The Bridges of 'Budapest County'

Follow this link to see the 8 important bridges of Budapest that cross the Danube. Photos included: http://www.bridgesofbudapest.com/ " Before the bridges were built" you ask, "how did the residents of Pest cross the Danube into Buda and vice versa?" Well they took the ferry or in the winter used an ice bridge (a place on the river where the ice had been fortified). Both methods had their hazards.
The first bridge, the Chain Bridge was built in the 1800's when guests to a wedding had to spend an extended visit after the ice bridge broke through. Now, what did you do when some of your wedding guests overstayed their welcome?

The American Special Affairs Officer

While we were in New Brunswick, we met with the Hungarian Ambassador to the US. On our first night here in Budapest we had a welcome supper with Edward Loo, from the American Ambassadors Office to Hungary.He is the attache to the US Diplomat Office and the Special Affairs Minister. I guess that our group of teachers are just THAT important....Here is a picture of Edward(on the right)sitting next to Dr. Huba Bruckner, our Fulbright sponsor in Budapest.
We had a very lovely evening at the outdoor eating area of the Dubarry Restaurant along the Pest side of the Danube. This area was once the promenade of the 'high society' when they wanted to show off their finery. We enjoyed a 3 course meal of tossed salad, Paprika Chicken and a fabulous Sponge Cake dessert. My sons will be shocked to hear that I drank the Hungarian Cocktail(most) and some white wine. Of course I payed for it later with a headache. We were serenaded by an accoustical guitar player and also by a classical violinist along the waterfront as we watched the sunset that was posted in my previous submission. Also posted here is a photo of the Chain Bridge which crosses the Danube River. Beautiful!
It was a night like no other...we felt that we must be part of a Hungarian Fairy Tale with a very happy ending.

Hungarian Cuisine

After just a few short days, I can't profess to being an expert about Hungarian Cuisine except to attest that everything I have eaten so far has been delicious and fattening. Sauces, butter, cream is added to everything. One of the ladies asked for skim milk for her coffee and was told they don't have it at the coffee shop. I took some scrambled eggs for breakfast and they were smothered in butter. Hoping that all of the walking that we do each day will help keep my waistline in check. Today we had a lighter lunch of Onion Soup in a breadbowl and Fresh Tuna Salad...very saucy with the dressing that was used

Outside my window I can hear the music from the Andes Pan Flutes being played about a 1/2 block away at the square. I can't really believe that I am here!!!

I have uploaded a picture of the view of the Castle District from across the Danube on the Pest side.

Traveling Abroad

There aren't words to adequately express the emotions and changes I have experienced in the last 24 hours. From getting on a shuttle in New Brunswick, seeing some of the sites of New York along the way, getting switched to First Class at the last minute, and arriving in Budapest. EVERYTHING has seemed new and exciting. I am posting a few of the photos I've taken. All I can say is what a fabulous opportunity to be on a Fulbright-Hayes Summer Seminar. Every teacher should do this.

Rutgers University--New Brunswick, NJ

2nd day in orientation at Rutgers University. Having lots of speakers discussing the history, culture and what to expect in Hungary and Czech Republic. The group is finally all here: 16 elementary teachers from across the US. A few of them are also primary level teachers!!! Tomorrow night we fly out to Budapest!!!

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