Hungarians are different to Romanians. The last decades since the 1956 crackdown have been more benevolent than in Romania.
There is disbelief about the suffering of anthroposophists in Romania and incorrect beliefs about their own country. Nora was convinced Lake Balaton was only for wealthy tourists and full of ugly resorts. Eva had told me that was only true of some parts and much of it was very beautiful. Eva believed that Miskolc was only an industrial city and couldn’t have a lovely Waldorf school in lovely surroundings. The truth is that the industrial aspect of Miskolc has long since gone and only the ruins of factories remain.
With ‘freedom’ the oligarchs left, industry closed down and a high proportion of the population lost their jobs.
These are just two examples of mistaken beliefs about their own country and their neighbors, which brings a bit more understanding about what seems like confused beliefs of the population in Ukraine.
Romania is worried; Hungary doesn’t seem to be. I suppose much of it depends on previous experience of communism.
I’m having quite a grand time in Miskolc with Nora Kunos, a Waldorf school parent who can organize a few days of traditional Hungarian activities and sites for us to visit when we come.
A highlight for me was being asked to speak to a Grade 12 class who were about to have an English class. They were respectful, curious about Canada in general and BC in particular, and had good questions. They delighted in bear stories and wanted to know about the Inuit. I so enjoy working with Waldorf high school students. It was good meeting some teachers and it was apparent that I passed The Test – whatever that was. Nora gave me a good report next day and a message of welcome.