Budapest: It's the Final Countdown!

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page

-       St. Augustine

Admittedly, I only recently discovered this quote, but it has quickly become my favorite.  As someone who loves to both read and travel, I feel like this might be my new mantra.  In the spirit of this quote, I try to travel as much as possible, whether in or out of the US.  Next week, I’ll be going to Budapest, Hungary as part of a five-person mission team through the First United Methodist Church of Mattoon.  I’ll be going with the two pastors and their wives.  We’ll be teaching English to incoming freshmen of the Forrai Private School—a school that specializes in the arts.  The interesting thing about this school is that the building was donated to the Hungarian Methodist Church and is therefore run by the church.

I’ve got to say there are several aspects of this upcoming trip that absolutely thrill me.  The first is that this will be my second time going to Central Europe.  So far my travels have been in Western Europe, with most centered in the UK.  My only other foray into CE was Germany to visit my roommate from Dublin.  I really enjoyed the architecture and history, so I’m looking forward to more of that from Hungary.  I plan to get a lot of use out of my camera in the week I’m there!  We already know a few of the activities we’ll be enjoying, which includes watching a Hungarian opera, going the parliament, and enjoying the Szechenyi Baths…to name a few.  I’m definitely ready for the baths, and whatever spa delicacies I can enjoy!!

I’m also looking forward to the teaching part.  For the last year or so, I’ve been toying with the notion of going back to school (this would be the third time for those of you keeping score) and getting my Masters so I can teach college-level English.  While teaching Hungarian teenagers is not quite the same, I think any and all practice I can get with lesson plans and projects will serve me well.  Our group will be at the school for a week, working with the students in both one large group and five small groups.  Our pastors will be leading the group lessons, but I’ll get to teach one of the small groups each day. 

The other activities I’m anticipating aren’t technically for the mission team.  The Forrai students are supposed to have a craft each day that correspond to the elements of earth, air, fire, water and man (one element for each day we're there).  Though I’m sure these incoming freshmen can blow me out of the water when it comes to artwork, I really want to get my hands on some materials and create something beautiful.  Then again, I’m not really sure that we’ll be allowed to do so.  If not, no big deal.  I’ll probably already be pushing the baggage limit when I come back without some pieces of self-made artwork to tote back.  At the very least, I’ll get some enjoyment out of watching the students make stuff that I’m sure will blow my mind.  And, as always with me, pictures will be provided.

And, last but not least, I can’t wait to meet the host family that will be putting me up during my weeklong stay.  They’re a younger couple with two small boys.  I’m not sure how old the boys are—or the parents for that matter—but I’m hoping for a fun experience for all!  I’ve been learning some German, which will hopefully help me to communicate with the family.  German is apparently Hungary’s second language, and it is now (almost) my third!  I got the boys two Hot Wheels cars each—since I didn’t know their ages, I’m hoping these are appropriate for them.  I also got Uno for the family.  I figured the rules for that were simple enough to understand without knowing too much English.  I want to get something for the parents, but so far I’m drawing a blank on what to get them.  There are plenty of kitschy things I could find for them, but I don’t know if I want to go that route.  Going handmade is also a viable choice, but I don’t think they’d necessarily want something made by my hand :P  So, if anyone has any suggestions for uniquely American gifts I could bring my host family, I'm all ears!

What’s funny is that even with all these things I’m looking forward to, it still doesn’t seem like it’s happening.  The whole thing is still a little surreal.  I find that no matter where I go, it doesn’t seem real until I’m packed and headed to the airport.  I plan on doing some of the packing in the next few days (mostly because I have a tendency to forget things if I don’t leave myself enough leeway) along with some hefty apartment cleaning…including laundry for my desired traveling clothes.  I plan to keep everyone updated with regular reports and photos (of Hungary...not my cleaning progress ;P)…though with a procrastinating novelist, one can never be sure what one will get :D

7 DAYS AWAY!!