Kosova

It's crazy, really, that we were just there to witness this part of history. whoaaaa

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/17/world/europe/20090217-kosovo-anniversary/index.html

Prishtina, Kosovo

Prishtina, Kosovo
Budva, Montenegro

Time is dwindling.

I have just had the amazing yet dismal realization that I have been here for almost 6 months. That means, if I do the math correctly since it’s been a while, I only have 3 more months left of my life abroad. This experience goes by so fast, and I am generally slow when it comes to catching on to life lessons (hence why I studied abroad for a year and not 4 months). I need time. haha. My time here is definitely not over, but it is definitely the beginning of the end. I can no longer look at Hungary and feel like I have all the time in world to experience it. 

Hungarians are a special breed. In one of my classes we have talked about stereotypes of Hungarians, and one that always seems to come up is the unhappiness of the Hungarian population. Hungary has some of the highest rates of suicide as well as divorce. (now you are really wondering why I studied abroad here). Hungary has this history about it. You can sense it in the people around you. At first encounter, they are not the nicest and most pleasant people you’ve ever met. This was quite a challenge for me. Smiling is fun, but when people only give confused or mean looks back, you tend to reel it in and relax those facial muscles. 

Our Hungarian teacher tells us that Hungarians look at Americans and see “fake happiness.” We smile with no reason for smiling. While, I rather enjoy smiling for no apparent reason, the fact that Hungarians don’t makes all of the good encounters with them all the more special. I will never fully fit in here, but I will always remember playing cards with my 60 year old neighbor, or sharing a train cabin with a Hungarian woman who caresses my cheek to tell me I’m beautiful. While the concept of customer service or greeting strangers may be lacking, kindness is not. It just took time for me to see that.

The more I learn about Hungary, and the more I am here, the more I see the world from a Hungarian perspective. It’s a complete contrast to the American perspective, which makes studying abroad here a complete learning experience. 

Awkward encounters with Hungarians...

Awkward encounters definitely not lacking...

These all happened in one day:

3:30 pm 

While walking down the street I am stopped by a Hari Krishna asking for donations. I must say, he was very flirtatious. He called me a beautiful California girl, and then asked for my money.

3:35 pm

As i turned away and said “have a nice day” to the Hari Krishna, I run straight into a Hungarian woman. Embarrassing? I think yes. Especially since the Hari Krishna witnessed the entire thing and was probably thinking “karma sucka.”

4:45 pm

As I am walking down the street, I spot a 13 year old boy drawing near. And when I say drawing near, I mean he was going to walk straight into me if I didn’t move. But right before he turns to get out of the way, he gives a few huffs and growls. HE GROWLED! Who does that? Apparently 13 year old Hungarian boys. Creepy. 

5:30 pm

Old Hungarian biker man winks at me. I made the mistake of smiling at him. Never again will I smile. Creepy.

10:00 pm

Riding the tram back to my apartment a drunk man approaches me, speaking in Hungarian of course. I respond “Sorry, I don’t speak Hungarian.” He then gets this quizzical look on his face and continues to speak to me in Hungarian. Still don’t understand, so I respond “eh, er Angolul.” (means English language) He shakes his head and stumbles away. 

Hope you found joy in my embarrassment and confusion.