In case you are unaware, the Hungarian word for "Hungarian" is "magyar." I started Hungarian language school yesterday, and boy is it a difficult language. My primary issue is that the letter sounds are so different from English. For instance, consider the following examples:
Hungarian letter - equivalent English pronunciation
s - sh
sz - s
c - ts
cs - ch
And there are more! Also, each vowel has a short and long form (indicated by a forward leaning accent mark) and "o" and "u" also can have umlauts (both short and long). Fortunately studying German has helped me a lot with the umlauts. Still, it is a bit over whelming with so many differences, but I am slowly getting the hang of it and hopefully it will soon start clicking. The nice thing is I get plenty of practice. I find myself walking down the street and practicing my Hungarian by pronouncing the names of streets, restaurants, and stores. I had to smile when I was in the store today and I was able to understand my total when the cashier said it in Hungarian and I was able to politely say "thank you" in Hungarian.
The language school doesn't give much homework, so we (the students) are pretty free in the evening. Last night we got together to celebrate someone's birthday. It was fun to just hang out (previously we have only gotten together to explore the city). Slowly but surely I am learning people's names and where they are from/ where they go to school. Funny story about that: One of the girls in my section of the language school (there are four sections) is from Grand Rapids! When we figured this out, there was lots of excitement, plus a little bit of "small-world syndrome" (at least for my part).
I think that is all for now. I have been doing some exploring, but it has mainly been around my apartment - looking for restaurants, ATMs, etc. I am planning on visiting some bigger sights this weekend, or maybe sooner. Either way, keep an eye on facebook for more pictures soon.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August 20
In case you missed my previous post: Yesterday, August 20, was Hungarian National Day. A celebration of the formation of the Hungary state, August 20 actually corresponds to the canonization of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen. Essentially, its the Hungarian 4th of July - except it is much more of a city-wide shindig than any 4th of July celebration I have gone to. The banks of the Danube were lined with tents selling food and drinks - the most important of which is the Hungarian birthday cake. A different recipe is selected every year and it is a huge deal to Hungarians to get a slice. Of course, being outsiders, we didn't care to wait in a super long line for a piece of cake.
I should probably explain whom "we" refers to at this point. During the afternoon, my roommates and I met up with a few other BSM students on the western bank of the Danube to watch a boat race and air show. After that, we walked along the river passing the food stands and eventually we met up with another group of BSM students bringing the total up to 14. After finding a nice shady park to relax in and getting to know each other a little bit, we worked our way up to the Castle. In the courtyard was the Festival of Folk Arts. More tents - this time with folk art, including baskets, blankets, clothing, etc. Also there was a whip and sword fighting demonstration going on.
After the castle, we worked our way back to the western side of the river and found a restaurant that could seat all of us. We capped of the evening by walking to the edge of the river to watch a fantastic fireworks display. It was a lot of fun. I got to see a lot of new parts of the city and meet a lot of BSM students. I plan on going back to the castle when it is not so busy and explore it more - I'll keep you updated on that. Plus, I will meet a lot of the BSM students tomorrow when the language school starts (and finally learn how to at least pronounce the signs I see all over the place and hopefully start to be able to read them). I am all for having adventures in the grocery store, but it will also be nice to know for sure what I am buying.
I should probably explain whom "we" refers to at this point. During the afternoon, my roommates and I met up with a few other BSM students on the western bank of the Danube to watch a boat race and air show. After that, we walked along the river passing the food stands and eventually we met up with another group of BSM students bringing the total up to 14. After finding a nice shady park to relax in and getting to know each other a little bit, we worked our way up to the Castle. In the courtyard was the Festival of Folk Arts. More tents - this time with folk art, including baskets, blankets, clothing, etc. Also there was a whip and sword fighting demonstration going on.
After the castle, we worked our way back to the western side of the river and found a restaurant that could seat all of us. We capped of the evening by walking to the edge of the river to watch a fantastic fireworks display. It was a lot of fun. I got to see a lot of new parts of the city and meet a lot of BSM students. I plan on going back to the castle when it is not so busy and explore it more - I'll keep you updated on that. Plus, I will meet a lot of the BSM students tomorrow when the language school starts (and finally learn how to at least pronounce the signs I see all over the place and hopefully start to be able to read them). I am all for having adventures in the grocery store, but it will also be nice to know for sure what I am buying.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Day one, exploring; day two, relaxing
After blogging yesterday I went exploring and eventually found a decently priced restaurant with English on its menu. The restaurant was a little more touristy than I had hoped, but that is what you get for needing an English menu - and heading toward the tourist-filled city center. If you looked at my photos on facebook, you will have noticed that during my exploring, I came across the Ferenc (Franz) Liszt Academy of Music, the Hungarian State Opera House, and St. Stephen's Basilica. I hope to return to all three. The former two for concerts/performances at some point, and the latter because it is stunningly gorgeous, but I couldn't get many pictures because outside they were setting up a stage on the front steps and inside they were holding a mass that I didn't wish to disturb with flash. The inside is just spectacular - marble and gold are everywhere, and wonderfully arranged. I can't wait to go back.
Finally, on the way back I stopped by the supermarket - note that a "supermarket" in Budapest is about the size of a corner grocery store in America or smaller. Shopping is also an adventure when you can't read the labels. You just have to look at the pictures, guess, and hope for the best. Groceries are fairly cheap in Budapest, which is nice.
As the title of this post suggests, I have spent most of today relaxing. I had to be around this afternoon to let my flatmates into the apartment, so that killed most of the day. Then I took them around to where the school is and where the train station is and we spent some time chatting and getting to know each over. Christophe is from Seattle and goes to school at Carleton College; and Mike is from New York and goes to school at McDaniel College in Maryland. Mike had no luck on his journey to Budapest. Air France has a bad reputation, and his story is one reason why: His flight from NY to Paris was delayed by a couple of hours, so he missed his connection to Budapest. Fortunately there was another flight just a few hours later. However, the airline proceeded to leave his luggage in Paris. So, for now all he has is his laptop bag. Tired from their long journey, both Mike and Christophe went to bed before 8pm. I don't blame them - I went to sleep around 9 last night.
One last item. I just realized that I have posted three days in a row. Please do not suspect that this blog will be written daily. Right now, there are lots of interesting things to tell you about, and I have the time to do so. However, once classes start up, I will have less time to write and my days will be more routine. At that point, I will probably make the blog more of a weekly thing.
Thanks for reading!
Finally, on the way back I stopped by the supermarket - note that a "supermarket" in Budapest is about the size of a corner grocery store in America or smaller. Shopping is also an adventure when you can't read the labels. You just have to look at the pictures, guess, and hope for the best. Groceries are fairly cheap in Budapest, which is nice.
As the title of this post suggests, I have spent most of today relaxing. I had to be around this afternoon to let my flatmates into the apartment, so that killed most of the day. Then I took them around to where the school is and where the train station is and we spent some time chatting and getting to know each over. Christophe is from Seattle and goes to school at Carleton College; and Mike is from New York and goes to school at McDaniel College in Maryland. Mike had no luck on his journey to Budapest. Air France has a bad reputation, and his story is one reason why: His flight from NY to Paris was delayed by a couple of hours, so he missed his connection to Budapest. Fortunately there was another flight just a few hours later. However, the airline proceeded to leave his luggage in Paris. So, for now all he has is his laptop bag. Tired from their long journey, both Mike and Christophe went to bed before 8pm. I don't blame them - I went to sleep around 9 last night.
One last item. I just realized that I have posted three days in a row. Please do not suspect that this blog will be written daily. Right now, there are lots of interesting things to tell you about, and I have the time to do so. However, once classes start up, I will have less time to write and my days will be more routine. At that point, I will probably make the blog more of a weekly thing.
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
It begins.
I am sitting safe and sound in my apartment in Budapest. The flights were fairly well uneventful, which makes me happy - a little late out of Grand Rapids (big surprise... NOT!), landed early in Frankfurt, and just a few minutes late into Budapest. After going through customs, which consisted entirely of the officer waving me through, I was met by a student guide from BSM, who got us a cab to go to my apartment. A word to the wise, definitely look both ways before crossing the street in Budapest - Hungarian drivers are... let's go with "aggressive." I am no expert on Hungarian traffic regulations, but I'm pretty sure a few of our cab driver's maneuvers were less than legal.
Anyway, moving on to the apartment. The landlord is a really nice guy, who also works as a deejay. However, he doesn't speak English very well, so that will be interesting. The rooms in the apartment are quite spacious, except for the kitchen, which is fine, but the eating area is cramped. I will be sharing the apartment with two other BSM students who I will meet tomorrow when they arrive. Since I was the first one here, naturally I got my choice of rooms. :) My apartment is also only a five minute walk from the school - which should be really convenient. The building is a bit older, but that is the price you pay for the larger size.
I will get pictures up on facebook later, but right now I am hungry - which means I either have to find a restaurant or supermarket and hope they speak English. Sounds like an adventure! Oh, and I am told I arrived just in time because Saturday is Hungarian National Day (similar to the Fourth of July - except this year is Hungary's 1011th birthday) which means lots of celebration and fireworks. That should be fun. Now I am off to find food.
Anyway, moving on to the apartment. The landlord is a really nice guy, who also works as a deejay. However, he doesn't speak English very well, so that will be interesting. The rooms in the apartment are quite spacious, except for the kitchen, which is fine, but the eating area is cramped. I will be sharing the apartment with two other BSM students who I will meet tomorrow when they arrive. Since I was the first one here, naturally I got my choice of rooms. :) My apartment is also only a five minute walk from the school - which should be really convenient. The building is a bit older, but that is the price you pay for the larger size.
I will get pictures up on facebook later, but right now I am hungry - which means I either have to find a restaurant or supermarket and hope they speak English. Sounds like an adventure! Oh, and I am told I arrived just in time because Saturday is Hungarian National Day (similar to the Fourth of July - except this year is Hungary's 1011th birthday) which means lots of celebration and fireworks. That should be fun. Now I am off to find food.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Today is THE DAY!
"This is the moment, this is the time, when the momentum and the moment, are in rhyme!" Kudos to whomever can name the musical from which that quote originates. One more, and massive kudos to anyone who catches this reference: "There will always be a valley, always mountains one must scale... Never hold back your step for a moment. Never doubt that your courage will grow. Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go!" These quotes come to mind because they are sung just before each character takes a huge, life-altering step into the unknown - which is where I feel I am right now.
As I prepare to fly out in a couple of hours, I am reminded of a personal anecdote: We have to go two years back to my first day at Pomona. We (the incoming freshmen) had moved in on Sunday, and now we were starting our Monday with placement exams. As I was walking to my first exam, I hear the bell tower from a church just off campus playing one of my favorite hymns: "A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing!" That was one of the moments in my life when I felt God speaking directly to me, because that was the message I needed to hear, and one I am clinging to now. Sure I was ready and excited to move across the country to start school, but I was still scared. And sure, I am ready and excited to study abroad in a country where I know no one and don't speak the primary language, but I am also scared. However, I know that wherever I am, God is with me, he is my mighty fortress, and he will always speak my language. That is an awesome thought indeed!
I have just a few matters of business to address: First, at this point you should consider my cell phone off until I return - remember you can still reach me through e-mail, facebook, and Skype. Second, if you wish to check on my flight statuses, the flight number are: LH9411 (Grand Rapids to Chicago), LH431 (Chicago to Frankfurt), and LH1336 (Frankfurt to Budapest).
Thank you for reading this. Hopefully I will update within a few days. And I promise next time, I won't be so preachy.
PS If you care, the first song quoted was "This Is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde and the second song was "Into the Fire" from The Scarlet Pimpernel. Oddly enough, and completely unintentionally, the songs share the same composer.
As I prepare to fly out in a couple of hours, I am reminded of a personal anecdote: We have to go two years back to my first day at Pomona. We (the incoming freshmen) had moved in on Sunday, and now we were starting our Monday with placement exams. As I was walking to my first exam, I hear the bell tower from a church just off campus playing one of my favorite hymns: "A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing!" That was one of the moments in my life when I felt God speaking directly to me, because that was the message I needed to hear, and one I am clinging to now. Sure I was ready and excited to move across the country to start school, but I was still scared. And sure, I am ready and excited to study abroad in a country where I know no one and don't speak the primary language, but I am also scared. However, I know that wherever I am, God is with me, he is my mighty fortress, and he will always speak my language. That is an awesome thought indeed!
I have just a few matters of business to address: First, at this point you should consider my cell phone off until I return - remember you can still reach me through e-mail, facebook, and Skype. Second, if you wish to check on my flight statuses, the flight number are: LH9411 (Grand Rapids to Chicago), LH431 (Chicago to Frankfurt), and LH1336 (Frankfurt to Budapest).
Thank you for reading this. Hopefully I will update within a few days. And I promise next time, I won't be so preachy.
PS If you care, the first song quoted was "This Is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde and the second song was "Into the Fire" from The Scarlet Pimpernel. Oddly enough, and completely unintentionally, the songs share the same composer.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
First Post!
Welcome to my blog!
I leave for Budapest just two weeks from today (and of course I have started packing...). I hope to update this blog regularly when I am abroad so that everyone can keep up with my comings and goings. While I am abroad, my phone will not be active, but never fear, you can still get ahold of me. I will still be available through e-mail (bjdw2009@mymail.pomona.edu), Facebook, and Skype.
I am really excited to experience life outside the US. In addition to exploring Budapest, I plan on exploring other cities throughout Europe. Cities currently on my list to visit are Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, and I would gladly take recommendations and suggestions (cities to see, hostels, restaurants, etc).
I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures abroad!
I leave for Budapest just two weeks from today (and of course I have started packing...). I hope to update this blog regularly when I am abroad so that everyone can keep up with my comings and goings. While I am abroad, my phone will not be active, but never fear, you can still get ahold of me. I will still be available through e-mail (bjdw2009@mymail.pomona.edu), Facebook, and Skype.
I am really excited to experience life outside the US. In addition to exploring Budapest, I plan on exploring other cities throughout Europe. Cities currently on my list to visit are Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, and I would gladly take recommendations and suggestions (cities to see, hostels, restaurants, etc).
I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures abroad!
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