William Penn Life, 2008 (43. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2008-12-01 / 12. szám

Branching Out

with Endre Csornán

Journey

to the Homeland

A look back at the WPA-sponsored tour to Hungary Part 2: A trip to wine country

On the third day of our stay in Eger, the group was up and awake early. We were about to depart for another excursion, namely to the most famous wine-growing region of Hungary-Tokay.

The comfortable and roomy busz was at its appointed place at 8:30 a.m. Sándor, our busz driver, was busy handling well over 100 pieces of luggage and handbags. The cooperative spirit of the group was manifested by the fact that everyone was ready to leave at the appointed time, despite the fact that the weather was everything but promising. We stopped at Mezőkövesd to get acquainted with the colorful Matyó embroidery at the Matyó Museum.

Here, I was able to meet with a local priest to bring him greetings and "more" from the USA.

Our next stop was at the Hotel Magita in Erdöbénye. After a very short rest, the group headed to Sárospatak, "the Hungarian Cambridge," where many intellects were nurtured. A few of us just sat by the River Bodrog and enjoyed the beauty of the river and countryside. This area was the favorite estate of Prince Ferenc Rákóczi II who took up arms against the Habsburgs for Hungarian independence.

The group enjoyed the short visit at the Rákóczi castle and museum and the castle church where St. Elizabeth was baptized. That evening we had dinner at the Magita Hotel/ Estate hosted by the owner of the local wine

Julian Gardocky and Barbara A. House, vice chairman of the Board of Directors, enjoyed a meal with other tour members at the Magita Hotel/Estate located in Erdöbénye.

cellar. Needless to say, the dinner was delicious and was complemented with five or six brands of local wine. Here I must mention that we were struck by the exceptional beauty of the Magita Estate located on top of the mountain of Erdöbénye, surrounded by lofty branches of

4

William Penn Life, December 2008