It is rare for the children of the Jász to have the opportunity to hike in the hills and mountains, so we were happy to set off on this beautiful autumn day to Hollókő with a bus full of children. We did this hike again this year in connection with the national World Walking Month event, during which we walked more than 10 kilometres with three of our groups. The children who took part report on their experiences.
In the morning, the members of the Csányi Foundation’s Community House in Jászberény set off together to Hollókő. Our first destination was the castle, where we took part in an unusual, interactive history lesson. The tour guide dressed me in a traditional 12th century knight’s costume and armour, demonstrating the clothing and life of the knights. He then showed us how to use an arrow and the skills of the backstroke. We were then divided into two teams and the battle began. Some were given shields and others sock bombs, so we had a really exciting fight. Marcell Orosz Jászság Group 1
Our next destination was the Hand Lookout, also known as the Palm of God Lookout. The hike itself is not long, about 6 km round trip, but it is quite steep in places. The Hand is situated on the hillside of the mountain. The lookout, sculpted by Benjámin of Csíkszentmihályi, is in the shape of a hand, the open palm of which forms the base of the lookout. Interestingly, both the skeleton and the outer layer are made of moon wood. The tour was very exciting, enjoyable and spectacular. And the God’s Hand Lookout is huge and beautiful, with room for all three groups. Lili Burkus and Ramóna Simon Jászság Group 4
After the lookout we headed towards the Old Village of Hollókő. When we got there, we looked left and right in amazement, as if we had entered another world. It was romantic, old, yet full of life. People in the streets were wearing folk costumes and riding horses, as the day of our visit was the day of the Harvest Festival in the village. The church with its tower is still in use today. Opposite the church, we saw a soot shop surrounded by houses selling Hungarian art (wicker baskets, pots, etc.), and we also visited the house of the Oskolamester. In addition to all this, there are several restaurants and museums in Hollókő-Ófalu, but unfortunately we were not able to visit them all. However, the atmosphere of the streets, the kindness of the locals… The whole experience is indescribable. It was very beautiful. Gyula Pege Jászság Group 3