Magyar News, 1998. szeptember-1999. augusztus (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1998-12-01 / 4. szám
I tion who are eighteen or older. The prof grams arc designed so tliat they are cduca- I V lionally challenging according to the ability of the individual. In addition, the resi- I I dents are encouraged to work; farming is among the type of jobs offered. Others § include handy crafts such as basket weaving and needlepoint. We were shown some of the work done by the residents; we É agreed tliat the hand crafted items were t lovelyl George inquired if the residents I leave the facility to go to work, we were informed that ail of the work by the residents is done on the premises. As we walked the grounds, I spotted several small tj flower gardens which were really nice. I was surprised to discover tliat the garden\ ing, was also done by the residents! However. 1 was quickly informed that all of tire work performed by the residents is always done under guided supervision. Leisure activities are part of the planned program provided at Edelény. Sports are a vital part of the programs offered; and participating in Special Olympics has played a very positive role here. Later that evening, upon entering the dining room, the food was absolutely inviting. Several tables were pushed together forming one rectangular table set for fourteen. White tablecloths dressed the table, and the dishes were also white; the utensils were stainless steel without any ornamentation. The glassware was simple; yet, the table setting was charming. Furthermore, colorful, freshly cut flowers placed in a clear vase in the center of the table added sparkle and created a festive mood! When I commented how lovely it was Dr. Anna Varga, Ferenc's wife, told us tliat one of the staff members had brought the lovely flowers from her own garden! We appreciated such a thoughtful and generous gesture. Everyone enjoyed dinner which ended with a delicious, colorful strawberry páriáit; good food, pleasant conversation, and laughter provided a lovely evening for all! The next day, Ferenc Varga and members of his administrative staff: Antal Andréné, Károlyi Parkóné, Homonnay Lászlóne were again our delightful hosts as we headed for the Aggtelek National Park. We were going to go on a guided tour of 1Paolini, Jeffiy Vasmatics, Lajos Lengyel, Antal Konrad László in his room with a friend the famous Aggtelek Stalactite Caves. I was elated that Etelka Széni, the Deputy Head of Social and Health Affairs of Miskolc County, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 1995, was joining us for the day. Furthermore, Etelka speaks English; and I looked forward to getting a little reprieve as translator! Northern Hungary is abundant in natural beauty which made the ride to Aggtelek very pleasant. This region is totally different from what one finds in Budapest. The capitol city has intriguing architecture, culture, and fine arts which I find absolutely endearing. In addition the castle district of Budapest is filled with many wonderful historic sites. The view frown Fisherman's Bastion as one looks across the Danube to view Pest is absolutely delightful. However, Northern Hungary has an abundance of esthetic beauty - the kind that one finds only in nature-the kind that brings tears to the eyes of grown men! Upon our arrival to Aggtelek, Ferenc went to get the tickets for a one hour guided tour of the caves conducted in English. When he returned Ferenc told us that we had a half hour before our tour would begia We weren't bored waiting for it was a terrific time to have cappuccino; also. George and Richard - the photographers in our party—had such fun taring pictures. In fact, we all had fun taking and having our pictures taken! At times we are hard pressed to find harmony between man and nature for man has been veiy careless; unfortunately, man at times lias had no regard for nature and other life forms! The effects of man's carelessness has been catastrophic! However, harmony between man and nature clearly exists at the Aggtelek National Park which became quite evident by the end of our tour of the Aggtelek Stalactite Cavesl The caves provide more than just leisure sport for tourism; they are also the focus of many research studies including those performed by cave-biologists who come to study the many life forms which have made the caves their habitat. Entering we quickly discovered that there was quite a contrast in the temperature from the sweltering heat outside to the cool, fresh, invigorating conditions we Laci with his medals found within. As we ventured deeper and deeper into the caves the temperature got cooler and cooler, in fact, we were all glad that we had brought sweaters or jackets to keep warm! The beauty of the caves was absolutely breathtaking; we were so enthralled by the various formations of stalactites and stalagmites. We were informed that some of the larger structures have names; upon our brief study, we agreed that the names were quite suitable! The climax of the tour arrived when we reached a large area called appropiately the Concert Hall for concerts are actually performed here during the summer months! Suddenly, we had the pleasure of viewing a light show as different colored lights flashed on different shapes of stalagmites and stalactites; what made this especially intriguing is that it was synchronized to music! We were captivated by the peacefull tranquillity of the caves; and we were enchanted by the magnificent structures formed over a period of thousands of years! Surely, everything here was created by God-this we completely believed as we were overcome by an exhilarating state of blissful serenity! The rest of the day continued to provide other new adventures and many delightful moments...However, time was passing rapidly; and by late afternoon, it was time to bid farewell to our gracious hosts! Etelka Széni once expressed that common interests — work,many sports, fine arts, etc.- bring different people together. Furthermore, experiences shared through these meetings enable people of different nationalities to develop an understanding for those who are different enabling the doors of friendship and harmony to open. The 1995 Special Olympic World Games has done exactly that for the people of Hungary' and Naugatuck. As we said our good-byes, we were content knowing that our small party of five ordinary people played a modest role in nurturing die bonds of friendship and understanding between the people of Naugatuck and Hungary! Our trip to Edelény was most pleasant leaving us with fond memories to share and cherish. i—i ,t iPit”****' Page5
