Last week I turned 23. It’s not really very exciting, just another year older. Though I believe I can still say I’m in my early twenties, I know I won’t be able to for long. On my birthday I was really excited to share it with my students, I brought candy and magazines and pictures from home. I ended up only teaching 3 classes that day instead of 6. My first class of 8th graders went to Budapest and no one told me till I went to the class and there was no one there. So, I sat in the staff room for an hour during the first lesson slightly perturbed mostly because I could have slept in for another hour, oh well. Another class I only observed because they got a new (Hungarian) English teacher and during my last class of the day (also 8th graders) I went to the bank with Olgi to get my bank card.
The other classes did their work and then I gave them candy and we looked at the magazines and pictures from home. I found it very interesting how fascinated the students were with my friends of different races. Hungarian is generally a homogenous state as far as race goes, but they have a considerable gypsy population. It was like these students had never seen someone of a different race or maybe they were just really surprised that I would be friends with someone of a different race than myself. The gypsy population is still largely segregated here and it is only recently that they have been integrated into the school system. Many Hungarians have negative feelings about the gypsy population, who rely heavily on government assistance, and they are not afraid to show these feelings.
The day after my birthday I had my 1st and 2nd graders. They sang to me and all made me cards, some even gifts (chocolate!). It was really sweet and made for a great day! That night I had some friends come in to town to have a low key weekend and to be with others who speak English. We walked around the great city of Nyírbátor. Ate at the pizzeria, saw both historically churches (which are covered in scaffolding while being reinvaded), baked a birthday cake, and had Chinese. The cake baking was quite an experience with no measuring cups, trying to figure out what baking powder is in Hungarian, and lighting my gas stove without blowing up my apartment. The cake turned out pretty good, though it tasted more like a sweet pancake, and the icing was delicious. I’ve added pictures. We also discovered a Chinese buffet, which is amazing! I went back again later in the week. No it’s not run by Chinese people and yes they only speak Hungarian, but the food is cheap and really good.
Last week Olgi told me that at a meeting the staff decided that they want me to do a cultural presentation on America. I was really excited to hear about this and started thinking about all the differences between Hungarian and American culture. Olgi then told me I have till January to make said presentation… well ok! I think I’ll probably explain greatly about the racial and cultural differences in America that have formed American culture. Part of this will also explaining what it means to be political correct, PC. Also, I wanted to present on American sports culture since soccer is not as popular as it is here. I’ll spend some time on football and explaining the awesomeness that is college football, which after yesterday I’m slightly jaded!! If anyone has some great suggestions for this presentation please let me know, I mean I have till January!
This weekend I was supposed to go to Budapest. On Friday I woke up with a cold and after 6 hours with 6 and 7 year olds I decided I should probably stay home and rest this weekend. I think it was probably for the best as I woke up on Saturday feeling worse. After some day/night quil therapy and some sleep I feel much better. Drinking this apple cinnamon tea I just bought helps too. Although it makes me miss the apple cider and pumpkin flavored treats that everyone at home gets to enjoy right now!
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