Don’t you just love holidays where the hosts tell you that breakfast is at 9am? And that the trip will leave at 10.00? Yep, me too. Well, let’s face it – when you’re on holiday, do you really want to be up at the crack of dawn? So that was the way it was in Miklosvar. On this day’s agenda were several things we thought would be interesting and fun and so it proved. We started our travels with a visit to a Saxon fortified Church in Honiberg. Strange to see so many Germanic names till you realise the extent of the Saxons. These people knew how to defend themselves. The village was built with the Church on the hill – and it was well fortified with very thick walls and wonderful accommodation for every villager. 
Let's say you lived in house number 75 in the village. Well, when the Turkish hordes decided they wanted to visit, you sought shelter in the fortified Church grounds, and guess what? Your room in the walls there was also number 75! So you could never get confused or lost. And with true Germanic efficiency, there was a school; various workplaces (carpenters, smiths, weavers, bakers etc) so no one was idle in times of trouble. The able bodied men would of course be manning the walls, hurling various missiles down on enemy heads, but deep inside life carried on as usual. Even water was no problem as every fortified Church/village had its own well, if not two or three. Unlike most Polish churches these were all Lutheran -so very plain with inscriptions in Latin or German. The war memorials were in German Gothic script; quite took me back to my early German lessons at school (I knew there was a reason for those old text books – Aufenhalt in Deutschland!!)
In addition to this we had the fun of a crazy puppy which wanted to steal everything we had including gloves, hats, cameras…. But lovely with it. After this amazing place we went on into Braşov. We wanted to see the Black Church but unfortunately it was shut! On Christmas Eve of all times… but then again, the excuse was that they were preparing for Christmas Eve services. I have to say that this would not have happened in Poland.
We had lunch which included the purchase of a bottle gin and several tonics! Oh yes… plans were afoot for a very merry Christmas! Walking round a bit of Braşov we saw that even in the bigger towns there was not the wealth of Polish towns. Not to worry – we were all hanging out for a trip up the gondola to see the view of the town. Well, when we got up there it was VERY snowy and FREEZING!! But it was well worth it. Despite the freezing cold wind and a distinct worry that we were about to be blown off the edge of the mountain the view was tremendous and it was quite a thrill to stand behind the giant town sign! (Rather like being behind a Hollywood sign, only more interesting!)
Well, we had to catch the last gondola down…and some of us thought wed managed to miss it – as we arrived just as they switched off the lights and a gondola left! But luckily another one came up with driver so we were ok. This was after we’d made plan to break into the restaurant, raid the bar and spend Christmas Eve eating frozen pizzas and drinking their bar dry! Never mind – another time.
So… home to Miklosvar and time for showers before the evening’s festivities began. First up on the agenda was a mini-concert by children from the next village. They were brought into the sitting room and sang Hungarian Christmas songs and carols. Boy, could they belt ‘em out. They were lovely,
with all the acting and big smiles. Frankly it was a really good start to Christmas Eve. But then it was time for the dinner. Unlike Poland, there is no ban on meat and it showed. We only had five courses – meat. Lots of pork – so tasty. We tucked in and after soup and lots of cabbage rolls and pork we were treated to the piece de resistance…a whole suckling pig! Oh yes! Mona and Charlie carried it in and it was amazing. This was a first and everyone ate so much that there was very little left. And we still had to have pudding! Of course we dug into the Count’s wine cellar… we were assured that on Christmas Eve the ‘rules’ and honesty book were suspended. Just as well!!
So what should a well-fed and waterd group do after such a meal? Hah! Easy! Charades! Oh yes. We played charades and it was the funniest thing you’ve ever seen. No one took it seriously so it was hilarious. Don’t you just love the frustration when someone can’t get their message across?
After that the six stalwarts stayed until midnight so we could wish each other a Happy Christmas. And so ended our Christmas Eve. This was another Christmas Eve which we will never forget. Great trip, great company and great food.
No comments:
Post a Comment