Choir practice #3

Choir practice #3 proved to be a stressful one.  We are singing at mass (I think two masses) this coming Sunday in Papa (Megan’s town).  This is my big debut in the choir- so I am working hard to really get the songs, but like I have said it’s not easy reading my part, and the words and the beats – and on top of it, Kata sprung at least 5 new songs on us last night.  I swear – she’s trying to kill me.  At one point, I just stopped and said “Kata, are you kidding me?”  I don’t think a translation was necessary. 

We were at Lotzi’s house yesterday.  His wife is an artist, in fashion and in paint I think.  His home has two parts, the front part is an art gallery/botique (with an indoor pool) and the other part is the home.  It was quite eclectic with lots of different kinds of art and sculpture – it’s the first time I have actually seen one of those large asian vases in anyone’s home.  Of course good food was to follow – I tried blood sausage for the first time, and something that resembled Hungarian SPAM – but the best part of practice was the fact that before we started singing – palinka was served.  Nem Koszonom – “no thank you” was my response.  I think there is still some paprika palinka in my blood from Kalocsa.  Yeesh.

The choir is getting more friendly – which is good since we are spending the weekend together… I can’t wait to see what plays out there.  I’m going to drag Megan along to as much of the weekend as possible – so I won’t have to sit in my own silence pretending I know what’s going on.  At times, it can be quite exhausting trying to follow conversations (and Hungarians are “over-talkers” they talk over one another with raised voices and somehow people always know what is going on – even if 5 people are speaking!).  I am always alert, trying to hear words that I understand, and trying to pay attention if anyone is attempting to talk to me – it’s quite exhausting really.  I wouldn’t have it any other way though.  I am truly getting to know the depths of some Hungarian people.  I visit their homes, meet their families and share traditional meals with them (minus the palinka).  Maybe by the spring, I’ll have the courage (and the money? I haven’t been paid since June – so send any funds you want to J) to host.  I have cramped quarters, and no indoor pool – but I can buy wine like the rest of them.  As for the blood sausage, that might be a different story- maybe I could serve White Castle hamburgers or something…