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Published: June 14th 2009
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First church we visited (Big Church)
Translated it means something like "Big Church". It is big too! Hey!
It's a bit belated doing this blog but I went to Hungary with my best aupair friend Gabi in May (22 - 25) so I flew out on a Friday night with her. It was quite fun just getting there, even saw one of the Hungarian celebrities waiting to get on our flight! I don't think he was that well off because it was a Wizzair flight, good deal but shoot, they don't give you a drink/food on a 2 hr flight! Thank the Lord we are blessed with Air Canada and West Jet in Canada, man - I miss life at home but hey, only a couple months left of this adventure. So, I got on the flight, we arrived in Budapest where Hunor (Gabi's boyfriend) picked us up around midnight. There was an accident on the main highway so we had to take a detour that ended up taking us an extra hour (and stop at McDonalds). We arrived at Gabi's parents' house at around 2:30am where I stayed in her sister, Bernadette's room. I slept very comfortably despite not actually having a bed, more like a mattress on the floor (B's permanent bed!) - got up
before the arranged wakeup time which ended up being a conversation of English/Hungarian with no knowledge of what was actually being said (more of a game of charades) but it was cool because we both knew exactly what we were saying! Gabi came out and was like, "I could hear you both talking" and realized that actually, we didn't need her interpreting for us. For the more indepth conversations, Gabi did translate which was pretty sweet. I had soooo much food at their house, you will not go hungry in Hungary! After we left the house, we went into the Central part of Kecskemet (where Gabi grew up) so I got to see her church, school and of course, the shops. It was fun checking everything out - saw a few weddings and some gorgeous churches. They have a lot of town figurines that are set up for blind people to help them around the town! We went to a really good traditional hungarian restaurant - I learned that it's very very spicy food. I am not really into spicy stuff but they were able to tone down my goulash, yummy. I really enjoyed my time with Hunor as well,
Gabi's home church
I think this is like a Barbie doll church! It's sooo pink. I liked it quite a bit. good to get to know my friend's other half!
In the late afternoon, we caught a train to Budapest where we met Jofie, Gabi's longtime friend who actually visited us in London in January. We went for a long walk and eventually reached Heroes' Square. It was quite cool to see, reminded me of Paris. Anyhow, we wandered around for a couple hours and worked out way to Jofie's college where we stayed. Jofie's mom had prepared some food for us so it was good eats there too! We had a couple hours and then went to meet David, one of Gabi's guy friends for a night out at Margaret Island. There were several dance spots so we went to as many as possible. Everybody was enjoying champagne but I am not really into drinking so I was the sober one who still couldn't really guide anyone after they had a few because I didn't know the city! Ah well, it was a fun night w/everyone and we had plenty planned for the next day.
On Sunday we started out at Fisherman's Bastion which was really neat, lots of entertainment as well as a horse/carriage ride tour for
30 mins we took advantage of (3 Musketeers, yay). After the tour, we went to Buda Castle, Parliament, Opera House, Chain Bridge, etc. Gorgeous views. We enjoyed really yummy gyros, mmm. After the healthier food, we went to get some dessert which there was plenty of. I tried a Hungarian cake with lots of cream and chocolate. I got to visit Liszt's Academy of Music which was awesome, I really enjoy musical stuff and there was plenty to check out in Budapest. In the evening, we went to a mass service at St. Stephen's Basilica. I couldn't understand anything that was said but it was a neat experience just to be there. After the service, we encountered a jazz band at an icecream spot so we lounged there for a while before continuing on to Gellert Hotel. We walked up to Gellert Hill and man, that was quite a hike. We'd stopped in at a church located in a rock cave too! I was finished at that point but they wouldn't leave so I had to reach the end with them, there was a cool statue there and it was worth the climb to see that view. We got back
Gabi's family and me!
Our goodbye in Kecskemet! Lovely time with these people, Gabi's family. around midnight after having really seen the city!
It was an early start on Monday morning to get to the airport. Jofie and Gabi came with me to see me off and I managed the whole weekend with just a carry on bag! Gabi would bring back some of my souvenirs that I couldn't carry on so that was handy. It was a wonderful trip and I'm really glad that I was able to experience Gabi's life, even for just a weekend. My flight home was delayed but I was able to get back in decent time after catching a train and bus afterwards. So, that was my jam packed weekend in Hungary, hugs! Chloe
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Pat
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Thanks Gabi
My grandmother immigrated from Hungary and I visited in 1995. Viewing your photos reminded me of my visit. Beautiful pictures and a lovely visit for all of you. Thanks.