“I have been explaining my second family name, ‘[…] de Kereki’ for 32 years. In Uruguay it is not common and only my family on my mother's side has it. We have Hungarian origin. None of the family knows the language. My great-grandfather stopped speaking it when he arrived in Uruguay at the age of 17, after the First World War. A few years ago a new law was introduced, making possible for Hungarian descendants to obtain citizenship. So I started learning the language online for two years now and this year (2023) I applied for a scholarship to study in person in Budapest.”
“It was my first time in Europe. I arrived at Budapest on a cold January day. It was also the first time I saw snow.”
“In February I started the Hungarian course, which I found to be an interesting challenge to face. It's hard for me to pronounce it correctly. But I love the way it sounds and the logic of how the words are formed. My favorite word is színhaz, the house of colors, each color an emotion, as they explained to be easier to remember.”
“In June, I went to the small town that gave my great-grandfather's last name. Kereki. Near Lake Balaton.
I got to Siofok and then took a bus which runs 2-3 times a day to Kereki. I walked down the main street Petofi and arrived at the town hall, where there were many people, no one spoke English and I don't speak much Hungarian, so they went to look for the only girl who knew English. I had a conversation with her and I explained my situation and showed her my great-grandfather’s birth certificate, so she could see my last name.”
I got to Siofok and then took a bus which runs 2-3 times a day to Kereki. I walked down the main street Petofi and arrived at the town hall, where there were many people, no one spoke English and I don't speak much Hungarian, so they went to look for the only girl who knew English. I had a conversation with her and I explained my situation and showed her my great-grandfather’s birth certificate, so she could see my last name.”
“These people were gathered because the next day was Falunapja. They invited me to stay in a room in a family's house. I spent the night with them and the next day we went together to celebrate. Falunapja was held in a park.with games for children, lángos, and dance performances. There was also a game of who could throw a boot as far as possible. They inaugurated a látogatóközpont.
I was able to meet several people who live in Kereki, such as the councilor and families.
I had an incredible day that I'm sure I'll never forget and I'm still in contact with the family that hosted me for the night, I hope to see them soon!”
I was able to meet several people who live in Kereki, such as the councilor and families.
I had an incredible day that I'm sure I'll never forget and I'm still in contact with the family that hosted me for the night, I hope to see them soon!”
“I finished year of stay taking the A2 level exam, consisting of oral, written, reading and listening parts. By the end of December, I return to Uruguay with an experience that I will never forget and I hope I will return soon.”
