Getting ready for this trip has been a long and hectic experience. All the wondering and anxiety about what we'd need to "survive" four months in Hungary, and how our home would "survive" four months without us, has been put to rest. We (mostly me) did more than adequate preparation and worrying, and, I think, did well. The house will survive, thanks to the care of friends. The office will survive, thanks to my colleagues. Our families will survive, thanks to Skype and the fact that we saw everybody in a whirlwind trip from Georgia to Virginia to Iowa to New Orleans in December--and that they usually don't see us for at least four months at a stretch, anyway. In fact, the grandkids didn't seem particularly impressed yesterday when they could talk to us and see us through Skype--what's the difference, Hungary or Georgia? (and we got them a globe for Christmas!). And my students will survive, since I brought them with me on the other end of Bb WebCT Vista, just six hours offset.
Jack and I will, no doubt, survive and thrive. Yes, it's winter here, and we get to regularly wear long coats and long underwear for the first time since we left in Wisconsin almost 30 years ago. But they say unusually warm winters are happening more and more (global warming), and this is one. Maybe we'll get snow tomorrow, but maybe not. Anyway, what a great excuse for buying beautiful knee high black boots (yes, everyone is wearing them), and silk long underwear (who knows?), and great wool clothing from the consignment shop! By the way, that last sentence was strictly for Jane! Jack gets to sport a leather driving hat and his Uncle Pat's cashmere overcoat--very handsome.
The main reason we will survive and thrive is our hosts. Amazing hospitality and organization. After an easy (and empty) flight from Atlanta to London on British Airways, and transfer to a full Malev (Hungarian Airline) flight, we were met at the Budapest airport by a young woman from the International Programs area, and a driver. Our luggage arrived without incident or loss (whew) and we went to a giant Walmart like place for some shopping. Between disorientation caused by jet lag and more disorientation by finding ourselves in a megamart, we bought a few useful groceries (cabbage, onions, garlic, potatoes, pasta, beans, olive oil, salami, cheese, bread) and proceeded to Eger.
It was kind of a long way around, so it took awhile to get to Eger. We had a great time talking with Anita, who wants to come to our University for further study (we'll be fortunate to have her), and to improve her English (already very good). It was interesting to me how much she knew about the U.S., and especially her interest in the national parks and different regions of the country. As we were coming into the city, we passed through the vineyards near the "Valley of the Beautiful Women", an area famous for the wine cellars embedded in the limestone caves there.
Our home for the next four months is the Napsugar Vendeghaz in Eger, Hungary. Napsugar means "sunshine" and we've seen some here, already, plus a few lazy snowflakes. We're very comfortable with a large sitting room with balcony (for warmer times), a bedroom and bath, full kitchen across the hall, and access to an additional guest room and guest bath. We've even
In any case, I think we prepared the best we could, and it's turned out well. Maybe we brought too much stuff, especially cold weather gear. Maybe we shouldn't have bothered with some of the shampoo, toothpaste, etc., since it's all clearly available here. I know we were right to bring books, both Hungarian language materials, and English reading materials. I know I was right to listen to Hungarian language recordings, because I can say and understand a few useful things already. I'm glad I brought the laptop, now that I know I can "work from home". I know this was the right exchange for us right now, and we're very happy to be here.
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