Mon 13aug07-Sat18aug07

Fri-Sat17-18aug07
Arrived home Thursday to “care” packages from family and friends, three boxes in all with half a dozen DVDs, eight novels, pounds of nuts and other “wish list” responses… While I appreciate the exploration and discovery of things new and unique to the locale (and the often creative machinations that accompany them!), these are a welcome treasure trove of items that are scarce and in many cases non-existent here, particularly anything in English. I’ve enough reading material to provide at least a couple of months “entertainment” in quiet moment at home, particularly as we go into fall/winter when construction slows and the fabric of my days changes considerably. Looking forward to the literary indulgence(s)… it has been some time since I’ve truly made time for the pure enjoyment of reading!

That said, nibbling the edibles went on temporary hold, though the movies were a welcome diversion… awoke with some kind of flu/food poisoning from who knows where and spent a very long day/evening in less than desirable condition (to put it delicately!). Considerably improved this morning [whew], and approaching anything beyond water with appropriate caution [laughing] Though not my intended means of passing time (I prefer to enjoy movies under less, er, "unsettling" terms), thankfully “off work” for these two days anyway, with both Gabi and Levi away on short holidays before the next GV team arrives tomorrow (Sunday).

Yet another washing machine story, as in the midst of other “travails” already shared, did a small load only to find that while the washer spun, it did not release the water between cycles. I’ve grown accustomed to the sounds it makes and the traveling it tends to do while running, but was greeted with a vision straight out of an old “I Love Lucy” script when I checked on it to find the entire machine and floor covered in water and suds! Always an adventure, prompted some sleuthing to drain the standing water in the machine and see if I could come up with a fix. Discovered a water release and filter at the base, so cleaned all and experimented with a new load this morning... alas, no success, just more water and suds. The bathroom floor is exceptinally clean, and I'm working on Hungarian sufficient to problem solve the current dilemma with the landady!

Trivia... I’ve run across “BYKI” (Before You Know It), a free download from the internet that uses sound, visuals, typing and sequenced flash cards to introduce you to your chosen “tongue”, similar to more expensive software available for more commonly requested/used languages. Started with it in more upright moments yesterday [laughing] and now know the days of the week in Hungarian; it’s a start. The free download has very basic words and phrases, the deluxe version expands the learning process. Could be the start of at least some basic communications skills in the native language… I’m up for that [smile]

Thu16aug07
Up for a breakfast of biscuits/coffee/tea and conversation before making our way back to Szarvas, with stops in a nearby town known for their spas for Hungarian pastries a wee bit of shopping followed by a second surprise stop in Karcag (care-tsag) to see Hungary’s largest windmill… very cool.

Over 18 meters high, it was built in 1856, in operation for roughly 100 years before the advent of electricity and other power sources replaced it. Three-ton stones ground wheat into flour there, and the process and layout of the structure is a fascinating study in physics and leverage. The upper roof is set on a peripheral gear system that can be turned by one hand to position the panes of the windmill for optimum operation, and the primary gear that turned the grinding stones over one another is 75% of the size of the floor it is contained within, balancing on a single 2” diameter rod at its center… amazing! All of the stones weigh in excess of one ton and were movable by one person using simple lever and weight systems, vital to keep the grooves within each stone in proper alignment and condition for grinding. Each of the five floors contains one operational piece of the whole, and it was a great treat to explore it, a testament to practicality, ingenuity and grace in construction. My first windmill… can you tell?

At one time windmills were common in most Hungarian villages and towns. The last man to operate this one in real time now guides tours of it with his son. I am told that a company recently offered in excess of 40,000,000 Hungarian forint (a sizable sum here) to convert it into a hotel; the offer was thankfully turned down. It would be such a loss… hotels based on its design could easily be built (though admittedly not with the same historical “punch”); this 150 plus year old structure with almost all original wood and trappings would be impossible to replace.

Sidebars:
Storks…
… are a common bird in Hungary (or as Levi refers to them to translate, the birds who bring the babies!), large, ungainly heron like creatures whose “call” is the clapping together of their beaks. Their nests are huge creations of sticks and mud, often built on the top of electric poles and chimneystacks, like a coarse and overgrown version of an old fashioned straw hat or nature’s turn on avant garde headgear (check out coutiure fashion shows… you get the idea!). Sesame Street’s Big Bird could take a note from these guys!

Thatched roofs…
… while not commonly built any longer, still have a presence in various places here and elsewhere in Europe. The grasses used for thatching are cut and dried in tall tepee-style configurations. They are then bundled and “sewn” down in layers to form roofs. Despite the artistic ambience it imparts, I am told it is a challenging and dirty job, done in long sleeves and long pants to protect from the sharp stick like consistency of the grasses once dried, as well as the bugs and dirt contained within them. Admittedly less “romantic” when you learn a bit of the process, they are magnificent to see, and practical in the sense that when well cared for, they last an exceedingly long time. They appear intermittently here on various structures, from the occasional city building or restaurant to homes and even a gazebo!

Wed15aug07
Up and out early to participate in the affiliate dedication ceremony in Hajdu with Levi and Kati/George, family home recipients of one of the Szarvas’ Project 1 homes built and dedicated a year ago. It has been a gift in timing to be here and experience something like this, as well as the dedication ceremony for the Project 2 homes built here in Szarvas just after I first arrived… things that happen once a year at most.

The dedication ceremony began in the field where Hajdu’s first homes will be built, an ambitious eight in all in row home style, 4 units to a “home”, with 7 recipient families already chosen and in attendance at the ceremony as well. This town of 32,000 is struggling with unemployment and other concerns, and the need is clearly there. Habitat is working in concert with the local government re provision of land and staffing for the affiliate to assist Shandor, the affiliate project manager who has been training both with the Csurgo affiliate and us. His is a big job, and an exciting opportunity. Land preparation will begin now, with actual on site construction to commence with the arrival of the first GV team to Hajdu scheduled for February 2008. The team will be led by Kim Penzhorn, who will be returning next year not only to lead teams in all three Hungarian affiliates (she has led at least 8 in the country thus far), but as a HFH International volunteer working between all 3 Hungarian affiliates for 6 months. Hajdu will also have a HFH International volunteer couple there with them next year, so lots of support is planned to ensure a solid start for the program there.

After a blessing of the land and burial of a time capsule on the future build site, dedication continued indoors at Hajdu’s town hall, a beautiful building and elegant location. Several local dignitaries spoke, as well as Gyorgy, executive director from the national office and Lucija, program director for HFH ECA (Europe and Central Asia). Family selection members, the families and many others were recognized, myself included (quite unexpectedly), giving a feel for the depth and scope of the program and more definition of what HFH is about for “newcomers” in the audience… a 4 hour program in all, followed by a champagne toast and buffet lunch in a nearby restaurant. Very special to witness and be a part of, and with only one person presenting in English, Levi very kindly interpreted the proceedings in broad strokes so I had a sense of what was being said [smile]

Hajdu is about 2-1/2 hours from Szarvas by car, and we were invited to stay overnight at the home of Shandor and his family before returning home Thursday morning. Theirs is an “average” Hungarian home in furnishing and surroundings, with a reasonable sized yard, 8’x 8’ kitchen, slightly larger living/dining area, water closet and bath and three modest bedrooms inside, all simply furnished to accompany a seemingly relaxed and quiet life style. The yard holds a fruit tree and small flower garden, a larger vegetable garden, and is home to chickens and a small dog who valiantly petitioned for scraps and attention and stood guard in his domain [laughing]

Dinner was “slombuc” (slam-boots), a one pot meal traditional to the region, made of potatoes, pasta, onion and bacon fat prepared over an open fire and served with bread and beer/polinka (a wickedly strong fruit based liquor served in shots)/water and or juice as beverage choices. Shandor’s mom very kindly made a separate dish called “lecto” (lech-toe) comprised of onion, Hungary’ version of a bell pepper, tomato and rice… for this lone vegan in the group, enough to feed at least four! Dessert was watermelon followed by the traditional espresso-style coffee. Simple fare and a lovely evening shared under the trees in the back yard with Shandor’s parents, grandmother, one brother and one of his aunts. Language differences were amusing rather than challenging, and Shandor’s family went out of their way to make certain we were taken care of. The interlude brought back an abundance of memories re growing years in the farm country of Orchard Lake and Lakeville , MN, a simpler time comprised of biking, swimming, exploring in the woods, chores, crafts and playing with friends sans TV/video games/etc.

After dinner, a leisurely walk to the town center for ice cream and to stretch and explore a bit. Stopped a local pub on our way back, and slept together in Shandor/his brother’s room, with a double bed for Kati/George, a single for myself and Levi on the floor for the night… Shandor and his brother and parents shared another room to accommodate us… very generous.


Tue14aug07
Another day primarily on my own ‘till 1600, when I went to the home of Clara, a regular volunteer and English teacher who often joins the teams to translate and answer questions.

We’ve talked about getting together to get to know one another, and two hours later had barely scratched the surface. She is a lively, lovely, faith filled woman, married with two young children, Peter, age 6 and Annette, age 2-1/2… truly delightful to spend time with… I look forward to more opportunities to get to know she and her family as time goes on.

Mon13aug07
On my own today for the most part, doing a bit of work for the national office, prepping for the next GV team, and enjoying a bit of time off.

A note on construction… as in Ireland, women are virtually non-existent in the trades here, and within them are more likely to be inspectors or serving in support roles rather than in hands-on construction positions. That said, for the most part all those I’ve worked with here (in country and on GV teams) are respectful of my role and current knowledge base/experience, though the local men will immediately gravitate towards the guys with construction skills on visiting teams from the states. Partly a “guy thing”, I’m sure, and an often amusing and occasionally disconcerting dynamic [laughing] That said, my not-so-shy builder self continues to join the fray, give with what I know, and keep on learning/growing [smile]