When Can We Travel to Hungary Again?
It’s the question of the year!
Quite honestly, I think things are taking a lot longer to settle down with this virus than anyone anticipated. Of course, there are many good reasons to stay home and safe and curb the spread of the coronavirus. Hungary has put restrictions on its borders again. And, as our states open up there seems to be growing numbers of infections. Even domestic flights are spotty. Things are still changing. We can make plans, but hold them loosely.
We have planned three trips for 2021 and we are hoping travel will be permitted by the time our scheduled tours start, but no one knows at this time. Until we know, we wait and we hope and we pay attention.
For the latest information from the U.S. Embassy in Hungary: U.S. Embassy in Hungary
Here for a list of websites to check in with as they are updated regularly: Coronavirus Resources
What do we do while we wait?
Hungarian Language: Work on your Hungarian language skills. We have been offering small group Hungarian language instruction with some excellent teachers and it helps to be doing something practical. Find a language app that works for you. Make vocabulary flashcards. Take a course.
Genealogy: Since we aren’t free to travel, it might be a good time to work on your genealogy projects. How far back can you go in your family line? Are there places you might be stuck? We will be hosting some classes soon!
Health: Keep up your health! Start or keep walking or biking or whatever you do so, when the time comes for travel, you are ready to go! Track your miles, find a podcast to listen to while you walk! Change up your routine!
Culinary Arts: Are there some Hungarian foods you want to try to make? Now is a great time to experiment in the kitchen! Challenge yourself to make a new dish once a month. If you have a family recipes to work with, that’s even better! If you don’t love to cook but miss Hungarian food, maybe you are lucky enough to have a Hungarian restaurant or organization near you that is cooking! Support them if you can!
Folk Art: If you have been interested in learning some aspect of Hungarian folk art, now is a great time to do some learning! Recently, I had a couple of nights away and I took a sketch pad with me and I just practiced drawing some Hungarian folk art flowers. It was fun to play around and figure out how to sketch a few things. Even though I am not particularly artistic, I was able to come up with a few satisfying drawings!
Reading: Find books that have to do with Hungary — whether they are historical accounts or historical fiction or simply novels and stories by authors who have a connection to Hungary, it doesn’t matter. It is always interesting to read different perspectives and “travel” with a good author! There are books for all ages with a connection to Hungary!
Movies: There are plenty of movies out there with a connection to Hungary — either written or directed by a Hungarian, set in Hungary, about the topic of Hungary, or with actors that have Hungarian heritage.
Music: Hungarians are well known for their passion for music. Check YouTube for a wide variety of music from folk songs to current hits to gypsy orchestras! This is a great time to expand your experience with Hungarian music!