Midterm Mania

Jó estét!

Today was our first test of the term, our midterm examination. As a treat from Professor Berliner, we each received a study snack last night, Túró Rudi, the most popular Hungarian chocolate bar. It is made with curd and is covered with a layer of chocolate. The taste is very similar to a cheesecake with chocolate on top.

Túró Rudi, a very popular Hungarian treat

After a long day of studying continuing late last night, many woke up tired, and yet determined to crush our midterm examination. Although only two weeks into the term, we all had to come to terms with the fact that this is indeed halfway through interim.

Evidence of Studying for our test

In just a couple of hours, we were able to surmount the obstacle of the dreaded midterm examination, and turned in the completed tests with our heads held high. With the weight of the looming exam lifted, many groups decided to return to the Goat Herder or other similar restaurants for a much-needed pick-me-up lunch, and by the afternoon, we all headed back to McDaniel College to hear a talk about Hungarian History and Culture given by András Nagy.

He told us about Hungary's complex history. Hungary has spent much of its past under the rule of another power, including the Turks, the Austrians, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Soviet Russia. After some unfortunate choices in alliances in the World Wars, Hungary was taken over by Communist Soviet Russia and remained that way until relatively recently.  

András Nagy talking to our class about Hungary

Additionally, he spoke about Hungary's involvement in the Holocaust and the many Jewish Hungarians who were sent to concentration camps. It was also very interesting to hear that the very school that we have been attending, now called McDaniel College, was originally a Jewish school.

Star of David seen near the entrance of McDaniel College

Following the talk, we made our way back to the hotel to unwind. Some of us chose to make a stop at a shopping mall to pick up some necessities and take in some of Budapest's architecture. 

WestEnd City Center

After this, we spent some time eating leftovers and sandwiches while playing card games and watching Netflix before going to bed.

We are ready to get back into learning new material and to have two sections of math class in the morning and afternoon tomorrow!

Love from Budapest!

-Room 653 (Emily, Victoria, Olivia)