Hortobagy

The Hortobagy is like North America's great plain region. It is completly flat and bare. Not very pretty but amazing in its own way. Check out the hairy pig.

Slovakia

Here are some great pics of a castle in Slovakia. It looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings. It is believed to be the largest castle in Eastern Europe.

Santa Claus came to Hungary

The craziest thing happened yesterday on December the 3rd. I was sitting in the dorm with Kyle when a Hungarian ran into our room shouting in English that Santa Claus was here! So we ran out and met Santa and his two elves. I don't know if its me or isn't that the scariest Santa you have ever seen? He gave us bags of candy and we sung "Jingle Bells."

Thanksgiving and Friends

Kyle cutting up the Turkey.

A large group of peope celebrating Thanksgiving with us. Can you find me?

Me, Victor, Norbi (Hungarian friends), and Kyle.

Some of my friends.

Salute

I think it's about time for me to leave this former Socialist Country and get back to the USA. I am starting to act more and more like a soilder everyday.

Missing Debrecen

It's hard to believe that soon my time in Debrecen and Hugary will be coming to an end. I have had a great experience learning about the history of Eastern Europe particularly that of Hungary. I have enjoyed learning about the Hungarian heroes who fought against the Ottoman Turks and other invaders. I have learning about the spirit of the Hungarians and their surrival after the German and the Russian occupations. I am very glad that I came to Hungary and this region of the world.

The picture I have posted before but I thought another look at my school would be good. When I walk inside it feels what I imagine Hogwarts in Harry Poter must feel like. It is a grand old building with staircases everywhere.

My Parents

Here is a glimpse of my Parents. They are two of the greatest and kindest people I know. I took this picture after we had climbed to the top of a large mountain in Hawaii this past March. They are my exampe of strength and hard work. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Latest Adventure (Germany)

I got in a car and 12 hours or so later I was in Freiberg Germany looking at the LDS temple. It was a long drive but worth it. I was able to pass through Slovakia and the Czech Republic on my way to Germany. I stayed in a cousy hotel across the street from the Temple and was able to attend multiple sessions during my stay. I loved Germany mainly because of the food. I ate a lot of chocolate and brats! I was able to see one other German city which was Dresden. I really enjoyed this city. It was old and had some beautiful buildings to see. On my travels home I was able to stop in Prague and visit it for the day. I loved how old it felt but was amazed at how many tourists were there even in November. I can't imagine what it is like in the summer. It was shoulder to shoulder trafic as I navigated through the old winding streets. After this trip I needed to get out of the car and take a break from traveling for awhile. Sitting on my bed with a good book sounds more exciting then any city in the world right now.

Latest Adventure (Prague)

This was taken at the main square of the new part of town. Here is where thousands of Czechs protested the Russian Regime. Just behind me there is a memorial honouring two men in 1969 who set themeselves on fire to protest the Russians.

A famous astrological clock in the old town center. Every hour a keleton comes out and rings a bell.

One of the many beautiful churches of Prague. This one reminds me of the castle in Dinsney's Sleeping Beauty.

Here I am.
I would have posted more pictures of Prague but my memory card for some reason was acting funny and deleted my pictures of Charles Bridge (a famous 14th century bridge), the prague castle and hill top views of the city. Oh well.

Trip to Romania

If you ever want to go back and see what life was like 50 or even 100 years ago then Romania is the place for you. It is common to see horse carriages pulling the locals around or to see shepards out attending their heards. Life is much simpler and slower there.
I went there with a group of 13 international students from all over that study with me in Debrecen. We had a great time with each other. We were led around the area by one of the exchange students in Hungary named Alina. Alina conviently is a Romanian and acted as out tour guide. She took us all around, and even had her parents prepare several meals for us. We were well fed! On out third day it snowed heavily but did not stop us from getting to Dracula's castle.
The Romania's claim that this is Dracula's castle but there is no real proof. Most people believe that his real castle was destroyed long ago. Dracula or Vlad Tepes was a real person who ruled the area of Translyvania. He was a horrible person who would impale people on wooden spikes outside his caslte then dine outside with his victums all around. Dracula means Dragon.
After the castle we headed over to the Romanian royal palace.



Top right- A picture of me with the international students at Alina's parents house.
Middle- A great shot of an old traditional Romania taking a nap on a train.
Bottom right- The Romania royal palace.

Dracula's Castle

Oh no Dracula is coming!

On my way up the steps to the castle.

A side shot of the Castle.

Here is a great front shot of the Castle.

Here I am in the little town of shops with the Castle in the background.

Trip to the mountains and the coast

I had a great adventure this past week. I went from being in the Julian Alps of Slovenia to the warm soothing water of the Adriatic Sea. The trip started in Slovenia and ended in the harbor town of Split, Croatia. It was not an easy place to reach but was well worth it. I think I spent a total of 38 hours on train and another 4 hours on busses and ferries. I headed down from Budapest to Zagreb which is the capital of Croatia. From there I headed up the steep mountain slopes to the quiet town of Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana is compared to Prague and Paris. From Ljubljana I headed to Split. Split is the main port for ferries that head to Italy and all parts of Croatia. Croatia is a country of Islands. There are thousands of Islands big and small. Split is home to Diocletians Palace. Diocletian was a great Roman ruler who was famous for executing Christian missionaries. In Split is where he decided to have built his retirement palace. The palace still stands to today. It is a marvel to see how a building so old can still be so strong. Inface the locals other the centuries have moved into the walls of the palace and it continues to be a thriving place. I was able to see the famous beach on the Island of Brac called Zlatni Rat. It is a warm beach that extends out to a point. I also saw some other amazing Roman ruins. This was a great trip!

Croatia day 1

Just as I arrived in Split the sun was rising.

Some of the ferries heading to the Islands

This is in the main square

A local band entertains

Croatia day 1 cont

Me in front of the tower of Diocletians Palace. Inside the palace walls are now homes and even the hostel we stayed in.

Split is a beautiful fishing town turned into a bust seaport. But some of the fishers still fish.

This ship was heading out to Italy. Can you imagine how fun that would be?

Croatia day 2

Here I am setting off on a ferry for the Island of Brach to the famous beach called Zlatni Rat.

Enjoying some sunshine

Enjoying the beautiful coast

Here is one side of the beach

And the other. The beach comes out to a point its quite amazing. Just watch out for nude bathers.

Croatia day 3

There are many Roman ruins in Split. Top left is are the remains of the great Roman Emperor Diocletians Palace where he retired and lived out his days. Top right is a Roman aquaduct. Below left are remanis of a Roman colosseum where gladiators fought and were Christian missionaries were killed by wild animals. Lower right is me resting after a long trip.

Ljubljana

I was glad that I could take train for the day up through the steep mountains to Ljubljana in Slovenia. I only spent a day but it was worth it. They say that Ljubljana is a miny Prague and has the feeling of Paris without the attitude. I feel in love with the rivers, coblestone streets and beautiful trees.

Here is shot of the river that cuts through the town.

Everyone seems to ride a bike or walk for transportation. I almost got run over multiple times.