Budapest But Really Peter Adventures

Peter, Sheri and I in front of his University

Sheri and I hopped on a Ryanair flight from Bristol to Budapest. This airline is exactly as advertised. They take no frills seriously! Fortunately, it was a quick flight and we arrived in Budapest with little hassle. It was pure serendipity that we were headed to Budapest as it was the departure point for a river cruise on which we were booked. It also just happened to be where Peter was currently enrolled in college earning his masters degree.

Roughly 12 years ago, we began sponsoring Peter's education through the Hilde Back Education Fund. I simply cannot overstate what a remarkable organization this is with the most wonderful origin story. You can check them out by watching the documentary A Small Act.

One of the guys I play poker with recounted a story from his college days where a classmate of his got into some difficulties. The issue was resolved by the classmate's father by using his vast financial resources. The conclusion of the story was that "It's not a real problem if it can be solved with money." This has stuck with me ever since. Money is a completely man made, arbitrary system. We could choose to solve problems if we wanted to, but for some reason handing a bit of paper over to someone will make them do the right thing. How absolutely insane is that?

For four years, Sheri and I paid for Peter's high school tuition. After those four years, he was accepted to the University of Nairobi where he continued his studies graduating with his bachelor's degree. We continued to help out a bit, but very little was needed at this point. Hopefully, we provided a bit of moral support. Peter then got accepted to a masters program at the University of Corvinus in Budapest with a full scholarship.

Peter is the single best investment of our lives. Sheri and I literally did nothing. We simply wrote a check and then a bit more opportunity was given to Peter. We did not solve a real problem. Peter did the work. He is the one that took advantage and put in the effort and solved the real problems. So while I would like to think what a wonderful thing I did, in the end it was the simplest thing imaginable.

After graduating high school, Peter and Sheri found each other on Facebook, and we began to get to know Peter on a more personal level. He seemed so serious to me and was always impeccably dressed. He clearly took his education seriously and became heavily involved in the campus life. I would constantly remind him to remember to have fun along the way.

The School

The first thing we did upon our arrival was get a tour of Peter's school. He took us around to the various buildings with the classrooms, libraries, eateries and all the usual places that make up a college campus. The stairs in the stairwell listed many of the various degrees available. Despite how much I complain about the profession, I of course, had to stand on the step that was instrumental in my being able to lead the absurd life I do.

There was no explanation, but there was a platform 9 3/4 in one of the hallways of the school. A perfect photo op for Sheri.

Peter then took us to his dorm room. It really transported me back to those days. The tiny room just big enough for a bed, a desk, and a little storage space. To be a broke college student with nothing but opportunities ahead of you. Perhaps I romanticize a bit, but I was just happy to be in that environment.

Welcome Dinner

On the evening of our arrival we would get to meet some of Peter's Kenyan classmates who all got together to make us dinner. Michael (in the blue shirt) made chapati, which is a flatbread similar to naan. It is a special occasion bread. Michael is a freshman at the University and has turned his bread making into a small business as he has a few clients that he sells his bread to.

Felix, in the yellow sweatshirt, made ugali. It is the staple grain of the Kenyan diet. It is traditionally served at almost every meal. It is made out of cornmeal. It is similar to polenta but cooked longer until its a firmer texture. It tasted like a very thick corn tortilla.

Abby, standing in front of the sink, made the chicken. Every floor had the tiniest kitchen you have ever seen. The group commandeered two of the kitchens to make our feast. Sheri would run back and forth between the two kitchens to see what they were making and learn any new dishes she can.

We all sat down and enjoyed a wonderful meal together, but the company was even better. They have created such a strong sense of community in their tiny corner of the world. Everyone was incredibly nice to us, despite Jocine wearing a USC sweatshirt, for which she was resoundingly and rightfully chastised. We politely explained that UCLA was the appropriate school to support.

Finally, not to leave anyone out, the young woman standing next to Sheri in the group photo is Esther.

Peter gifted Sheri the red and black checkerboard patterned blanket. The blanket comes from the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania and indicated that Sheri was the guest of honor. She has used it ever since.

Cooking Class

Sheri's official birthday present was a cooking class. Sheri, Peter and I, along with 9 other guests, met our host at the local market. We would wind our way through the endless stalls and purchase our ingredients to make chicken paprikash. We picked up some chicken and various spices from her favorite vendors. We were then treated to a brief history of Budapest and were served palinka. This is just a drink straight from the bowels of hell. It ranges from anywhere between 50% to 75% alcohol. Peter and I quickly gave ours to Sheri after taking a brief sip.

We headed to a lovely apartment with a huge kitchen set up for the 12 would be chefs. We proceeded to work our way through the recipe by cutting up the tomatoes, peppers, garlic and other ingredients. We cooked our chicken in the sauce and also made dumplings. We rested for a bit while the meal finished cooking and then we all sat down and had a very fine meal. It turned out beautifully.

Peter would go on to make the meal for his classmates later in the week to rave reviews.

More Socializing....Ugh

Sheri made me socialize again. We had a afternoon free and had lunch with Steev. He is a solo traveler that has been nomading for 6 years. We had a very lovely lunch and heard some of his adventures. He does house sitting when he can and was currently taking care of a couple of cats who he had become quite attached to and was very sad that he would be moving on soon.

Happy Birthday

While the cooking class (and the upcoming cruise - you will have to wait until the next blog entry) were Sheri's birthday presents, for her actual day of birth she chose to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. We had a nice albeit familiar meal.

The Whole Gang

We all went out to lunch and had a wonderful meal. We did our best to take them to an American style restaurant (barbeque) to introduce them to some of those culinary delights. There were some hits and misses with most people enjoying the ribs. Once again it was the company that mattered, and we had a lovely time. Sitting next to Sheri in the first picture is Lorna, and everyone else you have already met.

After lunch we all headed to the grocery store, and everyone filled up their baskets. It was so much fun. Go out and find a college student and take them to the store. I guarantee you will have a blast. I immediately noticed how everyone went straight to get fresh fruits and vegetables. No one got processed foods or premade lunches etc.

It was a bit of an arduous journey, albeit short, getting all the food back to the dorm. Fortunately, they are all young and strong.

Back to School

One of the first things I asked Peter when we got together was if I could go with him and sit in on one of his classes. Peter contacted his professor, and she said I was welcome. This turned out to be the most enjoyable thing I did in Budapest. The class was an hour and half and the first 45 minutes was a presentation by two students on their home country of Maldives. This was easily the most international student body I have ever seen. Roughly 20 students were in the class, and they were from all over the world.

The 2nd half of the class was a mock parliament. The students debated a proposed bill that would allow another one of the Maldives Islands to be developed for tourism. The class was divided into different groups including the current government, the opposition, and two other groups. Some of the members were corrupt! They then debated the bill. Peter was a vocal member of the opposition while Felix was a determined member of the government. After listening to the debate, I was firmly on the side of "No" however I did not have a vote and the bill based by an easy margin, most likely aided by the corrupt members who were promised kickbacks.

I left the class with Peter and his friend Felix encouraged and hopeful for the future. I see very little to be positive about in the world these days, but I would recommend you sit in on a college class and look at these young people passionately working towards a better future.

Out and About

While I was back in school, Sheri took herself on a walking tour of the city. She criss-crossed the bridges between Buda and Pest and saw many grand buildings and statues.

I must highlight the little brass plaque. These can be found throughout Europe. They are stumbling stones. They are purposefully slightly raised on the side walks. They have the name and dates of when a person was taken and sent off to a concentration camp. It has their date of death if known. It fills me with overwhelming dread every time I see one of these. While the US continues to try and change its history with regards to slavery, the civil war, racism and equal rights Europe does the opposite and forces you to stumble over their historic atrocities in an effort to never forget and thus never let it happen again.

Evening Cruise Through Budapest

We took a short one hour cruise up and down the Danube river through the heart of the city. Budapest is one of the most gorgeous cities at night. They light up their buildings and it is simply stunning. Peter was able to join us and it was our last night together. What a spectacular visit we had.

Time to Move On

We said our goodbyes to Peter. We will see him again soon! The vicarious excitement I have for him, and all his classmates, cannot be overstated. Through his hard work and commitment to education the whole world has opened up to him. I cannot wait to see the impact he has on the world. Upon graduating, he plans to get a job and hopefully continue his education and earn his Ph.D. While it is not fair for us to think we had anything to do with it, I am overwhelmed with pride that I can say we had even the slightest impact on Peter's life, even though it was the smallest act we could have done.

Up next, we hop on river boat that will take us to Nuremburg with a very special guest on board. Stay tuned!

Brad & Sheri