Thursday, May 24, 2007
Today was one of the longest days of the trip, but we all would have to agree
that it was also one of the most enjoyable. We had an early start than
normal; we woke up around 4 am in order to leave for the airport. Our
6:30 am flight to Budapest wasn’t too bad. Most of the students tried
to catch up on sleep.
We arrived in Hungary around 8:30 am and our first visit in Hungary was to
the OSI Group’s plant. Right when we first stepped in, we were all told
to where these clear plastic coats, and coverings that went over our
feet, hands, hair and eyes. This was to keep the plant clean and
sterile. We split up into two groups and then toured the plant to see
how chicken was processed and packaged. At one point we even were
allowed to sample some of their chicken products, and it was delicious!
We then left to go to the company site to attend two more presentations
about the Meat industry around the world. The room that we sat in was
beautiful and had framed pictures of horses all around it. It was
almost like a foreshadowing of events. After the lectures we watched a
Hungarian horse show in a garden with a huge fountain in the center.
One of the horses went a little crazy and broke free from the reigns of
his keeper! We also got a chance to ride in the horse carriages.
considered a delicacy! The brave souls who tasted it said it tasted
like butter. We all loaded the bus after lunch to head to our next
destination. At this point we were all pretty tired, even though only
half of the day was over. Little did we realize that the best was still
yet to come!
originally a monastery founded in 996, is one of the oldest historical
monuments in Hungary. This was arguably one the prettiest places we had
visited. The chapel, library, and crypt were highlights of the tour. We
concluded with wine tasting in the wine cellar! Our host even taught of
wine drinking etiquette. The wine was delicious, and many of us bought
a bottle or two to bring back to the states.
At this point we all had our second wind of the day and were looking
forward to dinner. We had a traditional hungarian dinner with live
music. Our hosts from OSI were so kind, and even gave each of us gifts
- either a wine chilling vase or wine tasting spittoon. Dinner was
delicious and plentiful as was the wine that accompanied it. Towards
the end of dinner we all got up, formed a huge circle and were taught
some traditional hungarian dance moves. The dinner and dancing didn’t
end till very late, and needless to say we all fell asleep very easily
after a very long and very enjoyable day.