First Impressions: Part II

The People
I have really come to love the people of Hungary.  They are an extremely sincere and genuine people. When they say they are going to do something, they actually do it.  If you show interest in their culture, they will do what they can to share it with you.  For example, I was speaking with one of my colleagues at the advising center I work at and she was telling me about Palacsinta (a traditional pancake/crepe), and I mentioned I hadn't tried it yet.  The next day, she brings me a tupperware full of homemade Palacsinta and a jar of homemade jam to fill the pancakes with.  I find that in the United States we do a lot of talking, but there is not always follow up.  Hungarians have inspired me to be better about not just talking about something I would like to do, or making a hollow offer to meet up with someone, but to actually follow through and do it.

Bill with Edit and Robert

I have enjoyed getting to know Hungarians and their culture. They are very open to speaking about their history and traditions, and quite frankly are very knowledgeable about it.  I have come to realize that there are certain topics that you could mention to almost any Hungarian and they could talk for hours about it: the Treaty of Trianon (when Hungary lost more than two-thirds of their land after WWI), and Lake Balaton, the most popular summer vacation spot in Hungary.  I do feel lucky to be living in a place where the people don't just tell you about their history and culture, but give you their own perspectives and experiences related to it as well.