Eurojournal -2 Dec 2006 –Party!

A few nights ago we went to the district minister’s Christmas party. It was quite the party. It always amazes me how well the Hungarians party. I must have lived a pretty dull life so far! I spent a few days fretting over what I would wear as I did not bring any real dress up clothes. I went to the thrift store and found some dress pants with Eva. I found a nice sweater which at the time I thought matched. When I tried it on at home it matched but was nothing that would match James in his suit. So I made it simple and wore one of his dress shirts and dressed it up with a necklace the children bought me in Venice. It worked. Off to the party.

We meet Csaba and a very sick but determined Eva at their house. First thing Csaba asks me is if I want to be the designated driver. Ohh THAT kind of party, all ministers. I guess so but I wanted to discuss it with James first. We arrived at the larger church in Udvarhely and saw some familiar faces. It was pretty quiet at first. Time passed, more people came and it was hopping. Music, dancing. James was approached by another minister to try his palinka. It was the first he ever made and he was very proud of it. James had a shot making me the official designated driver now.

It was fun to watch the dancing. Polka, waltzing, and a Hungarian national dance. I was impressed with the ability everyone had to dance. James and I are not dancers. We danced a few slow songs which was really nice but we were afraid to even try anything else out of fear of hurting people with our clumsy steps. We decided to learn to dance when we return home. A minister asked me to dance. I have never seen him around but accepted. It was slow, I could handle it as long as nothing fast was involved. It was fun. Then the band plays a waltz. Shit! I learned this in 7th grade but forgot it. I am stepping on his toes smiling but looking over at James in horror as he is laughing at me. He knew what I was thinking. He knew I was in for it. As I am about to open my mouth to the minister that I can not in fact dance, he tells me I am a good dancer. Huh? It was fun chatting with him. He knew English and had been very familiar with the Bay Area. The band plays on. I survived this now let’s sit down. Nope. Another dance. Only it was something faster. James is really laughing now. I am having fun but an so afraid. He is pulling me around and I am doing everything mentally to convince myself that I can just follow his lead. Okay, got it. Then I start twirling. What? Go with it, I tell myself. I remind myself this is just that dance I was watching earlier. The one where the women looked like they were twisted in knots! I let go and went with it and it was so much fun. This time both James and Csaba are watching and laughing. The song is over and I thank the minister and sit down. I could not stop laughing. What fun.

James has had some wine now and it very cute. Another minister dressed as Santa comes in with his bag of gifts. This minister was truly the life of the party. He goes around and everyone reaches into the bag and gets a gift. James received a very phallic chocolate Santa. He and Santa giggle. I happily receive a bar of chocolate. People here and all around Europe are very serious about chocolate too. I have had the best chocolate ever here.

Time passes. We have had some wonderful conversations with people. It is about 2 am. We are both ready to go home. We realize Csaba is not going anytime soon and we did not want to ruin it for him but Liam wakes up in 5 hours. We see other ministers leaving who pass our village. Finally a couple we talked with was leaving. They lives two villages form us. We ask and they are willing. We tell Csaba we are going and off we go. The minister’s wife is a nurse who also works nights. Both are into herbs and alternative health. During the party I got such a great energy form this couple and really enjoyed talking with them. In fact this was the same one that offered James the palinka!

We arrive home a little after 3am very tired but giddy.