Seven Hungarian Bridgebuilders from the town of Sopron travelled to Iceland to be hosted by their Icelandic friends who visited them last summer.

In the summer of 2010 I went for the first time to Hungary. I had no idea what I was to expect from the trip. I didn‘t know the country, the group, the traditions or the language so I was certainly more than excited but still a little nervous. It turned out I had nothing to worry about! The group was extremely friendly, the country was beautiful, the traditions weren‘t so unlike ours and there were no languagebarriers. In the ten days or so that we spent in Hungary we checked out Sopron, which is the hometown of our group, we went to Lake Balaton and relaxed in the sun, travelled to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and did many more amazing things which I think none of us will ever forget! We made great friends there, many of whom I hope to keep for life. Then in May 2011 the Hungarian group came to Iceland to see our country. They stayed here for a week and saw a little part of the unique nature of Iceland. It was so much fun reconnecting with all of them and to get to introduce our country to them. They got to experience the raw nature of Iceland along with the ever-changing weather, the one of a kind food and the culture. I believe and certainly hope they all liked their stay, also that they will come back to Iceland and that someday we will meet again and remember our good times in Hungary and Iceland.

Melkorka Kristjánsdóttir

Our Icelandic journey was one of the most remarkable tours in my life and am so much thankful for that! The volcanic eruption, trying the traditional foods, the landscape, the kindness of the people, the whole icelandic worldview.. the time, that we can spend with a family. I think I learned a lot. Besides all of the wonder I really enjoyed the time that we spent in the church with all of the funny games and keen talking. I have never expected that a church also can be a clubplace, where people can just have fun. I believe honestly, that the Icelandic people are really good at making joy in the other’s heart!

Szonja from Hungary