|
  | |  |
A Gust of Wind
Entry 18 of 80 | show all | print this entry |
|
The days seem to be flying by as if a great wind is carrying them. With this wind spring has now come to Hungary bringing festivals, musical performances, and sunny, warmer weather. The Hungarian national holiday was on the 15th of March, which started off the festivities that have lasted and continue to last even till April. The square in Kecskemet has been buzzing with small white tents for locals to sell their handy-crafts.
The last two weeks there were musical performances every night at all the theaters in town, as well as in Budapest. I went to a Flamenco dancing and Gypsy band collaboration. Must say it was a very interesting and an eclectic mix of culture! Now that the rains have stopped, the sun has come out, and the warmer weather is becoming more consistent the gelato stand is busier than ever!! Hungarians love their sweets and white bread...much to my displeasure.
This past weekend I went up to Budapest with Anders the Brave, a Danish artist who has been here working for a few weeks now and become a very dear friend. We decided to take the warm weather as a sign to explore the city. I ventured to Budapest a few weeks past and had a great time wandering the streets and seeing a few parades for the holiday weekend. Since then I hadn't gone, so we took off together to see what was to be seen. Its hard to see much when you have to catch trains or busses to get back to Kecskemet in the evening, so we decided to stay in a hostel and really get to know Budapest, even the night life. Neither of us had anything specific in mind except to get to know Hungarian culture better. Of course this meant SHOPPING...well, not exactly.
We headed to the Great Market Hall just in front of Elizabeth Bridge and explored the food stalls, the Hungarian fold dancers and singers performing and then went upstairs to the handy-crafts. Now Hungarians are known for woodcarving, embroideries, and paprika...and this is the place to encounter it all. To our pleasure we came upon some interesting hats made out of mushrooms.
Pulled and stretched to make the hat, then cut to make leaves and other add-ons. There were even bags, wall hangings, etc all made of mushrooms (see picture). Couldn't believe it as the man was describing how they were made to us...of course we had to take a picture.
After a cup of coffee and a stop at the WC we headed for the Citadel where the Liberty Statue resides and the Cave Church carved out of the hill below. Hiking through Jubileumi Park up to the Citadel above we took in the fresh air stopping for some fun on the sea-saw in the park.
The view is the best in all of Budapest to see the city and it was! Another stop for coffee (Europeans really like their coffee) and then down to the Cave Church to see the plastic décor inside the hill and what this church was all about. After hours of walking we found our way back toward the hostel to have dinner and change our clothes for the Moulin Rouge show we decided to check out. Anders studied theater in school and his work deals a lot with stage, theatrics, puppetry, etc. I just wanted to dance afterward when the show was over and the club began playing music. It was a long, exhausting day, but well worth all that we did and saw.
Not much sleep was gained that night considering how late we stayed out and also sharing a room with 7 other people. Actually it was 7 Spaniard guys who were going out to the clubs as we were coming in from them. After a mutual exchange at 2am I passed out.
Next day we headed out at 8am to find the famous flea market, Ecseri Piac, on the outskirts of town. Although it has become very touristy and the prices show it, our adventure did not leave us disappointed. I found many wonderful things that, if I had the room in my suitcase, would have bought, but instead left the shopping to Anders who found embroideries to take apart or add on to, another of his art processes is in embroideries. Heading into the afternoon we walked from one end of Budapest to the other growing weary with every step. What to do? How about the zoo!! That's were we ended our day. Not the biggest or most impressive zoo, actually its very sad because it is known for being too cramped for the animals, but they are working on expanding. It was however very enjoyable seeing all the animals. I have not been to a zoo in years and since it was right in City Park it made for a great relaxing afternoon. A couple hours spent with the animals and we hopped the metro to the bus station to take us home. I walked in the studio doors, took a much-needed shower, ate some dinner and slept until Sunday woke me refreshed and ready to get back to the clay.
Now don't think my days have been all fun and games. The past several weeks have been the most productive I have encountered in some time. Two weeks ago I finished my first body of work. Nine pieces in all and like nothing I have created thus far. I have been waiting to glaze them with Anders to save on firing costs. Today we glazed and tomorrow we fire! Till Next...
|
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries from Hungary or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
