April 10th 2008
Kolasvar (in Hungarian)/Cluj (in Romanian), Romania
Good: Seeing Julia, Nico, Gogi, and Sheri! It is so nice to be with them here. It was a ton of work for them to get here, so we are especially grateful to share this part of the trip with them.
It is amazing to be in a Unitarian Collegium that has been in continuous existence since 1557. Wow! Talk about history. The room where they worship is surrounded by medallions with Unitarian historical figures. Zsolt (our fabuous host) tells us that during the communist era (ending in 1989) they medallions were covered by pictures of Lennin and Stalin. Thank God they did not destroy them. Though they did paint over most of the beautiful ceilings. Only one is still in tact.
Bad: The prices. I know I keep harping about this, but my goodness. Wages here are very low-$250 a month is common, and prices are just about the same as the Bay Area. I do not know how these people do it.
Surprising: Actually more inspiring. They have two small science museums in this building-one for biology and one for physics. In the mid-1800's teachers from this religious school were collecting specimins from around the world and teaching their students cutting edge stuff about physics. No problems reconciling science and god in this place. This is why I love being a U (U).
We are off to see Matilda, Anna, and Little Lazlo today. On the way we will stop in Torda where the proclamation of religious freedom (at least for nobles) was proclaimed that allowed Unitarians to flourish in this area.
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3 comments:
Looks like you just posted your first Transylvanian entry. Glad to hear S & G & J & N made it--altho' a bit concerned to hear it was "a lot of work." We're watching an A's game on TV - I just got back from rehearsing opera scenes. That's us in a nutshell. Grace has learned an inappropriate joke about boobs from watching 10 minutes of Family Guy (we are terrible parents!). Say hello to everybody for us. We miss you - we're eating hotdogs and beans. Help!
xx
ah the Edict of Torda...major points in my religion class last week. i love that part of the world but i can't wait for you guys to come back to this part of the world. isn't it amazing to be in a place where Unitarianism is recognized and celebrated and well known?
sasha and i are planning a spectacular day trip to santa cruz for any who want to come after Chalice Camp in August.
so glad to hear everything is going well. we miss you. we love you. it is spring in the bay area and it just doesn't seem the same without you. we drove the van the other day and winnie left you guys a note in the mileage book but you'll have to wait till you get back to read it.
love
hannah
matilda annie, lizzie, am i supposed to know who all these people are? there were someunformentioned people in the last blog too? where's the cliff notes to this thing?!
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