Back to the Homeland

I just returned from Budapest, Hungary and this was an amazing trip. I had always wanted to go to Hungary because I am 1/8 Hungarian and I have always heard stories about my great Hungarian grandfather. After going on a 14 hour bus ride, which actually wasn't that bad, Zak, Julie and I arrived in Budapest. If you couldn't tell by his last name Zak also has Hungarian roots and actually has distant family who lives in Budapest and his cousin picked us up from the bus station. This already says a lot about Hungarian people and how friendly they are. Zak had never really met this cousin aside from an old picture of his cousin holding him as a small child and this man was willing to pick him and his two friends up and show us the greatest of hospitality even though he was busy with work and his family, which included a beautiful two month old daughter.

This cousin, Bela, had to work but he left us with his son Norbert to show us around. We all went to a very good restaurant that was very different for Europe. It was an all you can eat buffet with free refills!! This was what I had been waiting for! After our meal experience we toured around and saw a bit of this beautiful city.

The Next morning Bela picked us up and we met Norbert and his girlfriend at Parliament. This building is the most beautiful building I have seen in Europe so far. It is the second biggest Parliament in Europe and wow is it wonderful. At first we thought that we could not be able to enter because all of the tickets had been sold for the day but Norbert called his step-dad who was a somewhat important guard at the Parliament and he let us in. Inside was just as beautiful as the outside. Giant staircases, ornate rugs, stain glass windows and the best, the crown of the Hungarian King lay in the middle under a glass box still being guarded by two guards who stand perfectly still and only move to circle the crown every 30 minutes.

After our Parliament adventure we went to The Balasko's home and had one of the most delicious meals I have ever had. Before we ate we had to try Palinka which is what I like to call Hungarian moonshine. It was a hard liquor with plum, honey, vanilla and I am sure other things mixed in. After we drank a few drinks of Palinka and had to eat a piece of the Palinka soaked plum we had dinner. 1st course was a chicken noodle like soup. The 2nd course was chicken, pork, a fish casserole, potatoes and a cheesy rice. For dessert we had a cherry, orange, pistachio, pomegranate, delicious layer cake with creme. We finished with a healthy 'taste' of wine.

 The next morning we ate at the buffet place again and bought a few souvenirs then prepaired for our 14 hour bus ride back to Strasbourg. This trip was wonderful and I loved Hungary!

 It was hard not to notice that the people of Hungary are more open and friendly with you than in France and that their food had more use of spices. These are the main culture differences I noticed. I liked this and I hope to go back soon.
-Tyler Underwood