Spring came to Hungary while we were away. It is amazing what a difference only one week can make.
As we took the train back to Debrecen, we observed the orchards in full bloom. I could see the new growth on the grape vines and the greening of the fields. Trees that had only begun to bud were now in full leaf.
In Debrecen all of the pansies and tulips are in full bloom and the fountains have been turned on in the plaza by the Great Church. We had no food in the apartment when we arrived; since all the stores were closed for the Easter holidays, we walked down to a local cafe for supper. We sat on the terrace watching the lights around the plaza come on one by one. We could hear the fountain from across the way. It seemed as if all of Debrecen was out walking or biking.
I particularly like to hear the little children talking. I know it sounds crazy, but it is amazing to me that they can speak Hungarian! (Yes, Fred and Les, they do speak better than I do). Bernard and I had to laugh–we were watching some kids out with their parents. They were in line waiting to buy ice cream cones. One little boy had his money clutched tightly in his hands…he was literally jumping with excitement.Hungarians love their ice cream. There are fagyizos all around the city. You can see people of all ages walking around licking their ice cream…it doesn’t matter what time of the day, either.
A new government is about to take over in Hungary. According to Reuters, “Parliament endorsed Gordon Bajnai as prime minister on Tuesday, giving him a mandate for austerity measures aimed at reviving the economy. Mr. Bajnai, an independent former economy minister, replaces Ferenc Gyurcsany, an unpopular Socialist.” According to local news reporting, it will not be easy for Bajnai, despite the majority in Parliament. Many predict that the austerity measures which he must initiate to deal with the financial crisis will cause his public support to melt away quickly. Other commentators have noted that many Hungarians are still dissatisfied since they preferred holding early elections.
Nevertheless, I want to concentrate on the happy faces of those kids, the warmth of the sunshine, and the bulbs blooming in the numerous pots my neighbor has placed on her tiny balcony across from our apartment. There is also this happy headline, “Hungary: Magyars Magical Again?” The article talks about the unexpected success of the Hungarian soccer team and relates it back to the team of 1953, which in the dark days of Stalinism, offered Hungarians an unanticipated glimmer of hope by soundly beating the world dominant English team. If you are interested in the article (it includes a video of the 1954 Hungary vs. England match), click here.
Time enough for gloom and doom later. We need a little Magyar magic.
Thanks for tuning in and best regards,
Marcsi
By the way, the dog is back, or as Benard likes to say, “Cujo lives.”
Leave a Reply