Debrecen Reflections

I've been in Debrecen now for 4 days - finished my fourth day of classes at the Debrecen summer university intensive Hungarian course. It's been a very interesting experience, so far. Like so many experiences I've had traveling, I've been thrown together with a totally random bunch of people, with little to no rhyme or reason why we should all be here together, besides the purpose of learning Hungarian. And really, that isn't much of a binding force that should help us become a community. But what is interesting about this Debrecen summer university is the fact that there are repeat attendees here who make this feel a bit like coming to an actual university setting. They've been here several times, know the staff, know the city, can reflect on how bad the food is and how it has seemed to have gotten worse since last year. (A common topic of conversation).

I feel like I'm learning a lot in my classes. And it's a real pleasure to be studying with other people who are my level. It's just a pleasure to be studying with anyone, after 1.5 years of mostly doing my work alone. Hearing Hungarian spoken in a variety of European accents is fascinating - there are Italian, Polish, French, Swiss, German, and Belgian people in my class. Fascinating stuff. It feels very European - y'know, the "new" Europe where there is less local loyalty and everyone at least tries to make an effort to be functional in everyone else's language.

Yesterday and today, though, I've felt like I'm almost regressing in my ability to speak Hungarian, but I think that's because we've moved beyond the well-trod topics of "Why are you here?" "Who are you?" And "Why are you learning Hungarian?" I have an easily prepared answer to those questions, but to questions like, "Why do you think it is important for someone to be honest in their everyday life?" Well, that is another kind of question. I'm pushing the boundaries of my conversational abilities, and that is good, but of course challenging.

This weekend we're going to Budapest and the a village called Kecskemét for an excursion. There's a famous pálinka factory in Kecskemét and we'll stop there for the night, and for some pálinka tasting. That should be fun.

All is well!