Camp in Transylvania
On 20th July students of Nagybajom 2. and Jászság 3. groups travelled to Romania to explore the wonderful land of Transylvania.
Day 1. – We spent the first day mainly with travelling. After crossing the border we faced the beautiful mountains of Transylvania and in Kalotaszentkirály (where our first accomadation was) we enjoyed the hospitality of the local people.
Day 2. – After having a substantial breakfast we continued our trip to the hearth of the country. Our first stop was Kolozsvár, where we visited the cathedral and the main square and went to the cemetary of Házsongárd afterwards. We finished up the day in Torda, where we had a guided tour in the salt mine. Finally, we arrived in Csíkrákos where we will spend 4 nights with local families.
Day 3. – On the third day of our student camp in Transylvania we had a very nice excursion today. We explored the natural values of the land and learnt about legends. In the first half of the day we went to the Red Lake, where we were boating for an hour. Everybody was very excited about this activity. After that we tasted local food and, than continued our trip to Cheile Bizac. It was wonderful to experience the power of nature and we also had the opportunity to buy some souvenirs there. At the end of the day we returned to our host families and had dinner together. Krisztián Galambos, Barnabás Bogdán
Day 4. – On the fourth day of our trip to the land of Szeklers, we visited the town of Csíkszereda and Csíksomlyó. Firstly, we went up to Mikó castle where there were different interesting exhibitions about the history of the castle, and the life of Szekler people. After that we visited the Church of Csíksomlyó which is a very famous sacred place for the Hungarian people. The last program for the day was an excursions to the place where the border of Hungary was hundreds of years ago. In the evening we returned to the accomodarion where we had some sport activities.
Day 5. – We started the 5th day in Sovata, where we had a stroll around the famous salty Bear Lake;on the way to the lake we saw the famous Street of Villas. After that we arrived at Korond which is one of the most remarkable places of Szekler folk art. We visited Józsa family’s artscraft. The family has been doing canvas for almost 300 years. Our next stop was Farkaslaka where we found the grave of the famous writer, Áron Tamási. The last destination during this exciting day was Szejkefürdő, where the monument of Balázs Orbán, consisting of 14 Szekler gates, stands. We were enriched by a lot of new pieces of information of the Szeklers today as well.
Day 6. – On the last day of our Transylvania trip we went to Székelyderzs, where the group visited the fortress temple, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage. In the church we we saw five hundrend year old wall paintings and we got to know the traditions of the local people. After that we travelled to Segesvár, where we were entertained by performers and musicians inside the castle district. It was a very exciting to see the ancient culture of our ancestors. At the end of the day we returned to Kalotaszentkirály where we spent our last night in Transylvania. Thank you!
We spent an enjoyable week in Transylvania in a historical camp where we could get the best from local people. Our group visited beautiful places for example Csík and Gyimes. We had the opportunity to explore fantastic landscapes in Transylvania such as red lake, Torda Salt Mine, Bear Lake and others. We were in historical cities and villages such as in Segesvár castle, Kolozsvár, Csíkszereda, Csíksomlyó. The most important monuments of the land were visited by us such as the graveyard of Házsongrád and the monument of Balázs Orbán and the grave of Áron Tamási. We lived with our host families as a result we got to know more information about the traditions of Transylvania, besides that we heard interesting stories, jokes told by elder people. Families cooked us local specialities; the food was substantial and delicious all week. The weather was quite hot, however, the atmosphere was friendly. We wish to return as soon as it is possible. We thank this week for Csányi Foundation, our mentors and volunteers. Nemoda Enikő and Szappanos Ádám Jász 3
As I saw it
I’m glad to take part in a History Camp in Transylvania as a volunteer.I was here for the first time, and I was very curious about the camp. It was the first time, when I went a camp as a mentor’s helper not as a student. During the week I tried to help more and more for everybody. We saw a lot of monuments during the days. I helped for the mentors, with the group of 24 student. It was really useful, and exciting for me, because I study as a teacher. I learnt how to walk safely in the crowded street with a big group. Besides, It was good to see how to organize and command a camp, and what rules have to order and keep, and how to make a history camp exciting. A students was very cooperative, so It wasn’t so hard to care of them. I had a greatly good times with them. I talked a lot with the jászberény and with the nagybajom group too, and I learnt so much about their ages. I suppose, the camp was useful for everybody. I was afraid about it, but I gain a good experience, and I learnt very much. I’m happy, because I spent this week in Transylvania with these children and mentors too. Thanks for it! Sós Nikolett volunteer