For Those with a Taste for Adventure, Hungary Is a Delight

By David Van Tassell

As a law abiding American citizen, I have been encouraged by my teenage predecessors (mainly in American college movies) to take up the mantle that represents a youth's sense of adventure and discovery. That mantle is portrayed in my trip to Europe.
When I was offered the opportunity to study abroad here I took it immediately. No, I did not know that much about Hungary, but my general train of thought was that this country could be a base of operations for my jumping around the countries within the European Union and Serve as a very good place to do so since my wallet would be going on an extreme diet in order to get here. Well this is all true.

However as time passed I started to realize that while trips to Barcelona, Venice, Athens, and Paris would still be amazing, there is also a lot to find right under our feet. Hungary has a long history, and because of this there are great opportunities for us to explore a deep history and culture in our own backyard.
Just this past weekend I went to Pécs, the European Cultural Capital of 2010. There were a plethora of different sights to see during my two days there including the Early Christian tombs dating from the Roman Empire and a mosque turned into a cathedral at the end of the Turkish Occupation in the late 17th century. This summer when tourist season starts I am sure that this small city will be bustling with people wanting to see all that I saw. Of other opportunities available for countryside travel, Assistant Director of Student Affairs Margo Kovacs recommends a trip to Lake Balaton when the weather gets better. Besides swimming, boating, and fishing, the Siófok resort is also known as “The Party Capital of Hungary”.

Even within Budapest there are numerous festivals and other events celebrating and showcasing Hungarian Culture. Travel guides and online resources provide major tourist locations to visit, but some of the best exploring can be done with you and your friends, Budapest offers many hidden treasures for adventurers.
The proximity of all these locations not only allows us the ability to make quick weekend trips, but these trips are also less taxing on our wallet then traveling to other countries. While a normal one-way ticket from Budapest to Lake Balaton costs 3000HUF, those of us with a student card can benefit from a 50% discount on their ticket. Adding a room at a hostel totals round trip travel and room to about 6700HUF! Considering what activities were previously mentioned, this is definitely an ideal weekend trip for any student.