Final Post--Leaving Veszprém with a sad heart--Monica Weis SSJ

I knew this day would come, but I have been reveling in the "meanwhile"--enjoying the present moment and not thinking about the end of this wonderful teaching semester in Veszprém, Hungary.  But today is my last day here. My students have finished my exams. Most of them did very well, but I regret I will not be here to witness the quantum leap in thinking/writing they seem ready for.

I have seen much of this fascinating country: multiple corners of Budapest; Sopron and environs; Pécs; Lake Balaton and surrounding villages; Abbeys, vineyards, museums, and porcelain factories; and a bevy of kávéhaz (coffee houses). Although Advent has signaled the season of waiting, the Christmas spirit broke out early in Budapest; other towns are quickly catching up with forrótbor (mulled wine) at Christmas markets everywhere.  Despite the grim economic situation here as well as throughout the world, celebration is in the air, and carols can be heard from impromptu musicians and scheduled choruses.

So, I am signing off, as does one of the US national news broadcasts with a picture of Rockefeller Plaza.  Enjoy this young lass at the temporary rink in front of St. Stephen's basilica in Budapest. 

Love to all and

Boldog Karáncsonyt.

Comments

[Susan Schantz]

Thanks for your regular updates. I am sure that the experience will yield lots of fruit for your hosts and for you.
Happy Christmas.