Wow this is a beautiful city, amazing architecture, old classy buildings mixed with the stark contrast of some communist erected buildings, so you really get the sense of conflict that this country has endured.
I have been slapped in the face with the reality of some of the lives of the street people here. One evening when we were enjoying our outdoor dining experience an old man was coming up to each table and muttering (I assume in Hungarian) and just staring at the food on each table, just standing 2 feet away and looking at us with eyes that were pleading yet defiant. I really didn't know how to respond and found myself looking down at the table embarressed, uncomfortable, and having no idea how to repond. The owner of the restaurant came over and talked to him softly and motioned him to a nearby bench. Before long the owner went over to him with some food wrapped in a napkin and a bottle of water. The gesture just made me tear up (and I am now as I think about it). This is such a growth opportunity for me. . .
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Teary-eyed? That makes two of us. Oh dear, travel is the best way to find those uncomfortable places within us that are easily hidden away when we are living at home and trying to stay within our comfort zone. I have had more discomfort than I want to remember living in India and Africa. It took me a long time to make friends with that discomfort. For me to do that, I had to acknowledge the human-ness in whatever was making me uncomfortable. It was saying hello or smiling or asking a question or sometimes even being bold enough to say, "I feel really uncomfortable right now and I am not sure why." Those were the ways that I tried settling into the discomfort and the pain and it usually helped to dissipate it. Thanks for sharing that story. I look forward to more...
ReplyDeleteHi Moffers - This is my first time blogging. First Facebook, now blogging. . what are you going to make me do next?? Please keep posting! Sorry you had an uncomfortable experience with a homeless man. It was fascinating to me that the restaurant owner not only let him stay, but gave him food. You would NEVER see that in this country! How are your kids? How's your apartment? Are you having fun?? Hi to Jack . .
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