Just dance!

It was Wednesday night, around seven-thirty and I was sitting on my computer listening to music, while planning some lessons. I was sure I heard knocking on my door, but then again I could have been hearing things. Nope, it was definitely a knock. I wondered who wanted to see me, but then I opened my door and saw my friend. He asked me if I wanted to come and learn Hungarian folk dance. I then agreed as I realise that when the opportunity arises to try something new, you take it. 

My friend led me to the basement of the Kossuth dormitory, where around twenty students were waiting and the two dance teachers. The dance lesson was all in Hungarian (of course) however my friend was really sweet and translated for me.

The dances were so much fun, when being taught the steps slowly it was easy, however putting it all together it was really, really fast! It was hard trying to concentrate so you didn’t get the steps wrong, but after a while I got used to it. In another dance, we had to change partners then turn round and dance on the opposite side. My friend kept translating for me, shouting out “Go!” or “Change!” or “Turn!” I couldn’t stop laughing, as I got so confused, but after a while got used to it. 

I love the traditional Hungarian outfits, which are prominent in these folk dances. Hopefully I will a skirt and shoes to dance in, as I had a lot of fun and would love to do the dancing again!

N.B. Next time I will bring a towel and a bottle of water, as I was sweating by the end of it!

Party!

Yesterday I was invited to a party with all the other high and primary school teachers. My main translator, Feri picked me up from my flat and we walked together to a house, which was just off the end of my street.

I arrived there and chatted with some of my colleagues, when I was offered pálinka. It is a fruit brandy, which was invented in the Middle Ages and it is only mashed, distilled, matured and bottled in Hungary. It is normally made from any grown fruits, however the most popular ones are plum, apricot, apple, pear and cherry. I was offered some apricot one and then a plum one. However,  I made the mistake for not drinking it in one shot and it spilled down my chin! Pálinka is really strong though, so I wouldn't recommend having more that one!

The dish that was served was goulash, which is a Hungarian specialty. It is a stew, which has beef and all different types of vegetables in it. The headmaster of the school had been cooking it and through my translator Feri I found out the recipe, lots of meat, vegetables including a huge cabbage! It was amusing to see a whole cabbage floating in amongst the stew, it helps to give it it's flavour I think.

The night was absolutely fantastic, I talked with my colleagues about Scotland and they talked to me about Hungary, it was truly an amazing time. The people are incredible and I'm so blessed to be working alongside them. By the end of the night, there were about ten of us talking and singing Hungarian folk songs. They asked me if I could sing them some Scottish songs, so I sang to them 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Loch Lomond'.

I thanked my colleagues for an incredible night and went back home, happy, a little tipsy (probably from the pálinka and the wine) and any worries or fears that I had completely disappeared. It's great to experience another culture and it's one that I will embrace and cherish for many years to come.

The first week is over!

Okay, so I have just finished my first teaching week here in Sárospatak, Hungary. I have to say that it went pretty well, was introducing myself to the classes and getting a grasp on how to structure the lessons. The first day of course I was very nervous, but I tried not to let that show, as if I walked in confident, then the rest would follow. 

I told some funny stories and also came up with some interesting topics which would keep the students engaged and active, hopefully in the weeks and months to come I will encourage them to either learn English whether it is the absolute basics to a more advanced level, which will prepare them for language exams. They happen towards the end of the term.

Last Sunday was the opening ceremony of the school year. I knew it was going to be a formal event, however by the time Sunday afternoon came around I had been canoeing and I was slightly hot and tired. So the last thing I wanted to do was make myself look glamorous. So I threw on a pair of dark jeans and a jewelled top, with a white tank top on underneath. I slipped on a pair of white lace pumps. I left my flat and walked through the park, when I saw students come out of the dormitories wearing academic dress, the boys wearing suits and the girls wearing smart tops and skirts. I then regretted not wearing something smarter, however what I had on was smart enough. 

I met up with my friend and her brother was translating for me throughout the ceremony. His translating skills were excellent. Before the ceremony started, I was asked if I wanted to sing in the choir and I said okay. It was weird being asked to do something last minute, however I was happy to do it. It was great to stand with the choir and sing. During the ceremony, new teachers had to go up and take an oath. I was told to go and stand next to the other teachers, but my translator was not able to come up with me. So for about five minutes I was standing having no clue what was being said or what I had to say! Later I was told what the oath was in English, but I had agreed to it anyway. It was a strange moment, but I laughed a whole lot about it later! 

The ceremony was really lovely and towards the end, the Hungarian national anthem was sung, which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful national anthem I’ve ever heard. I looked at the lyrics and the translation on the Internet and it sums up Hungary’s history, which was one of harsh conflict and strife. It also is a prayer to God, who brought the Hungarians through the toughest of times.

I think I have settled in comfortably now and I have only been here for over two weeks! I look forward to seeing what is in store for the ten months that I’m here.

Until next time,

Rachel xx

‘Himnusz’ the Hungarian national anthem has eight verses, but I will just post the first and last verse (the original language and the English translation):

Isten, áldd meg a magyart Jó kedvvel, bőséggel, Nyújts feléje védő kart, Ha küzd ellenséggel; Bal sors akit régen tép, Hozz rá víg esztendőt, Megbűnhődte már e nép A múltat s jövendőt!

O God, bless the nation of Hungary With your grace and bounty Extend over it your guarding arm During strife with its enemies Long torn by ill fate Bring upon it a time of relief This nation has suffered for all sins Of the past and of the future!

Szánd meg Isten a magyart Kit vészek hányának, Nyújts feléje védő kart Tengerén kínjának. Bal sors akit régen tép, Hozz rá víg esztendőt, Megbűnhődte már e nép A múltat s jövendőt!

Pity, O Lord, the Hungarians Who are tossed by waves of danger Extend over it your guarding arm On the sea of its misery Long torn by ill fate Bring upon it a time of relief They who have suffered for all sins Of the past and of the future!