Appendix
1.
Dear Kati,
Thank you and duplo kÖszÖnÖm for granting us the use
of your haven – kikotonk – so it could be our refuge –
menedekunk – from all the exploring and investigation of Budapest.
After our first two days of looking at grand buildings and damaged buildings
and Eastern bloc housing, and noticing how the people in the streets
are beyond contact, we thought our time here would be long enough.
Then we met Zsuzsa, who looked after us so well and feels like an old
friend. We visited the House of Terror and understood many things, things
which have not happened in our country unless you are aboriginal. Then
we met seven members of Lisa’s family.
Having seen Sopron for several days (a very good way to commence), we
today went up The Danube to Esztergom, and returned by train. We have
seen many beautiful sights and villages and gardens. The family is saying,
“when will you come back, so we can take you to our place at Lake
Balaton and show you around?”
So we are now sorry we are leaving so soon. I (Bruce) would love to
have time to investigate the music scene, not classical so much, because
you can find it anywhere, but the klezmer and gypsy and folk music.
And choir music. As a choir leader and teacher I know about Kodaly for
instance, but where are the choirs?!! Without the language we could
not find out. And we were so tired every night, we wanted to retire
to out kikotonk. So we leave thinking we would like to return, though
how can we afford another trip and another set of carbon footprints
in the atmosphere of this beautiful planet?
Kati, we are sorry to leave you a mixture of currencies. We must leave
early in the morning. It is after hours and we have just discovered
our overseas card will not open the security doors outside the ATMs
of the banks. So we leave you forints and Euros with our deepest thanks.
It has been wonderful to have your place as our home this week.
With love, Bruce and Lisa.