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!