Tues25sept-Sat29sept07
A weeklong “breather” filled with odds and ends, office projects, and a bit of one-on-one work with Levi finishing rafter cuts and other “small” tasks to prepare for the arrival of our final GV team for 2007 on Sunday. A welcome “slower” pace (all in the perspective, yes?), before engaging in virtually non-stop building from 30sept to 14oct!
With the help of document from my home affiliate in Kitsap County and shifting weather and related build opportunities, I am beginning to address the more “administrative” goals for my time here, among them ways to involve the community in HFH activities. One area still to be tried here are educational opportunities for families, both HFH families and others in the community, in the form of financing, budgeting and home maintenance. They are places to start, and it is an interesting mental exercise to translate the format and structure of what is so familiar in the states to meet the cultural and other expectations of the residences of a small town in Hungary… and I’m lovin’ it [smile]
In working through the Family support module in HFH University as part of this process, I ran across perspective/perceptions phrased in a context that caught my eye: “Often in helping relationships we are drawn to perceive needs and weaknesses. In so doing our focus becomes so oriented on needs that we are unable to see the strengths and capacities that an individual has or could apply to their situation.” Translation? It’s genuinely about perspective and where we place our focus. We can begin from a point of presumptive knowledge, or alternatively, start from the strength of the receiving audience and build from there, working from where they are versus where we either are or think they/we “need” to be. In some circles, more of a revelation than one would like to think, and a portal to learning on all sides.
Other measures of work at present…
Weather has dictated a “between the deluges” posture, picking up wood, helping with other community organizations (our HFH truck is a welcome “tool” for picking up bulk palettes of sugar/flour/pasta and other edibles for the local food bank), and working on site when dry enough that moisture and our 220 volt power tools maintain a healthy “separation” [laughing]
Acknowledging the value of “inside jobs”, they often longer/more tiring than a solid day’s work on site, and it’s become challenging to work indoors (who knew [smile])
Friday, September 28, 2007
Mental machinations and "50's", round 2...
23-24sept07
Two days off after an interesting and fairly intense working week overall… spent reading and relaxing, overwhelmed with abundance both tangible and intangible as time marked the advent of my 53rd year [smile] Thoroughly enjoying “round two” of the “50’s” (first run from 1954 when I first landed on the planet, so to speak [laughing]), my best and certainly most adventuresome decade yet, and I give thanks daily for continued health and “wealth” born of the love and support of family and friends, and the opportunity to grow and explore immersed in something that speaks to the heart of me. Very cool!
Progress/process...
3 months completed, 4 remaining. The pattern of days is shifting as we go into fall and move from work with GV teams to just the hands of the receiving families and an occasional 1 day team/group. I feel the length of time stretching in front of me sometimes, particularly after days where the primary words heard are all in a foreign tongue. I have enormous respect for the millions who have immigrated to the US over the years and made their way in a land that was foreign in every way. The human spirit and drive are amazing when applied with commitment, desire, and a positive frame of mind, yes?
Communication...
I also feel heart and emotion sitting close at times, though not related to anything readily identifiable... I am very at ease on my own (though admit traveling solo where no one speaks English feels a bit daunting at times!), so not lonely... instead, running a continual mental “gratitude journal”, anticipating what's next while at the same time learning to live very present moment and trust/relax in situations where I've no real idea what's being said... and remembering that a mere 7% of communication is actually verbal, proven out regularly in interactions with my landlady [laughing again]
Contribution...
Still driven to contribute now and in the years to come, and at the same time sometimes drawn to the notion of finding a quiet place to simply be and let the world take care of itself sans this one set of heart and hands. Then the question of what one person can do rolls up, and I'm back on track again. In the end, a healthy balance seems the obvious "answer"... quietude, art/creative endeavors, exploring/giving back, living and loving... musings from a curious mind [smile]
Challenge...
A friend recently shared: “I have faith in your faith. Recently letters Mother Teresa had written to the Pope/Vatican revealed that she had great moments of despair and doubts even to the existence of God. Imagine the despair she witnessed, and how it must have affected her. So many times when she must have asked, "God where are you"? He answered that I am within all of you"!”
Celebration....
While on a level seemingly far different the Mother Teresa, I/we are all humans finding our way to our dreams, the divine within us, yes? If I were about safe and familiar, I would be at home, working a conventional job, debt free, hanging with those I know, still dreaming versus living full out. The alternative? I am living my dream life in this moment, certain I am where I am supposed to be, all senses at the ready for opportunities to both give and receive in whatever form.
Community...
Re perspective… we can easily miss the depth of those we chance to meet in life. I have been honored to meet many "unsung heroes" on Habitat sites, and appreciate that those who live with quiet grace are often the movers and shakers that keep our world going. I pray that in some small way I am/will be one of them, fighting not for country but for the community we call humanity, one home, one touch, one gesture, one human at a time...
Two days off after an interesting and fairly intense working week overall… spent reading and relaxing, overwhelmed with abundance both tangible and intangible as time marked the advent of my 53rd year [smile] Thoroughly enjoying “round two” of the “50’s” (first run from 1954 when I first landed on the planet, so to speak [laughing]), my best and certainly most adventuresome decade yet, and I give thanks daily for continued health and “wealth” born of the love and support of family and friends, and the opportunity to grow and explore immersed in something that speaks to the heart of me. Very cool!
Progress/process...
3 months completed, 4 remaining. The pattern of days is shifting as we go into fall and move from work with GV teams to just the hands of the receiving families and an occasional 1 day team/group. I feel the length of time stretching in front of me sometimes, particularly after days where the primary words heard are all in a foreign tongue. I have enormous respect for the millions who have immigrated to the US over the years and made their way in a land that was foreign in every way. The human spirit and drive are amazing when applied with commitment, desire, and a positive frame of mind, yes?
Communication...
I also feel heart and emotion sitting close at times, though not related to anything readily identifiable... I am very at ease on my own (though admit traveling solo where no one speaks English feels a bit daunting at times!), so not lonely... instead, running a continual mental “gratitude journal”, anticipating what's next while at the same time learning to live very present moment and trust/relax in situations where I've no real idea what's being said... and remembering that a mere 7% of communication is actually verbal, proven out regularly in interactions with my landlady [laughing again]
Contribution...
Still driven to contribute now and in the years to come, and at the same time sometimes drawn to the notion of finding a quiet place to simply be and let the world take care of itself sans this one set of heart and hands. Then the question of what one person can do rolls up, and I'm back on track again. In the end, a healthy balance seems the obvious "answer"... quietude, art/creative endeavors, exploring/giving back, living and loving... musings from a curious mind [smile]
Challenge...
A friend recently shared: “I have faith in your faith. Recently letters Mother Teresa had written to the Pope/Vatican revealed that she had great moments of despair and doubts even to the existence of God. Imagine the despair she witnessed, and how it must have affected her. So many times when she must have asked, "God where are you"? He answered that I am within all of you"!”
Celebration....
While on a level seemingly far different the Mother Teresa, I/we are all humans finding our way to our dreams, the divine within us, yes? If I were about safe and familiar, I would be at home, working a conventional job, debt free, hanging with those I know, still dreaming versus living full out. The alternative? I am living my dream life in this moment, certain I am where I am supposed to be, all senses at the ready for opportunities to both give and receive in whatever form.
Community...
Re perspective… we can easily miss the depth of those we chance to meet in life. I have been honored to meet many "unsung heroes" on Habitat sites, and appreciate that those who live with quiet grace are often the movers and shakers that keep our world going. I pray that in some small way I am/will be one of them, fighting not for country but for the community we call humanity, one home, one touch, one gesture, one human at a time...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A new week... "training" and acronyms (ISP and AISB!) Tue-Fri 18-22sept07
22sept07
Solo today (as site supervisor) with a group of 13 from AISB (American International School of Budapest) while family members build out rafter pairs above us with the help of a “strong like bull” crew of friends (all truck drivers) of one of the receiving families moved things along solidly. The intrepid student group mounted about 80% of the exterior insulation, and rafters were halfway to completion at day’s end. Niiiiiice!
Tue-Fri 18-21sept07
The International School of Prague high school students arrived Tuesday afternoon just as the HFH training finished and the national office folks headed back to Budapest.
The ISP group numbered 19 in all, our largest group on site at one time yet this year. Weather started out cool and raining lightly, moving to sun and breezy as their stay progressed. Much accomplished, completing the “OSB wrap” of the exterior walls and getting a start on exterior insulation and even a demo on the “glue and tape” that goes over that as a foundation for plastering in the spring.
The cool and windy conditions (and lower than advisable bike tire pressures, as it turns out) had me feeling a bit like the witch ahead of the wind in the Wizard of Oz… riding to the site was, at times, a workout in staying upright
As I understand it, they and other “student” groups often do service projects as part of their school curriculum; HFH builds are one of several options available to them. Several in this group have volunteered with Habitat before were a pleasure to work with on every level, and several had questions/expressed strong interest in HFH opportunities literally around the world. The expanding seeds/growth of sustainable community…
As with every team, each person's contributions propel the project forward, even if only an afternoon is available (as happened with the AISB team earlier in the month). And to expand on a friend's thought, if/as participants get excited about volunteer service to others, THAT’s a great return on their (and our) time investment both now and in the future… creating a “wave of giving”, yes?
Solo today (as site supervisor) with a group of 13 from AISB (American International School of Budapest) while family members build out rafter pairs above us with the help of a “strong like bull” crew of friends (all truck drivers) of one of the receiving families moved things along solidly. The intrepid student group mounted about 80% of the exterior insulation, and rafters were halfway to completion at day’s end. Niiiiiice!
Tue-Fri 18-21sept07
The International School of Prague high school students arrived Tuesday afternoon just as the HFH training finished and the national office folks headed back to Budapest.
The ISP group numbered 19 in all, our largest group on site at one time yet this year. Weather started out cool and raining lightly, moving to sun and breezy as their stay progressed. Much accomplished, completing the “OSB wrap” of the exterior walls and getting a start on exterior insulation and even a demo on the “glue and tape” that goes over that as a foundation for plastering in the spring.
The cool and windy conditions (and lower than advisable bike tire pressures, as it turns out) had me feeling a bit like the witch ahead of the wind in the Wizard of Oz… riding to the site was, at times, a workout in staying upright
As I understand it, they and other “student” groups often do service projects as part of their school curriculum; HFH builds are one of several options available to them. Several in this group have volunteered with Habitat before were a pleasure to work with on every level, and several had questions/expressed strong interest in HFH opportunities literally around the world. The expanding seeds/growth of sustainable community…
As with every team, each person's contributions propel the project forward, even if only an afternoon is available (as happened with the AISB team earlier in the month). And to expand on a friend's thought, if/as participants get excited about volunteer service to others, THAT’s a great return on their (and our) time investment both now and in the future… creating a “wave of giving”, yes?
Hajdu and home Fri14sept07-Mon17sept07
Sun-Mon16-17sept07
Sunday and Monday for me were a welcome days off to catch up with laundry, e-mail and the rhythm of Szarvas life after a week away.
An annual HFH Hungary training here Monday-Tuesday will occupy Levi/Gabi/HFH staff countrywide and is primarily in Hungarian, leaving me to my own devices aside from shared time with the staff at lunch/dinner. Time to catch up with work, too!
Family time on Sat15sept07
Back on the home front and back to cutting rafter pairs/completing ceiling blocking with our families here Saturday, followed by a visit to Plum Days with Gabi and her family at day’s end. It is a local festival much like Whaling Days in Silverdale, with booths framing a playground and park near the town center and a tent and bandstand as the focal point. As one might imagine, plums played an integral part, from palinka (PAH-link-ah), a plum based liquor that will cure (or perhaps sear???) whatever ails you, to jams and traditional dessert-type dumplings called “szilvas gomboc” (seal-vash gear-mm-bot-tse).
Fri14sept07
Our day with Shandor was a successful “first” for that affiliate, and an enjoyable day simply as a volunteer for me, since my “expertise” wasn’t needed beyond a simple sharing of thoughts relative to the layout of the day. Shandor has a group of local tradesman that know the ropes for the stages of the project we encountered, placing forms for a concrete floor pour, and laying out the “iron” or rebar for the same. The four men who are assisting/coaching on this were all Hungarian, and open to teaching this wee American their trade while waiting for the Citibank team to arrive. Fun!
My fellow HFH staffer “escorts” from Budapest dropped me off in Szarvas on their way back to the city (3 hours to Szarvas, 3 more to Budapest!), and we encountered an idyllic 6 car ferry crossing on the way just as the sun was setting. Beautiful!
Sunday and Monday for me were a welcome days off to catch up with laundry, e-mail and the rhythm of Szarvas life after a week away.
An annual HFH Hungary training here Monday-Tuesday will occupy Levi/Gabi/HFH staff countrywide and is primarily in Hungarian, leaving me to my own devices aside from shared time with the staff at lunch/dinner. Time to catch up with work, too!
Family time on Sat15sept07
Back on the home front and back to cutting rafter pairs/completing ceiling blocking with our families here Saturday, followed by a visit to Plum Days with Gabi and her family at day’s end. It is a local festival much like Whaling Days in Silverdale, with booths framing a playground and park near the town center and a tent and bandstand as the focal point. As one might imagine, plums played an integral part, from palinka (PAH-link-ah), a plum based liquor that will cure (or perhaps sear???) whatever ails you, to jams and traditional dessert-type dumplings called “szilvas gomboc” (seal-vash gear-mm-bot-tse).
Fri14sept07
Our day with Shandor was a successful “first” for that affiliate, and an enjoyable day simply as a volunteer for me, since my “expertise” wasn’t needed beyond a simple sharing of thoughts relative to the layout of the day. Shandor has a group of local tradesman that know the ropes for the stages of the project we encountered, placing forms for a concrete floor pour, and laying out the “iron” or rebar for the same. The four men who are assisting/coaching on this were all Hungarian, and open to teaching this wee American their trade while waiting for the Citibank team to arrive. Fun!
My fellow HFH staffer “escorts” from Budapest dropped me off in Szarvas on their way back to the city (3 hours to Szarvas, 3 more to Budapest!), and we encountered an idyllic 6 car ferry crossing on the way just as the sun was setting. Beautiful!
24 hours in Budapest Wed12sept07-Thu13sept07
Thur13sept07
I strolled back to the Castle District on the “Buda” side this morning, taking in its majesty on the hillside and wandering the local neighborhoods en route. Confession: While both Vienna and Budapest have substantial, economical and efficient transit systems, this adventurer is decidedly mass transit “challenged” (the timetables, layouts, etc. take on a seemingly indecipherable quality for me, especially in a foreign language!). That said, I enjoy walking, and saw more on foot than in transit modalities, so put several happy miles on my shoes this week [smile].
The Castle Cave/Labyrinth was intriguing but a bit cheesy, with an odd intermingling of real and “tongue in cheek” type “exhibits”. Still a fascinating stroll in and of itself, holding its mystery in that the “tour” is self-guided, leaving guests to “guess” at some of the story and lore within.
Above ground, enjoyed the sunshine and magic inherent in stepping into history once again in the surroundings there.
With the arrival of late afternoon, another departure, riding from Budapest to the new Habitat project in Hajdu to lend a hand to Shandor, the new project manager who’s trained a bit with us in Szarvas. The Hajdu project is an ambitious one for its first year, 4 duplexes with 7 families already chosen, and work well under way with the assistance/affiliation HFH Hajdu has with the local government there.
A meeting of minds on site to review the “game plan” for tomorrow, a late dinner, and last minute purchases of libations/other supplies to stock the site and we were ready for bed and the coming day.
Citibank, a major donor of funds to HFH Hungary plans to send 4 corporate teams to Hajdu on four consecutive Fridays beginning with the 14th, and Shandor welcomes the support and assistance. It will be his first “command performance” as project/construction manager, and much rides on this from the perspective of the national HFH office. So off I go hi-ho for “round 1”; I will be tied up with teams in Szarvas for the remaining Fridays scheduled in Hajdu, so will be there to do what I can to help Shandor establish a pattern/routine/style for himself. He’s young, a good man, quick to learn, though a bit quiet… a trait sure to shift as he steps fully into his role there.
Wed 12sept07
The return bus trip to Budapest was a reverse of our route to Vienna two days prior, uneventful, accompanied by cool temps and intermittent clouds (and an obligatory passport re-entry stamp to complete my reason for this excursion!). Back by 1300, I walked along the Danube to Hotel Csaszar (CHAH-sar) to offload my bag, and set out to Andrassy ut.3 for a two-hour city bus tour of Budapest, my first real look at this center and jewel of the country. While the tour was somewhat underwhelming (the narrative was intermittent and far less informative than Dublin or Vienna), it still offered a valuable flavor of the city, Hero’s park, Citadel, Parliament and the Castle District.
Interesting facts…
… Budapest is the combination of the cities Buda and Pest. Buda comprises the hilly and more aristocratic/well-to-do side of the city overall, the hills of green referred to as the “lungs” of Buda.
… Parliament and the Castle District are most visually striking, “accessible” in part due to their proximity to the Danube, though in truth, parliament requires advance reservations to view. Next time!
… Comprised of columns and statues fronted by a vast open square, Hero’s Park has a decidedly Romanesque feel. It is embraced by museums on either side and a park to the rear, and “caps” a boulevard of historical houses/architecture.
I strolled back to the Castle District on the “Buda” side this morning, taking in its majesty on the hillside and wandering the local neighborhoods en route. Confession: While both Vienna and Budapest have substantial, economical and efficient transit systems, this adventurer is decidedly mass transit “challenged” (the timetables, layouts, etc. take on a seemingly indecipherable quality for me, especially in a foreign language!). That said, I enjoy walking, and saw more on foot than in transit modalities, so put several happy miles on my shoes this week [smile].
The Castle Cave/Labyrinth was intriguing but a bit cheesy, with an odd intermingling of real and “tongue in cheek” type “exhibits”. Still a fascinating stroll in and of itself, holding its mystery in that the “tour” is self-guided, leaving guests to “guess” at some of the story and lore within.
Above ground, enjoyed the sunshine and magic inherent in stepping into history once again in the surroundings there.
With the arrival of late afternoon, another departure, riding from Budapest to the new Habitat project in Hajdu to lend a hand to Shandor, the new project manager who’s trained a bit with us in Szarvas. The Hajdu project is an ambitious one for its first year, 4 duplexes with 7 families already chosen, and work well under way with the assistance/affiliation HFH Hajdu has with the local government there.
A meeting of minds on site to review the “game plan” for tomorrow, a late dinner, and last minute purchases of libations/other supplies to stock the site and we were ready for bed and the coming day.
Citibank, a major donor of funds to HFH Hungary plans to send 4 corporate teams to Hajdu on four consecutive Fridays beginning with the 14th, and Shandor welcomes the support and assistance. It will be his first “command performance” as project/construction manager, and much rides on this from the perspective of the national HFH office. So off I go hi-ho for “round 1”; I will be tied up with teams in Szarvas for the remaining Fridays scheduled in Hajdu, so will be there to do what I can to help Shandor establish a pattern/routine/style for himself. He’s young, a good man, quick to learn, though a bit quiet… a trait sure to shift as he steps fully into his role there.
Wed 12sept07
The return bus trip to Budapest was a reverse of our route to Vienna two days prior, uneventful, accompanied by cool temps and intermittent clouds (and an obligatory passport re-entry stamp to complete my reason for this excursion!). Back by 1300, I walked along the Danube to Hotel Csaszar (CHAH-sar) to offload my bag, and set out to Andrassy ut.3 for a two-hour city bus tour of Budapest, my first real look at this center and jewel of the country. While the tour was somewhat underwhelming (the narrative was intermittent and far less informative than Dublin or Vienna), it still offered a valuable flavor of the city, Hero’s park, Citadel, Parliament and the Castle District.
Interesting facts…
… Budapest is the combination of the cities Buda and Pest. Buda comprises the hilly and more aristocratic/well-to-do side of the city overall, the hills of green referred to as the “lungs” of Buda.
… Parliament and the Castle District are most visually striking, “accessible” in part due to their proximity to the Danube, though in truth, parliament requires advance reservations to view. Next time!
… Comprised of columns and statues fronted by a vast open square, Hero’s Park has a decidedly Romanesque feel. It is embraced by museums on either side and a park to the rear, and “caps” a boulevard of historical houses/architecture.
Vienna Sun9sept07-Tues11sept07
Tues11sept07
My one and only full day in Vienna dawned rainy and cool. Off I went, waterproofed and ready for three back to back tours to fill the day and see as much as possible. In retrospect I’d likely have spent the day on foot exploring the Ringstrasse, perhaps with a ride on the Prater train and Ferris wheel to see the city from the air… next time.
That said, took in a lot despite a fair share of waiting and bus time. I have found that a good tour guide reveals the secrets of the city you might be hard pressed to discover wandering solo… on future excursions to other cities while here, will likely follow a similar path…a day of touring to capture the rhythm of the city and surroundings and get a sense of where to spend more in depth time on a second and/or more days.
Vienna Woods-Mayerling-Abbey of Heiligenkreuz-Subterranean Lake:
The south Vienna Woods were my start point, a small sampling of the 1200 square kilometers of “muse” or inspiration for musicians/composers/artists/aristocracy and the populace as a whole for centuries. This region of the “woods” is dotted with small villages, summer residences for the former monarchy, green space and rolling hills. We passed through the Roman city of Baden, home to thermal springs and castle-like ramparts marking the entrance to the region (?).
On from there through the Helenental valley to the former Mayerling hunting lodge, where the purportedly depressed and misguided 31-year-old Crown Prince Rudolph and his mistress baroness Vetsera died under tragic circumstances in 1889. Officially ruled as a murder/suicide (the prince ostensibly shot the baroness and then himself), all evidence was destroyed, the bedroom where the deaths occurred rebuilt into a memorial chapel, which is what can be seen there today. It is a place at once sobering and fascinating, standing in the midst of history, as it were.
The path through history wound its way to a stop at the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkruz, circa 1133. Though newer sections are more elaborate and colorful, much of the original abbey remains standing and in use today, simple and elegant in design with graceful curving archways, stone floors, and stained glass windows all in muted grays and subdued hues (later additions are in brighter, more modern or “conventional” hues we have come to “expect”) so as not to distract the monks from prayer through the centuries. Beautiful wooden carvings and open fountains grace alcoves within the walkways of the abbey, as well as a hall lined with simple upright tombstones for the personages buried there (the fountains in early years would’ve been the source of drinking and washing, both practical and visually lovely). Peaceful, quiet, serene, and well worth the visit. As an interesting side note, the number of novices in this actively functioning abbey in the region is on the rise.
The final official stop for this tour was the Seegrotte, the largest subterranean lake in Europe, albeit manmade. Originally a gypsum mine (used for fertilizer), the mine tunnels flooded 60 meters below the surface in 1912. Pumped regularly today to preserve opportunities to “go below” (think tourist here [smile]), if left to its own devices the lake would rise to a level of equilibrium well above the current 1-1.2 meters deep. The water is still and stunningly clear, free of critters and the like and totally drinkable. The tunnels it fills form a seemingly endless maze… tourist “trap” or no, it was fascinating to see and take a wee boat trip on.
Next up, a historical city tour and stop at the Schonbrunn Palace:
Though too fast to capture much in pictures, the city tour was a pleasant review of historical buildings in the city center… the State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History Museum and museum quarter, the Hofburg (former Hapsburg winter palace/residence), Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater. The tour was capped by a stop and tour of a portion of the inner rooms of the former summer residence of the Hapsburg family and home of Maria Theresia. Rumored to be her “favorite palace” (contemplate that notion a while [smile]), the residence was a wedding gift from her father. Among the showrooms available for public review is a room with so much gold leaf and decoration that its individual value today is estimated at $20,000,000 euro… amazing! Many of the rooms are both opulent and elegant. The residence is substantial both in and of itself, and in the grounds surrounding it. The 1000s of visitors to the palace allow it to be completely self supporting today.
After a between tour respite walking the city center’s pedestrian area between the opera house and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a final tour of Vienna by night. The landscape and beauty shifted with the transition of day into night, as the now semi-familiar surroundings adopted the mystery construed of manmade light and shadow interplay heightened by the rain still falling lightly into evening. The city lights danced and beckoned from the vantage point high atop the Danube Tower on the opposite side of the river from the city center and surrounding area. The tour ended with wine, laughter and conversation in a wine tavern in Grinzing, accompanied by the energetic machinations of a violinist and his accordion accompanist. They played everything from local tunes to Strauss waltzes, up close and personal. Imagine my delight myself conversing with a delightful couple from Dublin while there. Nice grace note to the evening [smile]
Mon10sept07
An inauspicious start… As trips go, the hydrofoil portion of my excursion to Vienna was, ahem, “foiled” [laughing], cancelled due to high water ”flooding” on the River Danube [sigh… this mode of transportation was my primary reason for choosing Vienna as an “end” destination]. If the schedule were more flexible, would’ve revamped; as it is, dates are too close to cancel reservations in Budapest and Vienna without forfeiting $$$, so took the bus offered and enjoyed the countryside from land versus the water this trip. Note: I found out later that the Danube has flooded regularly in the past, and at one time locks and other regulatory measures were contemplated and employed to reduce flooding of the attendant cities embracing its banks (from as far back as the 1800’s!).
Just prior to and for miles after crossing the border there are dozens of wind generators, powerful and relatively quiet sentinels and a fascinating visual transition between Hungary and Austria beyond the rolling hills they populate. I remember a fair amount of conflict re their presence on and off the coast(s) of Ireland as interruptions to the landscape, etc., but confess I find them graceful and appealing to the senses, and surely more so than oil rigs and the like seen in other areas of the world… especially given their purpose.
Off in the distance, the southern mountains of Austria, silhouettes merely hinting at the height and majesty waiting for those off to explore that region of the country. Next time [smile]
Arriving in early afternoon, I found myself operating from a less than accurate Mapquest-Europe rendition of the path from bus to hotel… and in my not so infinite wisdom, neglected to secure euros before crossing the border, so spent a much longer than intended time walking through parts of Vienna that are decidedly non-tourist oriented [laughing]. Once I found my way to the Prater, a huge park between the Danube and the Ringstrasse or city center, navigating became both simple and pleasurable, and there was enough time to catch a “ hop on-hop off” tour of the city. Those bus tours are relatively inexpensive, and in this case narrated via earphones with 8 language translations to choose from. After “hoofing” it for a fair share of the day, it was relaxing to sit/see/hear!
About Vienna…
… 40-50% of the city is green space (depending on the guide) in the form of parks and boulevards, offering an enticing mix of old and new architecturally as a counterpoint.
… Culturally, certainly a city of music, with concerts offered almost every night, from Beethoven to Strauss to Mozart and more. Strauss waltzes are often the bus tour backdrop when tour guides are not actively engaged in speaking. They, in turn are amazing individuals, seamlessly guiding tours in as many as four languages. Wow!
… It is also a city of art, modern and otherwise, with sculptures and fountains scattered throughout the city.
… The Ringstrasse or center circle of streets is the former outer wall of the city, the demarcation line between things centuries old and the “outer” city where nothing is more than 150 years old. The infamous St. Stephen’s Cathedral marks the geometric center of the city, and houses a bell weighing an incredible 21.5 TONS, the largest in Austria and the second largest swinging bell in Europe and still rung on special occasions during the year.
… 80% of the city was damaged in WWII and 20% totally destroyed; remarkably, restoration of most took a mere 10 years!
… Once a palace, The Hotel Imperial is rated the highest in all of Europe; heads of state and other VIPs stay there, and perhaps you as well, for a mere $4500 euro and higher per night!).
…The Heroes Palace, part of the Hapsburg complex within the boundaries of the Ringstrasse has in excess of 2000 rooms.
… Vienna is comprised of 23 districts beginning with the Ringstrasse as District 1 and increasing in “rank” or number as you move out co-centrically from the city center.
Accommodation trivia… simple, clean and functional dormer type room with a very practical shower enclosure… glass doors with acrylic water droplets integrated in their structure… no Tilex required!
Other “first day” notes:
…Found myself thoroughly amused by my unexpected language amalgam. Despite knowing only a few dozen words in Hungarian (as compared to considerably more English and even Spanish, and a smattering of travel German), three months in country had me responding as much in Hungarian as in English. All the more entertaining given the plethora of folks in Vienna who speak English… I’ve grown accustomed to using gestures, drawings and simply phrases in Szarvas where very little English is spoken regularly, and brought the habit with me, much to the amusement of vendors and others in Vienna, I’m sure!
Sun9sept07
Off to Vienna, my first foray out of the country since arriving and necessary at this point to reset my “tourist visa” status for another 90-day block as I have been here that long already… amazing! (Note: Lengthier sojourns to other locales (including exploring Budapest) are in the “cerebral file” for exploration as schedules permit.
I have been looking forward to the break, though most of the time is traveling... 3-1/2 hours by bus to Budapest, 5+ hours each way by hydrofoil Budapest to Vienna and back, 1-1/2 days actually in Vienna! More on the trip on the flip side [smile]
My one and only full day in Vienna dawned rainy and cool. Off I went, waterproofed and ready for three back to back tours to fill the day and see as much as possible. In retrospect I’d likely have spent the day on foot exploring the Ringstrasse, perhaps with a ride on the Prater train and Ferris wheel to see the city from the air… next time.
That said, took in a lot despite a fair share of waiting and bus time. I have found that a good tour guide reveals the secrets of the city you might be hard pressed to discover wandering solo… on future excursions to other cities while here, will likely follow a similar path…a day of touring to capture the rhythm of the city and surroundings and get a sense of where to spend more in depth time on a second and/or more days.
Vienna Woods-Mayerling-Abbey of Heiligenkreuz-Subterranean Lake:
The south Vienna Woods were my start point, a small sampling of the 1200 square kilometers of “muse” or inspiration for musicians/composers/artists/aristocracy and the populace as a whole for centuries. This region of the “woods” is dotted with small villages, summer residences for the former monarchy, green space and rolling hills. We passed through the Roman city of Baden, home to thermal springs and castle-like ramparts marking the entrance to the region (?).
On from there through the Helenental valley to the former Mayerling hunting lodge, where the purportedly depressed and misguided 31-year-old Crown Prince Rudolph and his mistress baroness Vetsera died under tragic circumstances in 1889. Officially ruled as a murder/suicide (the prince ostensibly shot the baroness and then himself), all evidence was destroyed, the bedroom where the deaths occurred rebuilt into a memorial chapel, which is what can be seen there today. It is a place at once sobering and fascinating, standing in the midst of history, as it were.
The path through history wound its way to a stop at the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkruz, circa 1133. Though newer sections are more elaborate and colorful, much of the original abbey remains standing and in use today, simple and elegant in design with graceful curving archways, stone floors, and stained glass windows all in muted grays and subdued hues (later additions are in brighter, more modern or “conventional” hues we have come to “expect”) so as not to distract the monks from prayer through the centuries. Beautiful wooden carvings and open fountains grace alcoves within the walkways of the abbey, as well as a hall lined with simple upright tombstones for the personages buried there (the fountains in early years would’ve been the source of drinking and washing, both practical and visually lovely). Peaceful, quiet, serene, and well worth the visit. As an interesting side note, the number of novices in this actively functioning abbey in the region is on the rise.
The final official stop for this tour was the Seegrotte, the largest subterranean lake in Europe, albeit manmade. Originally a gypsum mine (used for fertilizer), the mine tunnels flooded 60 meters below the surface in 1912. Pumped regularly today to preserve opportunities to “go below” (think tourist here [smile]), if left to its own devices the lake would rise to a level of equilibrium well above the current 1-1.2 meters deep. The water is still and stunningly clear, free of critters and the like and totally drinkable. The tunnels it fills form a seemingly endless maze… tourist “trap” or no, it was fascinating to see and take a wee boat trip on.
Next up, a historical city tour and stop at the Schonbrunn Palace:
Though too fast to capture much in pictures, the city tour was a pleasant review of historical buildings in the city center… the State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History Museum and museum quarter, the Hofburg (former Hapsburg winter palace/residence), Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater. The tour was capped by a stop and tour of a portion of the inner rooms of the former summer residence of the Hapsburg family and home of Maria Theresia. Rumored to be her “favorite palace” (contemplate that notion a while [smile]), the residence was a wedding gift from her father. Among the showrooms available for public review is a room with so much gold leaf and decoration that its individual value today is estimated at $20,000,000 euro… amazing! Many of the rooms are both opulent and elegant. The residence is substantial both in and of itself, and in the grounds surrounding it. The 1000s of visitors to the palace allow it to be completely self supporting today.
After a between tour respite walking the city center’s pedestrian area between the opera house and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a final tour of Vienna by night. The landscape and beauty shifted with the transition of day into night, as the now semi-familiar surroundings adopted the mystery construed of manmade light and shadow interplay heightened by the rain still falling lightly into evening. The city lights danced and beckoned from the vantage point high atop the Danube Tower on the opposite side of the river from the city center and surrounding area. The tour ended with wine, laughter and conversation in a wine tavern in Grinzing, accompanied by the energetic machinations of a violinist and his accordion accompanist. They played everything from local tunes to Strauss waltzes, up close and personal. Imagine my delight myself conversing with a delightful couple from Dublin while there. Nice grace note to the evening [smile]
Mon10sept07
An inauspicious start… As trips go, the hydrofoil portion of my excursion to Vienna was, ahem, “foiled” [laughing], cancelled due to high water ”flooding” on the River Danube [sigh… this mode of transportation was my primary reason for choosing Vienna as an “end” destination]. If the schedule were more flexible, would’ve revamped; as it is, dates are too close to cancel reservations in Budapest and Vienna without forfeiting $$$, so took the bus offered and enjoyed the countryside from land versus the water this trip. Note: I found out later that the Danube has flooded regularly in the past, and at one time locks and other regulatory measures were contemplated and employed to reduce flooding of the attendant cities embracing its banks (from as far back as the 1800’s!).
Just prior to and for miles after crossing the border there are dozens of wind generators, powerful and relatively quiet sentinels and a fascinating visual transition between Hungary and Austria beyond the rolling hills they populate. I remember a fair amount of conflict re their presence on and off the coast(s) of Ireland as interruptions to the landscape, etc., but confess I find them graceful and appealing to the senses, and surely more so than oil rigs and the like seen in other areas of the world… especially given their purpose.
Off in the distance, the southern mountains of Austria, silhouettes merely hinting at the height and majesty waiting for those off to explore that region of the country. Next time [smile]
Arriving in early afternoon, I found myself operating from a less than accurate Mapquest-Europe rendition of the path from bus to hotel… and in my not so infinite wisdom, neglected to secure euros before crossing the border, so spent a much longer than intended time walking through parts of Vienna that are decidedly non-tourist oriented [laughing]. Once I found my way to the Prater, a huge park between the Danube and the Ringstrasse or city center, navigating became both simple and pleasurable, and there was enough time to catch a “ hop on-hop off” tour of the city. Those bus tours are relatively inexpensive, and in this case narrated via earphones with 8 language translations to choose from. After “hoofing” it for a fair share of the day, it was relaxing to sit/see/hear!
About Vienna…
… 40-50% of the city is green space (depending on the guide) in the form of parks and boulevards, offering an enticing mix of old and new architecturally as a counterpoint.
… Culturally, certainly a city of music, with concerts offered almost every night, from Beethoven to Strauss to Mozart and more. Strauss waltzes are often the bus tour backdrop when tour guides are not actively engaged in speaking. They, in turn are amazing individuals, seamlessly guiding tours in as many as four languages. Wow!
… It is also a city of art, modern and otherwise, with sculptures and fountains scattered throughout the city.
… The Ringstrasse or center circle of streets is the former outer wall of the city, the demarcation line between things centuries old and the “outer” city where nothing is more than 150 years old. The infamous St. Stephen’s Cathedral marks the geometric center of the city, and houses a bell weighing an incredible 21.5 TONS, the largest in Austria and the second largest swinging bell in Europe and still rung on special occasions during the year.
… 80% of the city was damaged in WWII and 20% totally destroyed; remarkably, restoration of most took a mere 10 years!
… Once a palace, The Hotel Imperial is rated the highest in all of Europe; heads of state and other VIPs stay there, and perhaps you as well, for a mere $4500 euro and higher per night!).
…The Heroes Palace, part of the Hapsburg complex within the boundaries of the Ringstrasse has in excess of 2000 rooms.
… Vienna is comprised of 23 districts beginning with the Ringstrasse as District 1 and increasing in “rank” or number as you move out co-centrically from the city center.
Accommodation trivia… simple, clean and functional dormer type room with a very practical shower enclosure… glass doors with acrylic water droplets integrated in their structure… no Tilex required!
Other “first day” notes:
…Found myself thoroughly amused by my unexpected language amalgam. Despite knowing only a few dozen words in Hungarian (as compared to considerably more English and even Spanish, and a smattering of travel German), three months in country had me responding as much in Hungarian as in English. All the more entertaining given the plethora of folks in Vienna who speak English… I’ve grown accustomed to using gestures, drawings and simply phrases in Szarvas where very little English is spoken regularly, and brought the habit with me, much to the amusement of vendors and others in Vienna, I’m sure!
Sun9sept07
Off to Vienna, my first foray out of the country since arriving and necessary at this point to reset my “tourist visa” status for another 90-day block as I have been here that long already… amazing! (Note: Lengthier sojourns to other locales (including exploring Budapest) are in the “cerebral file” for exploration as schedules permit.
I have been looking forward to the break, though most of the time is traveling... 3-1/2 hours by bus to Budapest, 5+ hours each way by hydrofoil Budapest to Vienna and back, 1-1/2 days actually in Vienna! More on the trip on the flip side [smile]
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Mon 3sept07-Sat8sept07
Seven high school seniors from the American International School in Budapest arrived here for a half-day of work Tuesday. Rain pre-empted further progress on site this week, truncating their anticipated 3- ½ days with us to Tuesday’s work and a day of “play” in rainy Szarvas before returning to Budapest Thursday morning.
The plan was/is to keep student teams as close to terra firma as possible, working with finishing blocking and sheathing the row house in OSB. The “higher ground” remains the play space for Levi and I and the families, as well as the GV team due here at the end of the month. Several “nit-noid” tasks (as my sister might say) remain, redoing misplaced blocking, planing errant studs and blocks that are out too far to accommodate OSB on the exterior and/or drywall on the interior, and reseating nails determined to wiggle their way out in the rain (regardless of how they were initially nailed up!).
Levi and I took advantage of a brief break in the weather Friday to hand cut more rafters in preparation for next weekend with a goal to build out as much of the rafter structure as possible with families/friends.
The plan was/is to keep student teams as close to terra firma as possible, working with finishing blocking and sheathing the row house in OSB. The “higher ground” remains the play space for Levi and I and the families, as well as the GV team due here at the end of the month. Several “nit-noid” tasks (as my sister might say) remain, redoing misplaced blocking, planing errant studs and blocks that are out too far to accommodate OSB on the exterior and/or drywall on the interior, and reseating nails determined to wiggle their way out in the rain (regardless of how they were initially nailed up!).
Levi and I took advantage of a brief break in the weather Friday to hand cut more rafters in preparation for next weekend with a goal to build out as much of the rafter structure as possible with families/friends.
“Home work”…
Jams have begun appearing among the wares at the farmers market. Plum jam is prepared with plums only (absolutely no other additives), pitted, mashed and slow cooked for 6-8 hours before being ladled into jars and sealed. Apricot jam is similar in preparation with sugar the only additional ingredient, also slow cooked for 2-3 hours, stirred constantly in small batched to preserve flavor without sticking or scorching. Both are like eating concentrations of the original fruits. The only thing closer that I’ve made or tasted myself is freezer jam, a family favorite done with strawberries.
The preserves and bounty of sweet corn and apples bring back memories of childhood and high school years when Mom and assorted family members would gather and can/freeze the fruits of the garden: tomatoes, berries, corn, peas, beans, apples, peaches, pears, and more as each came into season. I can remember cheese-cloth sacks of crab apples hung from the kitchen cabinet doors with pans/bowls underneath to capture their juice for making jelly, apple peeling contests (to see who could peel their apple fastest and all in one continuous peel without losing too much fruit in the process) on the back stoop to make the time go faster, stripping ears of corn for blanching, washing prickly cucumbers in laundry tubs in the basement to prep them for pickles, and so much more.
What’s all this got to do with Hungary? Simpler times, fond memories, and evidence yet again of how much more alike we than different we humans truly are. Cool.
The preserves and bounty of sweet corn and apples bring back memories of childhood and high school years when Mom and assorted family members would gather and can/freeze the fruits of the garden: tomatoes, berries, corn, peas, beans, apples, peaches, pears, and more as each came into season. I can remember cheese-cloth sacks of crab apples hung from the kitchen cabinet doors with pans/bowls underneath to capture their juice for making jelly, apple peeling contests (to see who could peel their apple fastest and all in one continuous peel without losing too much fruit in the process) on the back stoop to make the time go faster, stripping ears of corn for blanching, washing prickly cucumbers in laundry tubs in the basement to prep them for pickles, and so much more.
What’s all this got to do with Hungary? Simpler times, fond memories, and evidence yet again of how much more alike we than different we humans truly are. Cool.
Lost in time…
Levi took me to visit his mother’s home this week, each room a collector’s treasure trove of plates, pot, dolls, artwork, furniture, kitchen devices, books, and more. A significant sideboard in her dining area was so like one owned by my great-grandparents that it was like stepping back in time… transported to their tiny home in Lakeville, MN where I spent several summers as a youngster.
Much of what she has is more than 100 years old, many items from her family, and more from estate auctions and similar sales over the years. The collections reflect a love of/respect for history and tradition equally evident in Levi. From beautifully crocheted pieces to costume jewelry to clocks to oil lanterns, there was much to take in, a fun evening, exploring her collections and with Levi’s help, conversing about the things that were reminiscent of heirlooms belonging to my family, whether still accessible or no. Even without Levi’s interpreting from time to time, we were able to communicate much directly. Perhaps the familiar things of old and the connectedness they can inspire provided an unspoken link… until I found myself reminiscing and sharing stories from childhood… Levi finally laughed and asked if I would stop for a moment so he could translate for his mother and his wife… and the connection felt even stronger. Like visits with relative’s years ago, I found myself going home with gifts of homemade apricot jam and a jar of sour cherries and sweet pie cherries. Felt like home in MN in my “growing years” (though clearly not literally [laughing]). Very special. Truly we are all connected [smile]
Much of what she has is more than 100 years old, many items from her family, and more from estate auctions and similar sales over the years. The collections reflect a love of/respect for history and tradition equally evident in Levi. From beautifully crocheted pieces to costume jewelry to clocks to oil lanterns, there was much to take in, a fun evening, exploring her collections and with Levi’s help, conversing about the things that were reminiscent of heirlooms belonging to my family, whether still accessible or no. Even without Levi’s interpreting from time to time, we were able to communicate much directly. Perhaps the familiar things of old and the connectedness they can inspire provided an unspoken link… until I found myself reminiscing and sharing stories from childhood… Levi finally laughed and asked if I would stop for a moment so he could translate for his mother and his wife… and the connection felt even stronger. Like visits with relative’s years ago, I found myself going home with gifts of homemade apricot jam and a jar of sour cherries and sweet pie cherries. Felt like home in MN in my “growing years” (though clearly not literally [laughing]). Very special. Truly we are all connected [smile]
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Building, trivia and weather (or not?)...
Building...
Overall building Hungarian style continues to be a very interesting process, and I'm looking forward to sharing a bit of what we do in the states with Levi to see if there might be ways for him to streamline next year's build (2008-2009).
There's a great deal of what we in the states would perceive as "overbuilding" here (e.g., blocking walls and ceiling headers) that takes more time than a similar house in the states would. As most Hungarian buildings are done with brick, I'm wondering if the additional blocking to make the house(s) "enough strong" (as Levi would say) is done in part to assuage conscern about the longevity of the structure, while maintaining a more volunteer-friendly building system. Food for thought.
With just one GV team to go for 2007, the bulk of our building time will be one-on-one with receiving families and their extended family and friends. Advantageous in some ways since the "crew" will be more consistent, tougher in that there are less of us working at a time, and their primary availability is just on weekends.
Trivia…
Measuring by walking something out is called “hand stepping” here… they are very amused when I do this, since my feet are much smaller and it takes longer [laughing]
Weather...
We’ve had a bit of Pacific NW weather, with substantial (albeit short-lived!) rain in the evening(s) giving rise to low clouds, brisk breezes and cooler temps in its wake... in jeans and sweaters versus tank tops and shorts for the first time in more than 6 weeks. Cool [no pun intended! ]
Overall building Hungarian style continues to be a very interesting process, and I'm looking forward to sharing a bit of what we do in the states with Levi to see if there might be ways for him to streamline next year's build (2008-2009).
There's a great deal of what we in the states would perceive as "overbuilding" here (e.g., blocking walls and ceiling headers) that takes more time than a similar house in the states would. As most Hungarian buildings are done with brick, I'm wondering if the additional blocking to make the house(s) "enough strong" (as Levi would say) is done in part to assuage conscern about the longevity of the structure, while maintaining a more volunteer-friendly building system. Food for thought.
With just one GV team to go for 2007, the bulk of our building time will be one-on-one with receiving families and their extended family and friends. Advantageous in some ways since the "crew" will be more consistent, tougher in that there are less of us working at a time, and their primary availability is just on weekends.
Trivia…
Measuring by walking something out is called “hand stepping” here… they are very amused when I do this, since my feet are much smaller and it takes longer [laughing]
Weather...
We’ve had a bit of Pacific NW weather, with substantial (albeit short-lived!) rain in the evening(s) giving rise to low clouds, brisk breezes and cooler temps in its wake... in jeans and sweaters versus tank tops and shorts for the first time in more than 6 weeks. Cool [no pun intended! ]
Sun 26aug07-Sun1sept07 Leisure time...NOT! [laughing]
Sun2sep07
Sunny and cool, with a trip to the office to connect for e-mail, etc., and a stroll around town just because. I very much enjoy the “small town” quiet and atmosphere, and the “lack” of conveniences that sparks more natural and genteel ways to spend time, stopping to smell the roses, as my dad would say, embracing individual moments in and of themselves, strung together like a strand of pearls, pure, unique, and priceless…
Sat1sep07
A new month, and a full workday on site with Levi and the families followed by a quiet evening at home. I suspect this will become a routine of sorts going into the fall, and interesting in that the bulk of the sound beyond hammers, saws and the like is, of course, Hungarian. I can discern words here and there, but becoming any kind of conversant remains illusive. It’s an ongoing learning experience to work/dwell in a place whose mother tongue is different from my own, and occasionally isolating. That said, there are so many blessings to be thankful for, among them the kindness and generosity of Gabi, Levi and countless others I’ve met both from here and among the myriad of teams I’ve been graced to work with. Still living a dream life in so many ways, giving and growing as I go. Very cool.
Wed-Fri29-31aug07
Talked with son Ryan Thursday, great to connect with him after leaving a trail of voice messages for the past several weeks [laughing]. We were on a roll until a major storm blew in with masses of rain and lightning and cut our chat time short... the internet is very finicky in storm conditions here. His schedule and working conditions have changed for the better at least in the short term, hence the challenge in finding good times to get hold of him. I miss him... was nice simply to hear his voice and know that he is well.
I have completed 2-1/2 months here, and will need to hop out of the country shortly to reset my “90 day” tourist visa status, so spent a bit of time conjuring up possibilities. The “winner”? A hydrofoil trip beginning Sept 9th, up the Danube from Budapest to Vienna and back, with a full day in Vienna to sample the city and sights there from the land side [smile] In October and again in late November/early December I hope to take genuine holidays, with an eye towards Italy, Spain, Greece and/or Croatia. For Romania and other countries closer to Hungary, an occasional long weekend may work. For now, simply ruminating out loud. It takes more creativity to weave together trips without ready access to transportation... definitely appreciate the convenience and relative freedom my car and motorcycle provide when at home in WA! That, and the absence of a visa requirement, making movement in the US considerably simpler!
Tues28aug07
Levi, Gabi and I bid the team farewell in the morning. I had the remainder of the day off, time for “domestics” (laundry and general clean up, groceries and a visit to the farmers market), and feet up with a good book in hand (thanks to several “literary angels” in the states and Canada who’ve provided an abundance of materials to choose from… and my landlady as well!).
Mon27aug07
The final work day closed with a phenomenal amount of work completed by this team: at the end of the day, all wall blocking, 2/3rds of ceiling blocking, all ceiling headers and the final top plates are complete… WOW!
Great fun and fellowship shared to close their trip here in Szarvas with pizza and wine, laughter/stories/thank yous exchanged at the wine cellar, followed by dessert at my flat and one last evening stroll back to the hotel. With just one GV team remaining on our 2007 schedule, the end of the summer building routine is fast approaching.
Sun26aug07
A day of “rest” in Gyula… examining the fortress (castle), followed by a mini-train ride through parts of the city, lunch al fresco and free time to walk about town and enjoy swimming at the spa complex. A relaxing day, and a few of us partook of the ice cream at a renowned 100 year old confectionary there… a brass dragon holding an ice cream cone acts as the “gatekeeper” above the entrance!
Sunny and cool, with a trip to the office to connect for e-mail, etc., and a stroll around town just because. I very much enjoy the “small town” quiet and atmosphere, and the “lack” of conveniences that sparks more natural and genteel ways to spend time, stopping to smell the roses, as my dad would say, embracing individual moments in and of themselves, strung together like a strand of pearls, pure, unique, and priceless…
Sat1sep07
A new month, and a full workday on site with Levi and the families followed by a quiet evening at home. I suspect this will become a routine of sorts going into the fall, and interesting in that the bulk of the sound beyond hammers, saws and the like is, of course, Hungarian. I can discern words here and there, but becoming any kind of conversant remains illusive. It’s an ongoing learning experience to work/dwell in a place whose mother tongue is different from my own, and occasionally isolating. That said, there are so many blessings to be thankful for, among them the kindness and generosity of Gabi, Levi and countless others I’ve met both from here and among the myriad of teams I’ve been graced to work with. Still living a dream life in so many ways, giving and growing as I go. Very cool.
Wed-Fri29-31aug07
Talked with son Ryan Thursday, great to connect with him after leaving a trail of voice messages for the past several weeks [laughing]. We were on a roll until a major storm blew in with masses of rain and lightning and cut our chat time short... the internet is very finicky in storm conditions here. His schedule and working conditions have changed for the better at least in the short term, hence the challenge in finding good times to get hold of him. I miss him... was nice simply to hear his voice and know that he is well.
I have completed 2-1/2 months here, and will need to hop out of the country shortly to reset my “90 day” tourist visa status, so spent a bit of time conjuring up possibilities. The “winner”? A hydrofoil trip beginning Sept 9th, up the Danube from Budapest to Vienna and back, with a full day in Vienna to sample the city and sights there from the land side [smile] In October and again in late November/early December I hope to take genuine holidays, with an eye towards Italy, Spain, Greece and/or Croatia. For Romania and other countries closer to Hungary, an occasional long weekend may work. For now, simply ruminating out loud. It takes more creativity to weave together trips without ready access to transportation... definitely appreciate the convenience and relative freedom my car and motorcycle provide when at home in WA! That, and the absence of a visa requirement, making movement in the US considerably simpler!
Tues28aug07
Levi, Gabi and I bid the team farewell in the morning. I had the remainder of the day off, time for “domestics” (laundry and general clean up, groceries and a visit to the farmers market), and feet up with a good book in hand (thanks to several “literary angels” in the states and Canada who’ve provided an abundance of materials to choose from… and my landlady as well!).
Mon27aug07
The final work day closed with a phenomenal amount of work completed by this team: at the end of the day, all wall blocking, 2/3rds of ceiling blocking, all ceiling headers and the final top plates are complete… WOW!
Great fun and fellowship shared to close their trip here in Szarvas with pizza and wine, laughter/stories/thank yous exchanged at the wine cellar, followed by dessert at my flat and one last evening stroll back to the hotel. With just one GV team remaining on our 2007 schedule, the end of the summer building routine is fast approaching.
Sun26aug07
A day of “rest” in Gyula… examining the fortress (castle), followed by a mini-train ride through parts of the city, lunch al fresco and free time to walk about town and enjoy swimming at the spa complex. A relaxing day, and a few of us partook of the ice cream at a renowned 100 year old confectionary there… a brass dragon holding an ice cream cone acts as the “gatekeeper” above the entrance!
Sun19aug07-Sat25aug07... Celebrating old friends and new..
Sat25aug07
A “family” day… working together for the day, and all “playing” together with an all-inclusive boat ride on the Koros with team/families/staff & their families, followed by pizza/salads/dessert at the riverfront beach. Great mix, much fun had by all, and nature graced us with a beautiful sunset over the river and a full moon for the walk back to home(s)/hotel.
Fri24aug07
Another hot and humid working day, melting from start to finish! Ceiling headers (contributing the equivalent of the bottom of our floating trusses in WA, though in this case not integral to the roof) installation in process, to provide the surface for attaching ceiling drywall. Like most parts of the house, these too are blocked to form a solid structure overall, and we’ll lay OSB over these headers to work from while building out the roof support system (rafters, braces, etc.) later this month or early next.
Unexpected sounds of home came my way today… Dick Tennant from Kitsap County’s HFH affiliate, a mentor and fellow volunteer there, has been traveling Eastern Europe with his wife, and called me from the European/Central Asia (ECA) office in Budapest this afternoon… we talked a bit of shop re here and home, and a wee bit more… Dick knew I would be here, and they ran across the ECA office while exploring in Budapest; they took a chance that the staff there could connect with me, and the rest, as they say, is history [smile] Again I say, it’s truly the little things, yes?
The team and full HFH Szarvas staff shared a relaxed dinner at the local traditional restaurant Regimodi, and I found myself home by 2100 to catch up a wee bit before working again tomorrow… nice!
Thu23aug07
On a roll, with wall blocking 75-80% complete, 2nd top plates nearly so, through bolts in applicable doorways now complete, and 75-80% of our 110 or so ceiling headers planed and ready to go.
Capped with the day with Hungarian folk dancing and a late dinner once again.
On the home front… my landlady gifted me two Graham Greene novels today after asking if I enjoyed reading. I suspect she's guessed at the contents of recent packages received... though no idea where she got them from, very cool, and yes, they're in English! Fun!
I also discover pears fresh from the tree stacking on my counter every day or two of late (either that or they're proliferating there on their own)! It’s the little things [smile]
Wed22aug07
Continuing on, in the groove and moving rapidly and smoothly as all found their strongest skills and/or the tasks they most enjoy/excel at. Through bolts to strengthen doorframes and planing of headers that will accept the ceiling drywall were added to the array of choices today. Next up: planning long edges of rafter pairs, installing ceiling headers and face plates, and heaven only knows what else [laughing] What’s clear is that the team is well prepped under Paul’s “tutelage”, ready and eager to learn, and going at even the blocking with gusto despite the still, hot and humid 90+ days we have been graced with thus far this week.
Following a wee bit of time to freshen up, a stroll along the historical Memorial Path with Levi before a late dinner at the Corner Pub.
Tues21aug07
Our first day building with the new team today, and they are ready to rock and roll. On the agenda: Completing second top plate(s), wall blocking, measuring and cutting to start as this new group finds their rhythm. Great questions from all, and the team worked primarily in pairs this first day.
Fun to finally meet team leader Paul... he and Levi have a special bond. Paul was a part of the first GV team ever to come to Szarvas. There were just 6 of them, and Paul taught Levi much about timber frame construction, which Levi was doing for the first time himself that year, having just begun his position with HFH. Levi, in turn, taught Paul much about the Hungarian nuances of building, and of course, about the country itself. Paul's pledge is to come back every year until there is no longer a need to build houses here... and I've no doubt he will. His two sons came with him last year and this, the youngest just 14 and already a promising “builder” in knowledge and skill.
Another team member this year is a lovely woman originally from the Caribbean, with her 16-year-old daughter. Her philosophy since her daughter's birth has been to expose her to giving in such a way that it becomes truly second nature, done without conscious thought... though she stated it far more eloquently, the intent is beautiful and apparent in both she and her daughter.
Many of the remaining team members are college students, along with a retired couple, a fellow vegan about my age, and a young man in his late twenties from Seattle that reminds me so much of a cousin of mine in his younger years that I may end up calling him Russ instead of Raj!
Today’s end note: Dinner prepared by the1st project families… though conversation was minimal, smiles and hugs combined with the caring and abundance reflected in the dinner and shared time together spoke volumes, and the families waited for the team and guests to eat first to be certain they had enough. An evening reflective of the axiom that actions speak louder than words [smile]
Mon20aug07
An unusual “first day” with the team, as St. Stephen’s Day is a national holiday in Hungary, with only eateries and pubs open. In observance of and respect for this holiday day “off”, the team and Project 3 families gathered at the build site for a potluck of sorts, a shared meal of Hungarian goulash potato, onion, sausage, paprika and other seasonings slow cooked over a barrel filled with wood and fired by propane, grilled chicken and pork chops, roasted zucchini and eggplant, fresh salad or salata (sha-la-ta) of butter lettuce/tomato/cucumber/red pepper/oil, and locally grown grapes straight from the vine for dessert. Family members Zsolt and Bondi joined me for “KP” duty peeling potatoes and onions to start the process off … one never knows what will be “built” on the site [laughing]
It was also an opportunity for team and family members to meet and greet one another, and several of the children from Project 2 along with the “big kids” from the team played soccer in the open field next to the site. Safety routines and paperwork were tucked into the morning while food was prepared to allow a quicker start for tomorrow, the team’s first official workday.
Most places in Hungary commemorate the day in some way, though as in the states, perhaps less fanfare than in years past. Szarvas held a ceremony at a park near the river with folk dancers, a blessing, and presentations /speeches involving their sister city in Finland. Note: The park area had a small grouping of games and vendors, including a mechanical bull surrounded by a large air bag platform landing area for those whose time “aboard” ended more abruptly than anticipated!
As ceremonies were completed in the park, a procession of folks made their way to the old Lutheran Church for a blessing of the bread, unique to this particular day. Music could be enjoyed in the evening at the riverfront, and a short and lively fireworks display over the Koros brought the day to an official close.
Sun19aug07
The new team arrived today, with a “relay” welcome of sorts as they were first met and greeted by Gabi at their hotel in mid-town Szarvas, walked with Levi to the riverfront restaurant for a meal with all of us, followed by the traditional “Szarvas sights” stroll back to the town center for ice cream and an evening of free time. A relaxed and genteel start [smile]
A “family” day… working together for the day, and all “playing” together with an all-inclusive boat ride on the Koros with team/families/staff & their families, followed by pizza/salads/dessert at the riverfront beach. Great mix, much fun had by all, and nature graced us with a beautiful sunset over the river and a full moon for the walk back to home(s)/hotel.
Fri24aug07
Another hot and humid working day, melting from start to finish! Ceiling headers (contributing the equivalent of the bottom of our floating trusses in WA, though in this case not integral to the roof) installation in process, to provide the surface for attaching ceiling drywall. Like most parts of the house, these too are blocked to form a solid structure overall, and we’ll lay OSB over these headers to work from while building out the roof support system (rafters, braces, etc.) later this month or early next.
Unexpected sounds of home came my way today… Dick Tennant from Kitsap County’s HFH affiliate, a mentor and fellow volunteer there, has been traveling Eastern Europe with his wife, and called me from the European/Central Asia (ECA) office in Budapest this afternoon… we talked a bit of shop re here and home, and a wee bit more… Dick knew I would be here, and they ran across the ECA office while exploring in Budapest; they took a chance that the staff there could connect with me, and the rest, as they say, is history [smile] Again I say, it’s truly the little things, yes?
The team and full HFH Szarvas staff shared a relaxed dinner at the local traditional restaurant Regimodi, and I found myself home by 2100 to catch up a wee bit before working again tomorrow… nice!
Thu23aug07
On a roll, with wall blocking 75-80% complete, 2nd top plates nearly so, through bolts in applicable doorways now complete, and 75-80% of our 110 or so ceiling headers planed and ready to go.
Capped with the day with Hungarian folk dancing and a late dinner once again.
On the home front… my landlady gifted me two Graham Greene novels today after asking if I enjoyed reading. I suspect she's guessed at the contents of recent packages received... though no idea where she got them from, very cool, and yes, they're in English! Fun!
I also discover pears fresh from the tree stacking on my counter every day or two of late (either that or they're proliferating there on their own)! It’s the little things [smile]
Wed22aug07
Continuing on, in the groove and moving rapidly and smoothly as all found their strongest skills and/or the tasks they most enjoy/excel at. Through bolts to strengthen doorframes and planing of headers that will accept the ceiling drywall were added to the array of choices today. Next up: planning long edges of rafter pairs, installing ceiling headers and face plates, and heaven only knows what else [laughing] What’s clear is that the team is well prepped under Paul’s “tutelage”, ready and eager to learn, and going at even the blocking with gusto despite the still, hot and humid 90+ days we have been graced with thus far this week.
Following a wee bit of time to freshen up, a stroll along the historical Memorial Path with Levi before a late dinner at the Corner Pub.
Tues21aug07
Our first day building with the new team today, and they are ready to rock and roll. On the agenda: Completing second top plate(s), wall blocking, measuring and cutting to start as this new group finds their rhythm. Great questions from all, and the team worked primarily in pairs this first day.
Fun to finally meet team leader Paul... he and Levi have a special bond. Paul was a part of the first GV team ever to come to Szarvas. There were just 6 of them, and Paul taught Levi much about timber frame construction, which Levi was doing for the first time himself that year, having just begun his position with HFH. Levi, in turn, taught Paul much about the Hungarian nuances of building, and of course, about the country itself. Paul's pledge is to come back every year until there is no longer a need to build houses here... and I've no doubt he will. His two sons came with him last year and this, the youngest just 14 and already a promising “builder” in knowledge and skill.
Another team member this year is a lovely woman originally from the Caribbean, with her 16-year-old daughter. Her philosophy since her daughter's birth has been to expose her to giving in such a way that it becomes truly second nature, done without conscious thought... though she stated it far more eloquently, the intent is beautiful and apparent in both she and her daughter.
Many of the remaining team members are college students, along with a retired couple, a fellow vegan about my age, and a young man in his late twenties from Seattle that reminds me so much of a cousin of mine in his younger years that I may end up calling him Russ instead of Raj!
Today’s end note: Dinner prepared by the1st project families… though conversation was minimal, smiles and hugs combined with the caring and abundance reflected in the dinner and shared time together spoke volumes, and the families waited for the team and guests to eat first to be certain they had enough. An evening reflective of the axiom that actions speak louder than words [smile]
Mon20aug07
An unusual “first day” with the team, as St. Stephen’s Day is a national holiday in Hungary, with only eateries and pubs open. In observance of and respect for this holiday day “off”, the team and Project 3 families gathered at the build site for a potluck of sorts, a shared meal of Hungarian goulash potato, onion, sausage, paprika and other seasonings slow cooked over a barrel filled with wood and fired by propane, grilled chicken and pork chops, roasted zucchini and eggplant, fresh salad or salata (sha-la-ta) of butter lettuce/tomato/cucumber/red pepper/oil, and locally grown grapes straight from the vine for dessert. Family members Zsolt and Bondi joined me for “KP” duty peeling potatoes and onions to start the process off … one never knows what will be “built” on the site [laughing]
It was also an opportunity for team and family members to meet and greet one another, and several of the children from Project 2 along with the “big kids” from the team played soccer in the open field next to the site. Safety routines and paperwork were tucked into the morning while food was prepared to allow a quicker start for tomorrow, the team’s first official workday.
Most places in Hungary commemorate the day in some way, though as in the states, perhaps less fanfare than in years past. Szarvas held a ceremony at a park near the river with folk dancers, a blessing, and presentations /speeches involving their sister city in Finland. Note: The park area had a small grouping of games and vendors, including a mechanical bull surrounded by a large air bag platform landing area for those whose time “aboard” ended more abruptly than anticipated!
As ceremonies were completed in the park, a procession of folks made their way to the old Lutheran Church for a blessing of the bread, unique to this particular day. Music could be enjoyed in the evening at the riverfront, and a short and lively fireworks display over the Koros brought the day to an official close.
Sun19aug07
The new team arrived today, with a “relay” welcome of sorts as they were first met and greeted by Gabi at their hotel in mid-town Szarvas, walked with Levi to the riverfront restaurant for a meal with all of us, followed by the traditional “Szarvas sights” stroll back to the town center for ice cream and an evening of free time. A relaxed and genteel start [smile]
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