rex, the dog who was chained to the outhouse, we had some good times together. Then of course, my favorite was Norbert, the pig. We asked his name and our host family laughed, meaning of course, that we don’t name dinner. So we, in horror, named him Norbert. Moreover, there were some chickens, which I managed to wake up at 3am trying to find the outhouse, and they started cock-a-doodle-dooing. Can we please stop and picture me, at 3am, -3° C, trying to get to the outhouse, waking up the rooster, and being scared out of my mind by the dog? Good, I’m glad you’ve all had a laugh now.
As for our actual family, Ebi and Istvan, they were the sweetest people, and we desperately wanted to bring Ebi back home with us so she could cook us food forever. I’m am not kidding when I say I gained 5lbs in 4 days from eating her food. It was
delicious; I couldn’t help but eat 3 servings. The last night we were there it was Istvan ’s birthday, and we all celebrated, singing Happy Birthday, drinking beer that he bought for us from the local bar, and eating more than I thought possible. Let me also add that they did not speak a work of English. Therefore, communication was limited but hilarious. There were 5 of us in the house, and between our terrible Hungarian, and sign language, we managed to almost have conversations. We saw a ton of traditional Hungarian costumes, the most detailed, beautiful embroidery, too many churches to mention, and ate plates and plates of great food. It was certainly not what I expected the trip to be like, but it was wonderful nonetheless.
And on a hilarious note… Stephen Colbert finally announced his intention to run for President of the United States. Finally, a candidate I get behind.
Hungarian phrase of the day:
Nagyon finnom! “Very delicious”
been an incredibly busy week, and I just haven’t had the time to
actually sit and organize my thoughts.
First, let me start with a huge compliment to the boys, Vin in particular, who hosted a dinner party for us last week. It was wonderful; Vin made a spectacular
spread, homemade bread and gnocchi, as well as great pasta. It was lovely, and put our previous dinner party to shame. We are still trying to recover from the humiliation and piece together our broken pride as future homemakers and housewives. After the lovely dinner, we bade goodbye to the boys, whom we would see in 6 short hours, as our bus was due to depart Hero Square at 6:30am. Again, a painful hour, made all the more difficult to face knowing we had an eight-hour bus ride, complete with bathroom stops every 45 mins. For some reason, our group seems to be composed solely of the tiny-bladdered.
Well, after what seemed like forever we finally reached Transylvania!
Spooky? Scary? Vampires? Sadly, I do not think I saw a single bat. However, it was certainly cold and rainy; worth noting were the 2 hours we spent at a Romanian market, in the pouring rain. As well as the terrifying walk back to the bus, on the side of a road, being splashed by the passing semis… it was awful, but funny to think back on now.
Giving a play by play of the 4 day trip would bore you to tears, as it did to us for a good part of the time. However, this excursion did what none of the others had, and that was to give us a view into the lives of the people who inhabit the region. We were primarily in the Kalotaszeg region, a mainly Hungarian area known for its textiles and woodwork. For all of you who aren’t up on your 20th century world history, after WWI with the Treaty of Trianon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken into multiple different regions, because that is what happens when you lose a war. The Hungarian are still a bit bitter about the entire affair because they lost about 2/3 of their previous territory, including Transylvania. Basically making Hungary a
country surrounded by Hungarians. Very convenient.
So, back to the excursion, it was quite an experience. For everyone who knows me well,I will summarize it in 3 words: no indoor plumbing. Yes… I used an outhouse, for four days, while it was practically snowing. Now,aren’t you all proud of me? After getting over the initial shock, I actually came to adore the host family I was staying with. There was Rex, the dog who was chained to the outhouse, we had some good times together. Then of course, my favorite was Norbert, the pig. We asked his name and our host family laughed, meaning of course, that we don’t name dinner. So we, in horror, named him Norbert. Moreover, there were some chickens, which I managed to wake up at 3am trying to find the outhouse, and they started cock-a-doodle-dooing. Can we please stop and picture me, at 3am, -3° C, trying to get to the outhouse, waking up the rooster, and being scared out of my mind by the dog? Good, I’m glad you’ve all had a laugh now.
As for our actual family, Ebi and Istvan, they were the sweetest people, and we desperately wanted to bring Ebi back home with us so she could cook us food forever. I’m am not kidding when I say I gained 5lbs in 4 days from eating her food. It was
delicious; I couldn’t help but eat 3 servings. The last night we were there it was Istvan ’s birthday, and we all celebrated, singing Happy Birthday, drinking beer that he bought for us from the local bar, and eating more than I thought possible. Let me also add that they did not speak a work of English. Therefore, communication was limited but hilarious. There were 5 of us in the house, and between our terrible Hungarian, and sign language, we managed to almost have conversations. We saw a ton of traditional Hungarian costumes, the most detailed, beautiful embroidery, too many churches to mention, and ate plates and plates of great food. It was certainly not what I expected the trip to be like, but it was wonderful nonetheless.
And on a hilarious note… Stephen Colbert finally announced his intention to run for President of the United States. Finally, a candidate I get behind.
Hungarian phrase of the day:
Nagyon finnom! “Very delicious”
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Wine from a Siphon? Enya? We must be in Northern Hungary.
Another of my culinary escapades; the girls and I had a dinner party last week! Ali and I managed to create a pasta dish and salad, Steph made garlic toast using an oven that we all have yet to decipher, and the boys brought wine and some fabulous desserts! I would say it went well; we managed to keep up the façade of being mature adults for about 5 minutes, and it was certainly entertaining. There will be a repeat performance, with some role reversal this week: The guys are cooking, and we are bringing the wine and desert! Vin apparently knows how to cook, so it should be quite tasty, although you never really know with this group.
This weekend we went on our third excursion, this time to Northern Hungary. I really appreciate that the program takes us on these trips. Although I enjoyed Western Hungary more, we still saw some very interesting sights, and I know I experienced things that I would never have done myself. This time we had to meet at Hero Square at 6:45, but luckily, this time I had the foresight to bring a pillow. Annoyingly, we had a completely incompetent bus driver and drove for probably 45mins more than necessary. Even Elizabeth, our very patient director, was showing signs of possible violence. But, we finally reach our destination, Aggtelek National Park, a system of astoundingly beautiful caves that run for about 20 kilometers. We got a guided tour through the cave and previewed a choreographed light show to Enya in one of the larger caverns, it was priceless. Also it’s a constant 10°, so we were pretty darn chilly after our hour underground.
We then went to see the Lipizzaner horses, which have a long history in Hungary. They were absolutely beautiful, however after about 5 minutes I had to get out of the stable before I my asthma really kicked in and I couldn’t walk back to the bus. I did manage to pick out my favorite though, Pluto XXXII.
After the quick Lipizzaner stop, we finally made out way to the final destination, Eger. Home to Hungary’s wine region, we unloaded from the bus, and then walked into the Valley of Beautiful women; where all of wine the cellars are found. Our group walked into the first and cutest cellar we found, taking over three tables and immediately having a wonderful time. The old lady running the cellar was incredibly sweet, although I’m sure it made her night when about 20 American kids all walked into her cellar. We tried a variety of wines, and best of all, most of us got a drink out of a wine siphon. This pretty much includes wrapping a cloth around your neck, tilting your head back, and having the wonderful old lady shoot a large gulp of wine directly down your throat. It was great! Then we all had a nice dinner in the restaurant down the road, had another glass of wine, and called it a night. The next day we trekked around Eger, saw the cathedral, camera obscura, and the fortress.
After leaving Eger, we made two stops on the way home. The first was a rather somber visit to the communist death camp, which most people never even knew existed at the time and even now it isn’t well known. Afterwards we had a much cheerier stop at the highest point in Hungary! Very impressive at 1014 meters! (Basically 3000 ft) It was a beautiful view, and a reminder than Hungary is basically a flat country.
We got home—home being Budapest—and a few of us decided that we needed to finish our night the proper Hungarian way, at the first annual Palinka and Sausage festival! Held at the royal palace, we overlooked the lights of Pest, the Danube, chain bridge, parliament, and St Stephens basilica. All sights everyone should see once in their life. Budapest is an impressive city, made all the more beautiful by the lights at night. It was a nice ending to the day, tons of Palinka and Sausage, how could it have been anything but amazing?
Bor “wine” Sör “beer” Viz “water” Uditö “soda”
This weekend we went on our third excursion, this time to Northern Hungary. I really appreciate that the program takes us on these trips. Although I enjoyed Western Hungary more, we still saw some very interesting sights, and I know I experienced things that I would never have done myself. This time we had to meet at Hero Square at 6:45, but luckily, this time I had the foresight to bring a pillow. Annoyingly, we had a completely incompetent bus driver and drove for probably 45mins more than necessary. Even Elizabeth, our very patient director, was showing signs of possible violence. But, we finally reach our destination, Aggtelek National Park, a system of astoundingly beautiful caves that run for about 20 kilometers. We got a guided tour through the cave and previewed a choreographed light show to Enya in one of the larger caverns, it was priceless. Also it’s a constant 10°, so we were pretty darn chilly after our hour underground.
We then went to see the Lipizzaner horses, which have a long history in Hungary. They were absolutely beautiful, however after about 5 minutes I had to get out of the stable before I my asthma really kicked in and I couldn’t walk back to the bus. I did manage to pick out my favorite though, Pluto XXXII.
After the quick Lipizzaner stop, we finally made out way to the final destination, Eger. Home to Hungary’s wine region, we unloaded from the bus, and then walked into the Valley of Beautiful women; where all of wine the cellars are found. Our group walked into the first and cutest cellar we found, taking over three tables and immediately having a wonderful time. The old lady running the cellar was incredibly sweet, although I’m sure it made her night when about 20 American kids all walked into her cellar. We tried a variety of wines, and best of all, most of us got a drink out of a wine siphon. This pretty much includes wrapping a cloth around your neck, tilting your head back, and having the wonderful old lady shoot a large gulp of wine directly down your throat. It was great! Then we all had a nice dinner in the restaurant down the road, had another glass of wine, and called it a night. The next day we trekked around Eger, saw the cathedral, camera obscura, and the fortress.
After leaving Eger, we made two stops on the way home. The first was a rather somber visit to the communist death camp, which most people never even knew existed at the time and even now it isn’t well known. Afterwards we had a much cheerier stop at the highest point in Hungary! Very impressive at 1014 meters! (Basically 3000 ft) It was a beautiful view, and a reminder than Hungary is basically a flat country.
We got home—home being Budapest—and a few of us decided that we needed to finish our night the proper Hungarian way, at the first annual Palinka and Sausage festival! Held at the royal palace, we overlooked the lights of Pest, the Danube, chain bridge, parliament, and St Stephens basilica. All sights everyone should see once in their life. Budapest is an impressive city, made all the more beautiful by the lights at night. It was a nice ending to the day, tons of Palinka and Sausage, how could it have been anything but amazing?
Bor “wine” Sör “beer” Viz “water” Uditö “soda”
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