Budapest

After a long journey (33 hours from home to the hotel) we arrived safely in Hungary yesterday. What a big, diverse, wonderful world this is and yet how similar we all are.


Here are my first impressions, a special request from Therese …
From the air the range of colours and textures was breathtaking as fields, market gardens, woods and hedges lay below us and in Budapest itself, the faded grandeur of this beautiful city did not diminish its sense of dignity and buzz of everyday life. As we passed by street after street of gorgeous buildings with tired facades, busy cobbled roads with familiar trams, graffiti, and MacDonald’s, there were reminders of Melbourne yet it is all so different. Budapest is a centuries-old city with a past and I feel as if its history is etched on every brick. A city with the wondrous sound of an indecipherable language which is so gentle on the ear, delicious food and life happening to the full.

Upon our arrival I needed a nap as the ground was unstable before my dizzy self, but John had an adrenalin rush and was off to walk along the Danube with another member of the Habitat team. Later the whole team gathered to meet one another and enjoy dinner together at a nearby restaurant. We learnt more of Habitat in Hungary and felt so inspired and thankful to be part of this building project. The team is diverse but all enthusiastic and eager to start - we travel out to the town today, a three hour bus ride away.

I don’t know how the coming days will unfold but will write when able.

With love,
Kathy and John