The whistle screeches as the puck lands on the ice with a solid ‘thunk’. Players with ponytails streaming out the back of their helmets fight for control over the black piece of rubber. Finally, a player in a red, white, and blue jersey breaks the stalemate and rushes toward the goal.
Junior Katie Sullivan screams an enthusiastic “GO TORI” from atop the bleachers at the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Tori Sullivan grabs the rebounded puck and smashes it into Team Hungary’s net. Meanwhile, Katie jumps to her feet and twirls around.
It is a once in a life-time opportunity to watch her sister play in the championships, especially when it is half-way across the world in Budapest, Hungary. The Sullivans (Katie, Tori and their parents) arrived in Hungary this past Saturday. So far, they have done a some sight-seeing and experienced some Hungarian culture.
“My favorite part of the trip has been seeing all of the architecture,” said Katie Sullivan. “The buildings are a lot older than in the U.S., and they are very beautiful and detailed.”
In addition to watching her sister skate and experiencing the splendor of Budapest, Sullivan has visited the Central Market, which is very busy. The market features several floors of vendors with everything from fresh meats to traditional Hungarian clothing to knickknacks. Surprisingly, Sullivan has not experienced culture shock, and, in fact, believes that the Hungarian culture is similar to ours.
“Something that stuck out to me [is] that the people here eat a lot of red meat,” said Sullivan. “I have also tasted some traditional Hungarian foods like ghoulish soup, and it was actually really good. We also have bought a lot of Hungarian pastries which are light and airy.”
The Sullivan family will remain in Hungary for 10 days. Both Katie and Tori feel pressure from the extended period of time they are missing school. However, their teachers are very understanding and with the help of wifi the girls are able to complete their homework and upload assignments to Moodle from all the way across the ocean.
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