On the first Sunday of February, we visited the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest with university students, where we had the opportunity to explore an exhibition about Budapest’s first Golden Age (around the turn of the century) with guidance from Professor András Török. This period received the “Golden Age” label retrospectively, much like King Matthias was retrospectively dubbed just and the Middle Ages dark. Nevertheless, we acquired interesting stories and information, enriched by the chance to admire period postcards and stereoscopic images. We learned how the present-day Elizabeth Bridge looked in its pre-World War II splendor and discovered that trams once drew their electric power from an underground third rail, thus the overhead wires had not yet crisscrossed the city. Participating in the exhibition was definitely worthwhile; it was enriching to get to know the former face of the Hungarian capital.
The cultural journey did not end there for the day; in the evening, many of us went to the Central Theater to watch the play “Network,” all within the framework of the S10 Academy Theater course. The production provided an excellent experience; the acting performances were superb, and the set was extremely impressive. I believe we all benefited from seeing this play, which addressed questions about the media and the functioning of the world.
Berta Fábián, Szeged Group 3
