I chose Hungary because my mother was Hungarian. Her parents came from Hungary and never learned English. I remember them only speaking Hungarian. She passed away a few years ago and I decided a good way to honor her memory might be to explore her roots. I planned to take this trip with my sisters, but it was not meant to be at this time.
I left from JFK in NYC and arrived tired in Budapest. I found my way off the plane, to the right bus, then the metro and arrived at my Air B and B mid-day. My first miracle of many.
Cost was $2.00 compared to $48.00 for a taxi – remember I am on a budget, always! The Air B and B is run by a Chinese couple – not Japanese as I thought. A nice clean room with 4 comfortable beds, and you share a bathroom with 8 others. The toilet has a happy face staring at you. That makes up for sharing it with so many- NOT! The hostess makes a Chinese breakfast each morning, which is more like a lunch to me with soup and noodles and vegetables.
Budapest is … there are no words! The buildings and architect are spectacular and of course the Danube River, just a few blocks from my Air B and B is…well, how many times can I use the word spectacular!
It is really two cities, Buda and Pest divided by the river and they ooze romance and history. The city is a cultural hub and the first night I stumbled upon a Hungarian music and dance concert. I bought a ticket in the balcony – the least expensive seat. When the curtains opened and I saw the orchestra of 7 violin players, 2 cimbalom players and a 2 bass players – they all looked like my Uncle Mickey who was a Hungarian musician and played those instruments. When the music started I smiled and cried at the same time.
The man sitting next to me was alone and Dutch and asked if I was OK and I said yes – the music and dance brought back so many memories of my childhood. At intermission he asked if he could buy me a glass of wine and wanted to know about my background and travels. Then he took me to an ATM machine and demanded all my money- no just kidding but I try to be cautious of those possible dangers.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Trust in your instincts to the end, though you can render no reason.
and When in Doubt – Don’t!
My Timshel by Tamara Gonzalez Oberbeck 
So great to read about your adventures. Be happy, well, and safe. So glad I got to see you at the reunion. My Mom’s maternal family is from Hungary. My great grandparent’s were from there.
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Colleen,
So great to hear from you. I should have known you had a little Hungarian blood in you! I almost contacted you a few weeks ago while I was in Poland. I had the most vivid real dream .
John Sherer asked you to homecoming – I don’t know if you even remember him- he went to St. Helen with me- I have not thought of him since grade school – anyway he asked you to homecoming and you were telling me that you said no. I begged you to get him to ask me as I wanted to go with him, but some how Dave Belcher came into the picture and ruined everything.
So odd to dream of you and him – I always think it is a sign – you are suppose to fix me up with someone you know!!!
Anyway loved hearing from you – follow the blog you will be notified when I post. I will keep it going as I move on to Madagascar in February.
Tammy
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Hi again Tammy. Wow, what a wild dream!!! I remember the name John Sherer, but I would have to get the “old” yearbook out to see his face….I think I might have an idea of who he is though. I am loving how adventurous you are. Take care.
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