Day 5 (mod 11)

Welcome to another exciting chapter of Jahn Bahn in Budapest!

We began the day by heading to the college to learn two new “beautiful” theorems. While some of us were slightly overcome by the beauty of Professor Hanson’s proofs, we were certainly able to appreciate the math happening before us. After a short break, we had a talk on Hungarian politics by Andras Nagy. Andras led us through Hungary’s troubled history, from their many military losses to their frequent occupations by the Ottomans/Germans/Russians/etc… Andras’ delivery lightened the mood of the class, and he made sure to emphasize the many beautiful things about Hungary, but it is clear that the Hungarians are a people that do not shy away from their problems, whether these problems be in the past or the present political landscape.

Changing of the guard

Matthias tower

Matthias church

After learning about the many horrors of the history of Hungary, we decided to depress ourselves further by visiting the Labyrinth of Buda Castle. This wonderful place was discovered after Jono searched “sketchiest locations in Budapest”  with his limited wifi, and after giving a rousing speech that appealed to everyone’s sense of adventure, he was able to get some friends to go with him. A sprawling maze of caves situated underneath the Buda Castle, the Labyrinth was once among the world’s 50 most interesting locations. After a suspected terror attack in 2011 and a subsequent riot, the caves were closed and most of its illustrious attractions were removed. However, it has since reopened, and even though it’s a shadow of what it once was, we still had a great time exploring it. The highlight of the trek was a 15 minute journey through utter darkness with only the help of a rope on the wall to guide us. Some members of the group hung on to the backpacks of the more adventurous people who forged ahead, searching for secrets with only their outstretched arms to guide them.

Dracula's tomb

Turtle (Otherwise known as James (Otherwise known as Matthew)) and his trusty steed

King Jonathan with knaves Jevrem and Jono

...did anyone remember to let Sam and Jevrem out of their cage?

After spelunking we had a fabulous dinner at a small little restaurant right next to the Danube called Magyar QTR Bistro. It was some of the most delicious (and most expensive) meals some of us have eaten in our short time in Budapest. Jonathan enjoyed pork belly with saurkraut and risotto while Jono had lamb goulash with strapachka (dumplings). The best thing that people ate, though, was a chocolate souffle which Brynna bought, but then she let everybody else take a bite. Jevrem, on the other hand, decided to try some traditional Hungarian pizza.

Lamb Goulash

Pork belly

Signing out,

JJJ (Jev Jon Jono)

P.S. This may be the last time you hear from us, since today's cave expedition has prompted us to seek deeper and darker areas of Budapest... 30 km Pál-völgyi cave system, here we come!