I'll be honest, I don't think Hungary is a top travel destination for most people; however, I would strongly recommend it for your next jaunt. The country is filled with historical sites and culture, and it is very inexpensive there since our currency is stronger than theirs right now. Who doesn't like a bang for their buck?
(However, I could be wrong about Hungary. It actually could be a top travel destination
for many people. While on the plane, I said that Northwest Airlines doesn't exist anymore because I haven't flown on it in years; however, Zack quickly corrected me and told me that it was, in fact, still in operation - I disagree)
Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Hungary. It was a great learning experience to be able to interact with Hungarian students and learn their way of life in a very short time period. Due to this trip, I have built new relationships with Hungarian and Nazareth students - students who I have never seen before! They were all foreign to me! They were all great students, and I was able to share many laughs and comments with them.
As a graduating senior, I am now facing the reality of graduating: finding a job. The job search is an exciting and stressful time as you try to find that perfect position for yourself. Prior to leaving for Hungary, my plan was to suspend the job search during this trip and not do anything that could possibly relate to it until after I returned. I wanted to totally block this from my mind, so it wouldn't interfere with my enjoyment of the trip. However, when I returned to Budapest for the second time, I did a few new job searches at the local McDonald's (I wasn't actually applying to McDonald's), and it was back on my mind creating a new distraction to prevent me from enjoying myself on this trip. Did I miss an opportunity? Is anyone following up with my application (I don't have a fancy smartphone to be able to take international calls)? Should I apply now to this position?
My point is that if you go on a vacation and are able to be free from the realities of home, don't let them distract you from enjoying yourself. Next time, I will totally block these from my mind and create a mental block. I know I will find the right position for me. It just takes time and requires patience. I'm not going to find it in a week or two, but it could take up to six months or a year.
Also, I would like recognize how accomodating some professors at Nazareth are for students making up missed work due to academic trips. I have the privilege to have some of them, and it is reassuring to know that they understand the realities of these expeditions.
Bon voyage,
Max
PS: Attached is a picture of me with a depressed Kodak sign in Budapest, Hungary, to show our Rochester connection to the country!
Wow. What an experience we had on this trip! I have traveled a good amount in my life, including to Europe three times, but I have never felt so completely immersed in a culture before. So many elements of this trip made it not only educational about American Studies, but also organically educational about the Hungarian culture. One of the most exciting components of this trip for me was the home stays. My host spoke very fluent English, although his parents did not. He had to translate everything we said. Regardless, the entire family was exceedingly welcoming and excited to have me in their home. Their hospitality made my visit that much more enjoyable! Going into the Home stay I was excited, but also nervous. Being isolated from not only my family and friends back home, but also from the rest of my group, I thought this was going to be a difficult and disagreeable experience. Yet, although my first night their was a little lonely, as I became closer with my host the experience became mush more enjoyable. It was fun and interesting getting to know a real Hungarian family and see how they live. His father builds planes and his mother is an artist. She makes beautiful detailed porcelain objects. I even got to see one she was working on at the time being. They also had two houses, which I found interesting. They had a town house, close to my host student's school and the father's work, and also a Lake house near Lake Balaton. I was able to see both during my stay!
Just some of her work. I love this plate!
Another unique component for this trip was the food! During my stay I was able to eat what a typical Hungarian family would eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (which is surprisingly more than a typical American family!). They were not shy with their portions and making sure I was well fed throughout every day! Even when I was not staying with my host family, the entire trip was filled with wonderful and distinctive food. We were lucky enough to have knowledgeable teachers and friends who could take us or tell us where to go to get the best Hungarian meals. One of my favorite classic Hungarian dishes was their Goulash soup, which is much different than one would expect in America.
Another soup I surprised myself by liking, a cheese and leek soup! It was delicious!
It was very interesting to see their take on things which we feel familiar with. Even something as small as the differences in Goulash soup can be eye-opening. I believe that with American accommodations, American food, and American language being prominent in a variety of places, organic cultural experiences such as this are hard to come to. I feel as though many Americans, me included, would opt to take the simple and familiar path while traveling in a foreign country. However, I have come to see that stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying new things can change one's entire trip and experience (and for the better!). I feel so lucky to have been a part of this group and hope to share everything I have taken from this experience to others!
Walking between Parliament and the river on our last night!
-Elizabeth Myers
I am sad to say that we have returned from our trip to Hungary. I would have loved to stay for another couple of weeks, but the ten days we did get were fantastic!
Our last two days were fun and interesting. On Friday we were able to visit a synagogue. It was fascinating to find out so much about its history. For example, women weren't able to sit on the main floor of the synagogue; they had to sit in the balconies. We were also able to look at some archives which included documents, books, pictures, etc. In addition, there was a burial ground in the back of the synagogue that we were able to explore. The following is a picture of the inside of the synagogue.
Saturday was one of my favorite days. We spent all morning at the market, which is a very crowded, but exciting, place. There were three floors. The basement contained fish, the first floor contained a variety of different foods, and the second floor contained souveniers. I think all of us spent a lot of money that morning! For lunch we went to an Irish Pub because it was St. Patrick's Day. We also saw a "parade" of people dressed in green walking down the streets of Budapest. They created a very fun atmosphere.
Last but not least, we were able to take a cruise down the Danube Saturday evening. I think this was my favorite activity of the week. The following is a picture of Parliament which I took while cruising down the river.
Well that pretty much sums up the last couple of days of our trip. I can say that this has easily been one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to meet so many new people and try many new things including goose liver and pigs brain. I hope I will be able to visit Hungary again....hopefully sooner rather than later.
Rebecca
