All Boarding - by Nigel A JAMES
A
Trip Between Times
There's
a train that goes to the south. It's a trip into
peace, it's off the main line and its speed is a pace that's
just above slow. It's a journey for they who have time; it's in
Hungary, and it goes down to Veszprem from Gyor. And what it goes
through, be it natural or made, is not only of beauty, but of great
interest, too. For this is a journey of times!
Leaving
Gyor, the train passes the Communist era straight through the
middle. On either side of the tracks are the large monotonous blocks
of socialist flats and only the cars and buses have changed since the
50s and 60s. But, when the train reaches the plain it becomes clear
that there have been no changes at all! Things are more or less just
as they always have been. This is the land of villages and
farms, and, not only that!
High
up on a hill and looking down upon this patchwork of settlements
and fields is the once mighty but still imposing
monastery of Pannonhalma. It's one of the finest schools in
Hungary and is famous for its wonderful library. And so, in the
shadow of this still important Roman Catholic centre, the train
carries on through a string of small timeless villages until it comes
to the start of the forested uplands. And these are impressive
for more than one reason.
The
Bakony is an place of extreme natural beauty. It's one of the
largest unspoiled forests in Europe, and amongst its
incredible nature there's something for everyone. It's not only
perfect for hiking and other kinds of up and down foresty sports, but
great for slowly unwinding as well. And the train takes you
straight to its heart. And then, after leaving the shadows of the
trees it's straight into Zirc.
And
Zirc is special as well. Apart from a beautiful monastery, it has an
incredible botanical garden and arboretum, too. And these alone are
reason enough for getting off of the train. But, of course, one has
to get back on to continue to Veszprem, and this little town is a
gem!
It
has everything! There is a wonderful castle with its history of old,
a fine Baroque centre, many churches, and a cultural life that's
incredible. Veszprem not only has traditional and modern theatre,
but puts on a great summer programme as well. And it has a brand new
concert house which is one of the finest I know! But, life in
Veszprem is normal living as well.
It
too has its plattenbau estates, and these, in their own kind of way
provide a balance between times. Veszprem is a sandwich of ancient
and modern with a filling of socialist taste in the middle. I find
it of interest and enjoy going back. And as I look out of the window
while journeying down I see the marching of seasons with their
colours and feelings. No journey is ever the same. The times they
may change, but the tracks will keep going for ever!
Vocabulary
era
– Zeitalter
imposing
- imposant
mighty
– mächtig
pace
– Tempo
settlements
– Siedlungen
unspoiled
– unverdorben
unwinding
- relaxen
village
- Dorf
Veszprem Sunset - by Nigel A JAMES
Diarikom
is sponsored by Mag. Karl Brieber
Wirtschaftstreuhänder
– Steuerberater – Unternehmensberater
