Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1997-02-01 / 6. szám
tá íl ál Members of the Host Town Committee Visit Budapest and Szentendre by Judit Vasmatics Paolini The Naugatuck visitors at the Parliament r Preparing for the coming sum-y mer this visit by the Committee oj Naugatuck may help you make a decision to see Hungary again. k_______________________Editor j May 24th was an absolutely beautiful, warm and sunny day in Budapest, Hungary. I had arrived six days prior, and I was going to the airport with Sándor Urvari, member of the Hungarian Special Olympics, to join the others arriving from Naugatuck. What will they think of Hungary? Will they find the food agreeable? Will they enjoy themselves? These thoughts raced through my mind during the drive. At the airport we discovered that our group from Naugatuck had arrived safely and was boarding the bus. Janos Wisinger, Lajos Lengyel, and Karoly Molnár from the Hungarian Special Olympics Committee were also present giving us warm greetings, friendly smiles, and helping hands. Karoly Molnár, one of our delightful hosts, would be accompanying us during the entire trip. From the airport we were heading to the Castle District of Budapest which is in the Buda Hills on the west bank of the Danube. Once we reached our destination our first priority was to exchange dollars for forints. This took a while since just about everyone needed to do this, and most in our group did not speak Hungarian; but we managed to meet everyone’s need. And we were ready for what the day had in store for us. During our drive to Castle Hill I wondered if the others would find it absolutely breathtaking as 1 always had. The Castle District is abundant in history, art, and beautiful scenery; its historic buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt time and time again. Once we began our tour cameras were rapidly clicking away which clearly indicated that our group was quite intrigued, and I was delighted. We caught a glimpse of Buda Castle which today houses three museums including the Budapest Museum of History and the National Art Gallery. During our tour of Castle Hill we were pleasantly surprised as we spotted a group of young men and women wearing USA army uniforms. We realized that we had American soldiers stationed in southern Hungary but did not expect to see them in die capital city. It was Children’s Day; the American Army was taking part by exhibiting some of its equipment. Pat Noll, Billie Rachuba, and I ventured a Page 6 closer look and climbed into one of the vehicles on display. Glen Noll was right there ready to take our picture. Though it was nice to see fellow Americans so far away from home we were quite touched to see our young soldiers abroad; they very much enjoyed passing time with a group of friendly Americans from NAUGATUCK. We parted wishing them a safe and speedy return to the US. The walking tour proved to be quite delightful for the hub of children partaking in the festivities of Children’s Day was exciting. Taking pictures was quite a challenge with tourists everywhere (but why must they be in MY picture; can’t they move?). Jack Lewis, quite a photographer, didn’t seem to be having any problems neither did Lynn Kirdzik as she was taking a picture of her daughter Jennifer! The sound of gypsy music added to the already lively mood; and the folklore costume worn by the musician added to the charm of it all. BUDAPEST! We have arrived! Next we visited the Church of Our Lady. It is commonly known as the Matthias Church; the southern tower— Gothic in design—contains the coat of arms of King Matthias Corvinus. The tower is particularly magnificent as it rises 250 feet high. The roof of the church constructed of colorful mosaic tiles can be seen from quite a distance. Since numerous Hungarian kings were crowned here it is also called the Coronation Church. Upon entering the church one can see its neo-Gothic high altar. We realized it was time to reflect and give thanks (to God) Fishermen’s Bastion runs along the western bank of the Danube and sits on a hill in the Castle District. Its design is neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic with numerous towers, arches, and stairways which provide a magnificent view of Pest. Standing on Fishermen’s Bastion looking across the river, we had a splendid view of the Parliament with its neo- Gothic dome. Barbara Lewis immediately recognized it since she had seen pictures of it on the internet. She found it very exciting to be standing there in person beholding such a spectacular sight which she had been reading about on the internet a few months earlier. From Fishermen’s Bastion, Rita Withee and I spotted Margit Island nestled in the middle of the Danube. The island provides tranquillity as people flock there to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers a place to relax; and people go to Margit Island in great numbers especially in the summer to swim in one of its numerous public pools, stroll in the park, or enjoy a performance at its open-air theater. Rita and I only had time to savor its magnificent view. Most tourist are quite intrigued by the Budapest Hilton which is also on Castle Hill. When it was being constructed it raised quite a controversy for the people of Hungary did not wish to have this historic area obstructed in any way. Bela Pinter achieved this task and designed the Budapest Hilton so that it is in harmony with the surrounding historic monuments. The massive glass facade of the Budapest Hilton reflects the fairy tale structure of the Fishermen’s Bastion; it
