The Chaos Continues and Esztergom

Budapest has become a hotbed of newsworthy activity ever since I came back. First, we had the tumultuous Szent Istvan Day storm, and now violent political protest over Hungary’s Prime Minister.

I woke up this morning carrying my tray of tea, crackers, and cereal to the couch attempting to shake the sleep weighing down my head. I turned on BBC World and saw Budapest’s yellow trams and other miscellaneous scenery. I thought I was still dreaming…did Budapest actually make International Headlines?? Apparently, the country’s current leader had spread lies about Hungary’s economy in the general April election in order to win. Last night and early this morning, there were protests that led to injured policemen and torched cars particularly near and inside the State TV Building. For more details, check out: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/19/world/main2020804_page2.shtml.

Esztergom

On a somewhat lighter note, I went on my first class trip of the year with 7A on Friday. It was a little strange, because I still don’t know my students that well and there isn’t yet a strong rapport. We voyaged to Hungary’s historical capital, Esztergom. This city lies at the Slovak border with the Danube playing as the border between the two countries.

Bridge from Hungary to Slovakia

My colleague and 7A’s form teacher, Gabi gave me a few pages about Esztergom’s history to read on the modern red train there. Although the train was brand spankin’ new, it stopped at every town and village, so the journey took about one and half hours. Once we arrived, Gabi told me that I could come with the class to the Duna museum to do some science experiments or I could wander around Esztergom by myself. I chose the latter. Gabi encouraged me to explore it because I had never seen it before. The city has so much history that has affected the whole of Hungary that I couldn’t resist poking around to see it for myself.

“The results of the most recent archeological excavations reveal that the Várhegy (Castle Hill) and its vicinity have been inhabited since the end of the Ice Age (20,000 years). The first people known by name were the Celts from Western-Europe, who settled in the region at about 350 B.C.”

I trekked around the remains of the castle and wandered around the gigantic Basilica on the hill to take in the views of Slovakia across the river. Although I was alone, I found it nice to be able to “discover” everything on my own, especially when in the presence of such old and monumental history. How many Turks had trundled through this pathway that I was now on?

Overall, a nice trip to start off the year…