August
Alone time
So my parents left and Anna and I were left alone. It was interesting to be away from my parents and be responsible for everything, but I got used to it after a while.
Budapest
Miklos finally arrived in Magyarorszag!! :D I went up to Budapest to see him and spend time with him. Those two days were so good! We did nothing, yet it felt so good. His apartment is very nice, not too far from the city centre
Family Reunion!
The best part of August when I get to go! I love my family! I went to this family reunion that happens every summer in the same place. It's been a tradition on my mom's mom's side of the family since like the 60s for years, but it stopped in the 70s. In '92 tradition was resurrected! Yay! So every year since than, the same weekend in August, the family gets together for about a week, staying for as long as they want to. This is the time when I get to see relatives that I normally don't and spend time with my awesome cousins! Though I am one of the younger ones, we get along so well, and I always feel so comfortable with them. We go walking around the fields, play many ping-pong battles, go down to the stream, laugh at meals, try to get away from the mandatory catch-ups our uncle makes us do, etc. It's just so great to be around my family. This summer my great aunt brought out old albums and we spent hours looking at the photos of my aancestors. It makes me so proud to be part of such a noble family! One of the nights we went on the traditional wine tasting. Mmmm such good wines!
Anna's Birthday
So Anna, and her boyfriend Zoli turned 23 this summer, the day after each other, so there was a double birthday party for them. There was a big pot of delicious gulyas leves for everyone and it was a good night in general, since Miklos came down and surprised Anna totally. My other Anna also came by after her dance practice and we sat down and talked for a while. It was a good night.
August 20th, St. Stephen's Birthday
One day I sent Csontos Anna an IM to see if she wanted to hang, and to get to the point, I ended up going to dance practice with her. At that practice they were putting together the choreography for the parade on the 20th and asked me if I wanted to join or not. How can I refuse such an offer? Of course I said yes, though I've never learned the dance before. I must say I am quite proud of myself for learning an choreography in just a few hours. On the day, we marched from the train station in Debrecen to the Nagyerdei Stadion, a 4 (?) km walk in the sun. It wasn't bad, especially because I made new friends and it turns out, that I got married the previous Saturday and no one at the wedding remembers it! (inside joke) After we got pack to their practicing place, there was a giant pot of paprikas krumpli waiting for us. We devoured it and spent the afternoon laying in the sun.
Grandparents'
I decided to be a good granddaughter and visit my grandparents for a few days. I did absolutely nothing. I think the biggest thing was cleaning their bathroom and going to church where all the elderly women could not believe it was me....
Last days
The last days I spent in Hungary this summer consisted of getting ready for Italy. I took care of some things, like shopping for personal items so I don't have to pay a ridiculous amount in Italy for them, saying my goodbyes, going to a very dull tanchaz, speding time with Anna and Zsofi (which always ends up being HOURS).
Italy
Aron, Ancsa, and myself left for Italy a little after midnight on the 27th. The ride is still ridiculously long. We spent our time by playing typical car games and sleeping. When we finally got there, we ate lunch at the same restaurant at the same table where I ate with Mom, Dad, and Anna back in July. It was nice. :) After, we went to Casa Cares. We were sent to our lodging, which was at a different place, since there was full pension and every room was taken. We stayed one night at Casa Pagni, about half km from Casa Cares. It's a fairly new place (?) and owners are super nice. They invited us for a glass of wine outside on their porch after dinner. We tasted three wines, but my favorite was this delicous Vin Santo, which tastes a lot like kesoi szuret Tokaji bor. Our hostesseven gaves us these cookies called cantucci, which you are supposed to dunk in your Vin Santo, but I personally don't like it that way; too much alcohol taste. A and A left the next morning, after breakfast and I was left alone in Italy. I went in the Colonica, our house, and kind of got settled. I moved in to my nice little, cozy room and my life in Italy began....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Summer 2010
I failed to write this summer in my blog, so here is a quick sum of it:
July
Graduation
As I was actually at graduation, it didn't feel like I was graduating. I was with the same people for the past four years and it felt like just another day. I sang with the choir, listened to speeches, got my diploma, listened to a long list of names, screamed for my friends, sang again, walked out. When I got out of the stadium, that's when it felt real. I had my diploma (with nothing inside) in my hands, and I was an alumni at PAHS. I searched for my friends to hug and congratulate them. It finally happened!! We graduated! After snapping a few pics with friends and teachers, I found my family. It was so great to have my parents, my godfather and his son, Miklos and Piroska neni there to represent everyone important to me. After we took a million and one pictures, we ran home to have a little feast, to which Hansi bacsi came as well. I got many wonderful presents and after opening them, I ran to change and went back to school for Project Graduation. PG was awesome! I wasn't expecting myself to really stay up all night, but I was so hyped that I did. Ice skating, arcade games, dancing, and all sorts of child games were waiting for us, so of course I took advantage of it! I had many great talks and I will definitely cherish that night. We got home around 6 a.m. and as soon as I got to bed, I fell into deep sleep mode.
Last days in US
I had many interesting days while I was saying good-bye to everyone. I saw Toy Story 3 with Miklos and Borcsa (very good I must say!!), went canoing with the Kertesz csalad, went to the beach, had a total surprise farewell party thanks to Julie with collaboration from Amy and Miklos (Wilson and Diego were also there). The party was very good; we played games, including who knows me best, manhunt, hide and go seek in the dark, went to Shop Rite and Taco Bell. The Taco Bell part is my favorite. Since the dining hall closes at 11 pm and it was past that time, we decided to go to the drive thru. Since we were on foot, no one answered. So we went to Shop Rite. When we came out of Shop Rite, we got the great idea to have me sit in a shopping cart and try the drive thru like that. We weren't expecting much out of it, but when the speaker spoke to us, were in shock.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
"....."
"Hello?"
"Uhh, hi. Can I have a, uhhhh, umm, *the cheapest thing on the menu*."
"And a small Sprite!"
"Ok, is that all?"
"Yes."
"Ok, that will be $2.64."
"Alright, thank you."
We were all in shock and laugying at the same time. When they pushed me up to the window, the guy could not believe us. He laughed and gave us some free food as well. It was quite an experience!
Departure and flight
I was packing all the way up the last minute. Amy came over by surprise and we spent a couple more minutes together. It was not easy leaving my best friend behind, but I know our friendship will not change. Miklos came to the airport to say goodbye and I was with him up to the last second when I had to check in. It wasn't hard saying goodbye, since we knew we would see each other soon.
Flight to Roma was alright. Nothing interesting, except for the fact that a guy went into cardiac arrest half way through the flight. He was under a lot of stress, hasn't been sleeping enough, etc, but he turned out ok. The guy sitting on the other side of my mom is an EMT, or knows CPR (something along the lines of health care) went to the back and helped him. Turns out he is half Puerto Rican, half Italian. He tried to speak Italian to me, but I understood little, but he was very nice. We had to wait a few hours at the airport for our transfer flight. When I was getting our boarding passes, something happened to the system and I had to wait at least 45 minutes to get our passes. I was rather impatient. We finally got our passes and boarded the plane. We were inside the plane already and on the runway. Captain: "We are sorry, but there are planes ahead of us, and we have to wait a while." Well, this "while" took us an hour and a half, the time of the flight. We left when we were supposed to arrive in Budapest. I wasn't feeling well, so I slept for almost all of the three hours until we got there. At the airport we quickly got our luggage and went out. My sister Reka was waiting for us along with my godfather and his son (we traveled the same day, different flights. The planes left about the same times, and were supposed to arrive at nearly the same time) and the guy who drove us. We packed in the car and left to Debrecen. Finally! We stopped for coffee and snacks on the way home to re-energize. When we got off the strada, I was getting anxious. I was so happy to be home again! Anna, Aron, Ancsa, and Imola came downstairs to greet us and help with our luggages. When we settled, we ate delicous csaszar szalonna and fresh bread. Food has never tasted so good.
Fast forward a few days.
The Wedding
My brother Aron got married this summer to Anita. The wedding was in Sarospatak, Anita's hometown. I spent the night at her house, because I helped prepare some things in advance (like the flowers and the deserts). The following morning we woke up happy that it was the day of the wedding! Ate, got ready for the beautifaction process, I went to get a few things, etc. While Ancsa got her hair and makeup done, I was at the hotel with my family to help my brother get dressed, finish decorations and others there for the dinner, etc... The wedding came and it was beautiful. The service was very nice and right after came the state wedding. Now, that was something interesting. The lady said all sorts of things. "I give you the blue of the sky, the green of the grass, etc..." It was quite peculiar. We were laughing so hard in our seats. Oops!
The reception was also nice. The food was good, the wine was good (of course it was, Ancsa's dad has an amazing winery!!), music was not so good, the mood was awesome!, and in general, everything was very good! I danced with my grandfather, my godfather, my uncle, my sister's boyfriend, Ancsa's boyfriend, and a whole lot of other people. Everyone had such a good time!
The next morning we went to church, after which we had lunch with the leftovers (both leftover food and left over people). In the afternoon we went home and attempted to rest.
Grandfather's Birthday
My dad's dad celebrated his 80th birthday this year. We decided to throw him a surprise birthday party, because we knew that he would not allow us to throw him a party that he knew about. The closest family members were there and we all had a good time. It was nice to be with family.
Italy
After Nagypapa's birthday, we went to Italy. It was to both check out where I will be, and to have a family vacation. We stopped in Fonyod to visit family, and also in Slovenia. During our drive, we saw some absolutely breathtaking scenery. The place where I will be, Casa Cares, is amazing. It is such a simple place, yet so nice! No luxuries, but it is perfectly enough.
Day I.
We got a tour of the house. In short: very old, very nice, many doors, many labyrinths, lot of history. After the tour we went to Florence. We saw almost all of the main sights. Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, (fake) David, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, etc. Very nice city, but very tiring, especially in the heat.
After coming back from Firenze, we ate at a little restaurant. Family style and very nice.
Day II
Lucca and Pisa. Lucca is a nice medieval town surrounded by a wall. Many little streets to get lost on. Pisa: we only saw the main point, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Nothing else. Too. Hot. The piazza where it is has no shade what so ever. None! Do not go there on a hot day!!
After Pisa we decided to take a dip in the sea. About a half an hour drive from Pisa is a beach to which we went. It felt so good to cool off in the water! The scenery was so beautiful! If you look back to the land from the water, you saw the beach and huge mountains. I've never been to a beach like that. So amazing.
This was too much to write, so part II will be soon.
Zsofi
July
Graduation
As I was actually at graduation, it didn't feel like I was graduating. I was with the same people for the past four years and it felt like just another day. I sang with the choir, listened to speeches, got my diploma, listened to a long list of names, screamed for my friends, sang again, walked out. When I got out of the stadium, that's when it felt real. I had my diploma (with nothing inside) in my hands, and I was an alumni at PAHS. I searched for my friends to hug and congratulate them. It finally happened!! We graduated! After snapping a few pics with friends and teachers, I found my family. It was so great to have my parents, my godfather and his son, Miklos and Piroska neni there to represent everyone important to me. After we took a million and one pictures, we ran home to have a little feast, to which Hansi bacsi came as well. I got many wonderful presents and after opening them, I ran to change and went back to school for Project Graduation. PG was awesome! I wasn't expecting myself to really stay up all night, but I was so hyped that I did. Ice skating, arcade games, dancing, and all sorts of child games were waiting for us, so of course I took advantage of it! I had many great talks and I will definitely cherish that night. We got home around 6 a.m. and as soon as I got to bed, I fell into deep sleep mode.
Last days in US
I had many interesting days while I was saying good-bye to everyone. I saw Toy Story 3 with Miklos and Borcsa (very good I must say!!), went canoing with the Kertesz csalad, went to the beach, had a total surprise farewell party thanks to Julie with collaboration from Amy and Miklos (Wilson and Diego were also there). The party was very good; we played games, including who knows me best, manhunt, hide and go seek in the dark, went to Shop Rite and Taco Bell. The Taco Bell part is my favorite. Since the dining hall closes at 11 pm and it was past that time, we decided to go to the drive thru. Since we were on foot, no one answered. So we went to Shop Rite. When we came out of Shop Rite, we got the great idea to have me sit in a shopping cart and try the drive thru like that. We weren't expecting much out of it, but when the speaker spoke to us, were in shock.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
"....."
"Hello?"
"Uhh, hi. Can I have a, uhhhh, umm, *the cheapest thing on the menu*."
"And a small Sprite!"
"Ok, is that all?"
"Yes."
"Ok, that will be $2.64."
"Alright, thank you."
We were all in shock and laugying at the same time. When they pushed me up to the window, the guy could not believe us. He laughed and gave us some free food as well. It was quite an experience!
Departure and flight
I was packing all the way up the last minute. Amy came over by surprise and we spent a couple more minutes together. It was not easy leaving my best friend behind, but I know our friendship will not change. Miklos came to the airport to say goodbye and I was with him up to the last second when I had to check in. It wasn't hard saying goodbye, since we knew we would see each other soon.
Flight to Roma was alright. Nothing interesting, except for the fact that a guy went into cardiac arrest half way through the flight. He was under a lot of stress, hasn't been sleeping enough, etc, but he turned out ok. The guy sitting on the other side of my mom is an EMT, or knows CPR (something along the lines of health care) went to the back and helped him. Turns out he is half Puerto Rican, half Italian. He tried to speak Italian to me, but I understood little, but he was very nice. We had to wait a few hours at the airport for our transfer flight. When I was getting our boarding passes, something happened to the system and I had to wait at least 45 minutes to get our passes. I was rather impatient. We finally got our passes and boarded the plane. We were inside the plane already and on the runway. Captain: "We are sorry, but there are planes ahead of us, and we have to wait a while." Well, this "while" took us an hour and a half, the time of the flight. We left when we were supposed to arrive in Budapest. I wasn't feeling well, so I slept for almost all of the three hours until we got there. At the airport we quickly got our luggage and went out. My sister Reka was waiting for us along with my godfather and his son (we traveled the same day, different flights. The planes left about the same times, and were supposed to arrive at nearly the same time) and the guy who drove us. We packed in the car and left to Debrecen. Finally! We stopped for coffee and snacks on the way home to re-energize. When we got off the strada, I was getting anxious. I was so happy to be home again! Anna, Aron, Ancsa, and Imola came downstairs to greet us and help with our luggages. When we settled, we ate delicous csaszar szalonna and fresh bread. Food has never tasted so good.
Fast forward a few days.
The Wedding
My brother Aron got married this summer to Anita. The wedding was in Sarospatak, Anita's hometown. I spent the night at her house, because I helped prepare some things in advance (like the flowers and the deserts). The following morning we woke up happy that it was the day of the wedding! Ate, got ready for the beautifaction process, I went to get a few things, etc. While Ancsa got her hair and makeup done, I was at the hotel with my family to help my brother get dressed, finish decorations and others there for the dinner, etc... The wedding came and it was beautiful. The service was very nice and right after came the state wedding. Now, that was something interesting. The lady said all sorts of things. "I give you the blue of the sky, the green of the grass, etc..." It was quite peculiar. We were laughing so hard in our seats. Oops!
The reception was also nice. The food was good, the wine was good (of course it was, Ancsa's dad has an amazing winery!!), music was not so good, the mood was awesome!, and in general, everything was very good! I danced with my grandfather, my godfather, my uncle, my sister's boyfriend, Ancsa's boyfriend, and a whole lot of other people. Everyone had such a good time!
The next morning we went to church, after which we had lunch with the leftovers (both leftover food and left over people). In the afternoon we went home and attempted to rest.
Grandfather's Birthday
My dad's dad celebrated his 80th birthday this year. We decided to throw him a surprise birthday party, because we knew that he would not allow us to throw him a party that he knew about. The closest family members were there and we all had a good time. It was nice to be with family.
Italy
After Nagypapa's birthday, we went to Italy. It was to both check out where I will be, and to have a family vacation. We stopped in Fonyod to visit family, and also in Slovenia. During our drive, we saw some absolutely breathtaking scenery. The place where I will be, Casa Cares, is amazing. It is such a simple place, yet so nice! No luxuries, but it is perfectly enough.
Day I.
We got a tour of the house. In short: very old, very nice, many doors, many labyrinths, lot of history. After the tour we went to Florence. We saw almost all of the main sights. Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, (fake) David, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, etc. Very nice city, but very tiring, especially in the heat.
After coming back from Firenze, we ate at a little restaurant. Family style and very nice.
Day II
Lucca and Pisa. Lucca is a nice medieval town surrounded by a wall. Many little streets to get lost on. Pisa: we only saw the main point, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Nothing else. Too. Hot. The piazza where it is has no shade what so ever. None! Do not go there on a hot day!!
After Pisa we decided to take a dip in the sea. About a half an hour drive from Pisa is a beach to which we went. It felt so good to cool off in the water! The scenery was so beautiful! If you look back to the land from the water, you saw the beach and huge mountains. I've never been to a beach like that. So amazing.
This was too much to write, so part II will be soon.
Zsofi
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