One of the primary goals of Sister Cities is to build relationships and foster understanding of different cultures. In August, five high school students from Tokaj, Hungary, along with their English teacher and another chaperone, spent two weeks based in Sonoma. Various members of the Tokaj Committee offered accomodations in their homes to the visitors, forging new friendships and providing an insight as to what “life in American homes” is like. Trip organizers had scheduled a full load of activities and sightseeing each day, starting the first day with a tour of Sonoma Plaza and downtown, led by Zsolt Takacs.
Zsolt Takacs (left) explaining Sonoma’s history to our Tokaj visitors.
At the end of the first day, our travellers enjoyed the first of many many American hamburgers at B & V Whiskey Bar.
The students also spent three separate days in San Francisco, went to Napa twice, and even drove to Los Angeles for a few days of beach-going and other sightseeing. One day they had a wonderful time racing go-karts at Sonoma Raceway!
They also had an opportunity to meet some Sonoma Valley High School students at a pizza party at Round Table.
High school students from Tokaj and Sonoma enjoying pizza at Round Table.
The students shared details about what they enjoy doing, their studies, and their home and family lives. They exchanged e-mails, and hopefully will remain in touch. The SVHS students were members of the Sonoma Sister Cities Club led by Andrew MacKale. George McKale from the SSCA donated the pizza dinner. The Tokaj students received gifts of a California mug and typical munchies. Some of the students met again at a Tuesday Night Farmers Market to exchange school tee-shirts.
From all accounts, the students had an exceptional experience and all hope to return to the United States for another visit!
