On Friday we had to spend a significant amount of energy in the field preparing some fruit bushes.  When we finished the “Big Hungarian Boss” told us we did a good job and could take the rest of the day off. After prayers and lunch we decided to go back for just an hour and... Continue Reading →

Yes, I know shocking! Especially after all the monastery blessings and prayers. When I arrived back to my “Happy Toilet" B and B from the monastery, the Chinese couple informed me that I would be sharing the room with three men.  The semi-private rooms were full. The large room I had slept in before has... Continue Reading →

My two week stay at the monastery is cut a little short as the monks were on their way to a retreat house near Budapest. They offered me a ride back to Budapest as they were passing through on their way. They were eager to practice a little English  and wanted  to hear more about... Continue Reading →

I accepted a volunteer job at a monastery 3 hours from Budapest and had to travel by bus to get there. I had my first “hiccup “ getting to the bus station. Evidently when you get on the subway and “punch” your little metro ticket, and I do mean little – just a sliver of paper, then you... Continue Reading →

The next day, August 20, was my birthday and happens to be the greatest national holiday for Hungarians, St. Stephens Day.  It is celebrated with day long festivities followed by spectacular fireworks on the Danube River.  St. Stephen  was the first King of Hungary and also converted Hungary to Christianity and was martyred. They have a... Continue Reading →

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,... Continue Reading →