A European Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the family time and good food. My grandparent's house always smells so good. She's an amazing cook along with my aunts who help provide food too. We always use the fine china and sterling. The table if filled with family and sometimes other guests. There's the tradition of singing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" and going around the table to share what we are thankful for. We often read scripture and then there is my grandpa's voice that starts out strong as he gives thanks to God for his many blessings. He chokes up nearly every time and so do many of the rest of us because God has been so good to us. Of course we all eat too much and have way to much pie, especially if I make my famous carmel pecan french silk pie. After lunch then there generally a walk around the neighborhood with my cousin Julie and others if they are interested. Later it is game time! We sit around and play the 'dictionary game', a homemade version of Balderdash. Finally, my grandma pulls out the leftover turkey, my Aunt Carla's homemade rolls and other food for the second round of feeding. We all say we are too full but somehow manage to eat more. There are stories to listen to and lots of laughter. Most of all I just love being with my family.
So, how does one celebrate Thanksgiving in Hungary when you are far away from family and there is nothing like Thanksgiving around you? Hungary, like many countries outside of the United States and Canada doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. It is my first time being in away from well everything that reminded me of Thanksgiving. I knew that it would be difficult for me to be away from my family and all things Thanksgiving. I wanted to do something special. I wasn't sure what until in September two friends from school, Becca & Amanda, asked me if I was interested in traveling over our long Thanksgiving weekend. I said yes! It was a great thing to do over a weekend where I would be missing all the comforts of home.
On a dreary, cloudy, frosty, Thanksgiving morning, we left on our adventure. I drove..yes, I drove in Europe and it was a manual too! It was a little nerve racking at first mostly because I hadn't driven in 3 months and well... it is Hungary after all! God granted us safety on the road and many other blessings.
We indulged in a few traditional Slovenia foods. Bled Cream cake and some cake pudding type thing smothered in whipping cream. A burek is a savory pie type food filled with a type of cottage cheese. It was served hot and steaming!
So, how does one celebrate Thanksgiving in Hungary when you are far away from family and there is nothing like Thanksgiving around you? Hungary, like many countries outside of the United States and Canada doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. It is my first time being in away from well everything that reminded me of Thanksgiving. I knew that it would be difficult for me to be away from my family and all things Thanksgiving. I wanted to do something special. I wasn't sure what until in September two friends from school, Becca & Amanda, asked me if I was interested in traveling over our long Thanksgiving weekend. I said yes! It was a great thing to do over a weekend where I would be missing all the comforts of home.
On a dreary, cloudy, frosty, Thanksgiving morning, we left on our adventure. I drove..yes, I drove in Europe and it was a manual too! It was a little nerve racking at first mostly because I hadn't driven in 3 months and well... it is Hungary after all! God granted us safety on the road and many other blessings.
Blessing number 1: Safe travel back and forth
Blessing number 2: Our hotel/bed & breakfast upgraded us without extra cost.
Blessing number 2: Our hotel/bed & breakfast upgraded us without extra cost.
Blessing number 3: Sunshine and blue sky for two days. :)
Blessing number 4: Skyping with my family. I was surprised we had WiFi strong enough.
Blessing number 5... 20... 32... 67.......... Amazing beauty that God created to display his glory.
Blessing above all Blessings: Having a God how loved me so much to send his son to die for me so I could live with him forever and ever.
My first Thanksgiving meal away from home and my first ever at a restaurant.
Appetizer: Bread covered with bacon fat. It was actually quite tasty.
My dinner of pork loin in mushroom sauce with potato croquettes. It wasn't the same a roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry salad, sweet potatoes and rolls but it was good.
Our "Thanksgiving in a box"
Becca has a Bela-Russian friend who lives in Hungary and made us a special treat for Thanksgiving. She made delicious pecan pie tarts made with pecans for the US as they are not found here. It was a delight and very special treat to have a little bit of home on Thanksgiving.
The next few days we did some site seeing and touring around Slovenia.
Becca has a Bela-Russian friend who lives in Hungary and made us a special treat for Thanksgiving. She made delicious pecan pie tarts made with pecans for the US as they are not found here. It was a delight and very special treat to have a little bit of home on Thanksgiving.
The next few days we did some site seeing and touring around Slovenia.
The Julian Alps of Slovenia were stunning with fall still hanging on not wanting or letting winter come yet.
The weekend ended with a brisk walk around the lake with stunning views.
The weekend was a relaxing time away. The beauty and splendor of God's creation made being far, far from a meal around my grandma's table a little more bearable. I am thankful for so much. God is so good to take care of me even in little ways like new Thanksgiving memories that I can now mingle with my other Thanksgiving memories.
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