The cows really do come home here

8 July 2006
In the village where James will stay for 5 ½ months and the children and I stay for a month. The drive was beautiful- rolling green hills, small villages and small cities. As we left the city we passed the occasional horse-drawn wagon. As we got further out, horse drawn wagons were prevalent on the road. Some were filled with families, others with stacks of hay as tall as a small house and wide as a lane of traffic. People were on the side of the road selling fruit and what looked like chanterelle mushrooms. We stopped and bought a watermelon. We arrived at our place early afternoon and met with the host family/landlords. The house is so much more than we ever imagined. After 5 of us living in one dorm room, the house is spacious with a giant living room and large bedroom. We have a kitchen too! The best part is the yard. It is perfectly safe for the children to go out and explore. There is a garden and the views are amazing. Byron can spend a day hiking the hills totally free.

The host family and Csaba’s wife, Eva prepared lunch, a feast, for us. Everyone is so kind and warm. I was able to communicate with Ezther Neni (the host mother) even though she knew no English and I know minimal Hungarian. I really like her a lot. She is like a loving doting grandmother. We met another neighbor who also prepared some food and her son who wants to practice his English. “neni” is the term we use like Auntie used for elders as a form of respect. I think it is a lot like “dona” in Mexico.

The children are very happy here. The three of them spent a few hours outside digging and making walls in the yard. A village girl close to Luan and Liam’s age came over and played for a while. It was fun watching the children communicate. When we were out Luna wanted to know more Hungarian. This little girl reminded us so much of Liam’s dearest friend, Miara back home. Earlier, Luna and Liam played with Csaba’s daughter. They immediately started playing together. I have heard there are a lot of children in the village.

James and I have been in a fog since we arrived. Initially it was great but very overwhelming. After being in a very loud and busy urban environment where we were anonymous, being in a remote village where everyone is curious about us is a drastic change. It does remind me a lot of North Dakota where Byron’s father’s extended family lives- farming families. I love the warmth.

On the tops of telephone poles are giant nests full of storks. We have one right outside our door at our gate. I have to say I have never seen a stork in the wild in my life. They are big birds and make this interesting clacking sound.

Out in the pasture was a herd of cows. Csaba said that hey know exactly where to go at the end of the day. They are trained as calves where their home is. Soon after on our street were cows walking by. Yes, truly the cows were coming home!

Now I’m not sure if I will be able to post many pictures while here. We have a cell internet connection which makes uploads really slow. I may have to get online in the next town and see if I can figure it out there. Otherwise occasional pictures and more when we have better access.