Elet Szava, Toalmas, HU: 2009

I think I may have posted this photo before. It is of the yellow castle at Elet Szava in Toalmas, HU--formally known as the Andrassy Castle built in the 1880's. The wooden staircase at the main entrance (on the opposite side of the castle) is a replica of the one in the Paris Opera House.

This photo is of that staircase--definitely not the best photo...but it gives you an idea of what it looks like. Up the stars are rooms that guests stay in while serving at Elet Szava...or visitors during the school year. Through those doors is the Gold Room...so named for the golden painted bits around the ceiling.

The reason I am reminiscing is actually two fold...The first is that this time last year I was at Elet Szava with my two team mates preparing for the end of week banquet.

This was both a fun time and a sad time...it was great fun to get 'dressed up' and to have our supper tables all decorated. It was sad since the kids would depart early the next morning--as would we with most of the other Camp Volunteers from the States for a day of sightseeing in Budapest and Szentendre. Too bad...I blew up my camera charger that morning, so I cannot share any photos from Szentendre...but I can give you one of our supper table from banquet!

The second reason these things have been on my mind is because my good friend Talitha and I are hoping to return to serve at Elet Szava next summer.

Tentatively we would leave on 10 July 2009 for another two week adventure! We will be serving again by helping with the English classes offered at the summer camp. Rather than working with the middle school kids, this time we'll be with older kids. The things we would be working on would more likely be sentence structure and conversation rather than simple vocabulary and basic conversation skills. I know that I am super excited to see what the Lord has in store for Talitha and I. She is in a time of transition as she continues her schooling in AZ as well as working full time. I am struggling with discipline and balance. God is good...and faithful. We both know that if God wants us to return to Elet Szava in 2009...that is exactly where we will be!

Arizona: Day 02

After a good rest I was ready for another day.

I must here interject a great tragedy I've discovered on this trip:

This was the sight that filled my eyes at two, yes two, of locations I frequent whilst in the Vallley. I had already checked the website and the only location shown on the map is located at 40th St. & Camelback. The one above is located right across from the Starbucks I was at yesterday (photo taken then). Typically, this would be where I would want to meet...and if it had been open we would have immediately gone there. The second is at Tatum and Bell in the Basha's plaza. Word on the street all these locations are being re-done in some new way and will reopen a couple of months. Little good this is to satisfy my Dunkin' Donut Desire.

Today...I was headed to Buckeye. I figured 'on the way' I'd stop over at the 40th Street location for some Munchikins and a dozen donuts (I have a coupon--thanks Shan!). Much to my dismay...this is what awaited me:
Oh, the sorrow!

Next trip--Donuts every day!!!

To ease my sadness I went through the Fazoli's Drive through next door and bought four garlic sticks and a small soda. Definitely not donuts...but, the garlicy goodness was wonderful! These are no ordinary breadsticks...they are garlic heaven! Dipped in parmesan cheese--YUM!

Then off I drove to Buckeye. It's really not that far--it just feels like I'm halfway to Disneyland sometimes ;) I happily munched my sticks of garlic heaven and played with the radio.

Radio...a novel concept in autos, no?? I'm sure no one else thinks this way, yet me and my AM only back home found it completely enthralling to have so many listening options!

Soon I was with Amber and Megan doing a lot of not much. It is great to just hang out. Having eaten bread for lunch...by afternoon I felt I needed a bit more to make it thru until supper. Thank goodness Amber had bacon! She kindly cooked it up crispy and wonderful and we snacked.

At this point I'm sure those of you who do not know of my unique dining habits...well, you're catching on. I do, on the whole, eat a well balanced diet. I'm pretty good at moderation in general. There are some wonderful exceptions...like when I travel!

We chat and Megan showed me lots of books and some fun wooden toys she has. Sadly, I forgot to take a self portrait of the three of us. :( I also was hoping for a better shot of the compass. I've ever seen anyone quite as enthralled with this wonderful device. Well, beside me when I'm lost--seriously, how many people keep a compass on them at almost all times!


Early afternoon I began my trek back across the valley. I went the northern route as to catch a couple of folks on my way.

First I stopped at an old haunt...the Coldstone on 83rd Ave and Bell. I enjoyed a Like It chocolate with strawberries while having a lovely chat with Miss Talitha, my traveling companion from my Hungary trip last summer. This is the first time we have had an opportunity to catch up since we parted company in July of last year. All I can say...is I can hardly wait to plan our next trip!!! This photo looks very much like many we took all over HU. Good times...no crushed ice.

To end the day was a quick bite to eat with Chrissy. We met up at Texas Roadhouse. It was good to miss the crowds...and we sat at a very high table. Why this is of note, I'm not sure. We did find it noteworthy at the time, however. The main purpose of this trip is a wedding. Chrissy's to be precise! So this was our bit of hang out time before the festivities begin! It was a good time! (still no crushed ice) This is the second shot I took-after running across the parking lot for I'd forgotten while we were at the restaurant. It is pretty average. I took two because when I snapped the other I had just realised that this was our last girls supper with Chrissy being a single lass! We laughed after the first one...and then looked very happy in this one.

Here is the first one--rather silly on my part, reckon?



Again a nice day. I was pleased to be feeling pretty well--very tired, but well. As mentioned above...it is difficult for me sometimes...knowing there are many folks I really want to see....
Temperature: low-mid eighties with increasing winds. When I post general AZ photos, I have a couple trying to catch the force of these dust stirring events!
Average speed on the roads: 75