The Plunge

It has come to the realization that we are thriving. No longer are we dashing out to experience the tourist aspects of this place. No longer are we planning our daily and weekend adventures based off of a book or some entry that Rick Steves pushed atop some most notables list while in Budapest; no longer are we playing the rushed game of what we have to see immediately since, as Americans, we don't have castles that are 1000 years old back in the States, let alone Oregon. It is taking constant reminding and recognition of our stay here to fully enjoy it, so that we can experience the non tourist aspects of this city; so that we are not trapped in the confinements of a tourist book, but so that we are lead by curiosity, and maybe Laci's direction. I have never been away from the U.S. this long, so I have never had the opportunity nor the luxury of being able to relax and assimilate to a different cultural cycle. So it is taking the best of us to remember that we will not be returning to our homes until June, and it is only February. Once we remind ourselves of these things, however, we quickly realize that albeit we want to see the tourist aspects of this city, we also want to experience what could not be accomplished while just being here for a short stay. It is the difference in a ten day vacation to a five month stay.
In our search for the entertainment and culture of the local Hungarians we have already found much. Whether it be the pubs they go to, the theaters they visit, or the everyday places they venture to which would seem like monuments to any American - we are following. I am, however, drawing the line at the Szex Bolts (Sex Shop) which seems to be at every major intersection. Sex is taboo here, and is so much more widespread than back home, even if that may seem hard to believe. When viewing a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's 'A Mid Summer Night's Dream,' this became very apparent very quickly, as their use of nudity in theater was something I had to attempt to appreciate as the shock would not subside. I have come to the conclusion that what would be worthy of condemnation back home is of everyday talk, and to some, use for a society that is much more willing to accept this.

Aside from our first experience in Hungarian theater, we have found a 'local' church to attend. When I say a local church, I mean St. Stephen's Basillica, which is by far the largest place of worship I have ever been in my entire life. Pictured is a view from inside. I make a point to this because, although there is a 200 year old church down the street from us, this Basillica is an icon in the eyes of the Hungarians, and it just so happens to seat over 8,000 people. When visiting it with Maryann to get the mass schedule, we found out that none other than St. Stephen's right hand is held on display in the back of the church. I must say, this was really cool to see. St. Stephen founded Hungary in 1000 A.D. and still is seen as monumentally influential in Hungary's history, as he not only founded the political organization of this country, but also declared it to be Roman Catholic. Hungary is one of the only historically Roman Catholic countries in all of Eastern Europe, as nearly every other country (aside from Romania), belonged to the Eastern Orthodox Church, since the center was in Byzantium, or modern day Instanbul. There are multiple statues of St. Stephen throughout the city, including the one on the front of my university.

As I wrap up this entry, I wanted to put in another picture of my roommate, Nick. In this particular shot, we were up at the Statue of Freedom, which was errected after Nazi occupation. Nick is pictured on the left in an archway looking out over the Buda side of Budapest. This is an amazing place for any personal historian or lover of art, architecture, or culture. Budapest is a pocket in Eastern Europe that, even through many years of political turmoil, has survived to still be as beautiful as it is. I highly recommend it to anyone who would be so lucky as to have an opportunity to travel this far from home. And the best part is that it still has not exploded to American tourism like the Western European countries have. Being here three weeks almost, I have only ran in to Americans once. The separation is phenomenal. We are completely engulfed in this fantastic cultural experience. We are travelers that have decided to stay a while.

Thanks for reading.