October 23rd is a Hungarian national holiday. It is a day of remembering the 1956 Revolution, the struggle against communist dictatorship, the defiance of courageous citizens against USSR tanks and an empire. I went to the square in front of the country’s parliament where the many of the day’s activities took place. There were stands of food, wine, a radio exhibit with the recordings from the revolution, and Hungarian Olympic athletes. It was as much a day of somber remembrance as of national pride. I stayed in the square to see the prime minister of Hungary speak. I was fascinated to know what he would say considering the sweeping elections in the country allowing his party nearly full control of administration, the current economic crisis of the country, the sludge, and about what Hungarians can expect of the future.

His speech first recounted the events of the Revolution and then began making parallels to the recent the elections. He equated the people’s want for change back then similar to their yearning for change currently (as evidenced through the election results). He then spoke of change that will be fast, but not impetuous, strict, but not strangling. He told the crowd that they have set a goal of one year to turn the country around from its kleptocratic politics, mismanagement, and poor economic demeanor. Hungary will be taking the EU presidency seat starting in January 2011, which is also important for its future. He ended his speech once again paralelling the struggles of then to that of today, and the fortitude and resiliency of the Hungarian people as a historical motif. The national anthem was sung, then the Szekler anthem, and I went home fascinated by the changes to come.

Location: Budapest

There is something captivating about natural openness, where vision is used to its fullest capability. The Transylvanian landscape is stunning from its untouched demeanor and richness. As a Pennsylvanian native I have seen several marvelous views and outlooks on the state’s natural beauty, but it seems to lack that ancient quality rooted in the Transylvanian landscape. For example, our group embarked on an early morning hiking trip and we were led to the view of a 13/14th century castle ruins sitting peacefully on a hilltop with sheep grazing at it’s foundation. Around it were other hills that looked like giant, green pyramids. I went to the castle and climbed it. I can hardly remember a time when I felt so enthralled by the simple genuineness of a landscape. I looked out from atop the ruins and I felt humbled from my tiny presence in this vast community of mountains and hills. And i think the others felt the same. A feeling of tranquility knowing that the world is not fully discovered, that the hubbub of the city is not all encompassing but far from it, that perhaps for a moment one senses the purest form of peace: quiet. Ah, but enough of these romantic reflections for now.

Location: körösfő