THE CULTURAL ARTS OF BUDAPEST

The past week we had an opportunity to tour the "State Opera House" in Budapest. It stands as one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in all of Europe.  It is considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world in terms of its acoustics and its horse-shoe auditorium seats 1200 people. We loved the beautiful paintings and gold painted arches and trims that covered the interior of the building.  We had an opportunity to hear a couple of opera numbers at the end of the tour.  The gentleman who sang to us is one of the landlords for one of our missionary apartments.

The reflection mirror at the top of the Kings entrance stairway.

King and Queens personal Opera Box

The grand staircase.

Zsolton, our Opera performer.

We were just out for an "after dinner stroll" when we came upon these dancers and musicians from Bulgaria performing in Varsmarty Ter.  We stopped and enjoyed the very catchy music.  We love this about the city of Budapest.  There is always some celebration or cultural event to enjoy.  Never a dull moment here

The weeks just seem to fly by with all there is to do.  We started our summer insitute classes this week.  Not as big of a turn out as we would like.  They have asked us to teach two of the classes in the next couple of months.  We had a service project on Saturday with the YSA.  We traveled by vilamos and then a train ride to the country to help a young family prepare a house they bought so they could move in.  The old paint on the walls needed to be scraped off.  The YSA's and I did that while Elder Peterson did some electrical things.  It was a great experience.  The family was very happy for the YSA's service and we loved helping them.