History, Music, and Adventure!

We've spent the last couple of weeks in Sopron, but we've had the opportunity to take several afternoon excursions, including a couple in Austria. I've been glad to learn more about history and music, and I've had fun with our adventures.

The weekend before last, we took a trip to Austria. Right before we crossed the border, we stopped at the site of the Pan European Picnic. I knew nothing about this historic event, but as I read information signs around the park, I was very moved. Concerning that day,  the last prime minister of East Germany is recorded as saying that "the fall of the Berlin Wall begin in Sopron." As I learned more about the Pan-European Picnic and the East Germans who broke through the border leaving everyone they knew and everything they owned behind, I began to understand what he meant. You can read a summary of the events of that day here.

My feet. The Austrian-Hungarian border. Since the border is open (no need to stop or show a passport), I was able to run back and forth between Hungary and Austria several times. It was kind of silly but a lot of fun.

"Renee, Rust is more romantic than Paris." ~Juju. I don't think she's ever been to Paris, but neither have I, so  I'll agree.

In Rust, we went swimming in Lake Neusiedl. It really was lovely.

Also, I think both Austria and Hungary must be expecting a baby boom. There were storks everywhere!

On Saturday, we took a trip to a nearby Adventure Park in the forest. The Adventure Park consisted of leveled ropes courses and zip lines.

Even Hanga was able to join in the fun!

The next week, the girls, their grandfather, and I took a trip to the famous Széchenyi estate. We learned more about the noble family that helped Hungary modernize. 

The next day, Sunday, we took another trip into Austria. (Sopron, our town,  is on the border). In Austria, we visited Esterházy. Haydn was the court musician at the Esterházy palace! Once I discovered that, I had the Surprise Symphony running through my head for the entire tour.

The Haydnsaal

After our trip to Austria, Istvan, Hanga and I went bobsledding through the forest! It was beautiful and very fast.

On Saturday, we leave for another trip to Balaton, and then Eszter, Hanga, Attila and I will spend a week in Budapest while the older girls visit Transylvania with their father. I'll try to post after Budapest. My time in Hungary is flying by! I can't believe that I head home in 3 weeks!