The Hungarian Tourism Agency campaigns when we are locked behind four walls due to COVID. Is this a good idea? Absolutely!
At first glance, it may seem strange to campaign on the topic of tourism when the Hungarian community, as much as they want to step out of their four walls, does not do so as law-abiding citizens, despite the #stayathome videos by Pál Győrfi and the numerous memes derived from them.
This is also contributed by the fact that we know and understand the importance of adhering to regulations, thinking and acting responsibly. We have learned over the past nearly two months that we can only succeed together, but in the meantime, we need self-control.
Meanwhile, however, no one can limit our imagination, and we freely soar in the home office, between two Vodafone internet outages; let's admit it, we have plenty of time, and we are already planning our vacation for this year in our minds. We have long obtained the number of that lovely Croatian apartment next door, where we spent our well-deserved annual rest last year, and where the grass was greener, and the hosts were even more amiable than in the unit we booked, and they offer not only rakija upon departure. rakija.
Now that two low-cost airlines are flying to the northern region of Cantabria in Spain, before the Hungarians flood this little jewel box, we have already gone through the steps of booking a flight in the app and again concluded that the seats will cost as much again as the ticket itself, with administration.
And then we hear a familiar tune. For the first time in a long while, we perk up at an advertisement. This is different, it’s not Nóra Ördög, not a little green thing, not Otridzsinn. Finally.
Magical sounds, melodies, images. We stop and stare at the screen with our mouths agape for a minute. Memories of the Balaton highlands, the visit to the Grassalkovich Palace in Gödöllő, the charming towns along the Danube, and many places and events dear to our hearts come flooding back. But what was this? We search for it on Google; we need to see this again, and we are already watching it again on YouTube.
But then we notice that something is missing. In the first half of the video, the swing sways empty, the boats stand lonely on the shore, the constantly busy bridges, streets, and squares of the capital have become deserted. The tram runs empty, there are no guests in the restaurants, and the coffee steams lonely on the table. We feel a bit like we are in a self-imposed quarantine at home. The music is also melancholic, the atmosphere is dawn-like, and hazy, misty images appear. It feels quite unpleasant.
And then suddenly something changes. The first bird sets off, first alone, then later in huge flocks. The time has come, we can go! We will see the first smiling face, memories of friendly wine tastings, joint hikes, and something breaks at the first hug.
But then the music changes its rhythm and the Bagossy Brothers sing what is in our heads, what lives in our hearts, and we howl along with them:
I will come back once more, If the wind blows away the rain, Every person returns home! /Warm is the winter heated by home, All it takes is for you to be good, For you to always be here!”
And the message has arrived, it hit home. I am already sure that when the COVID restrictions are over, I don't want to go anywhere else this year, struggling with rubber shoes on the rocky beach, practicing Spanish live, just staying at home and rediscovering all the beauty of this beautiful country! I want more unforgettable experiences, to go wild for my favorite bands at a festival, to sip rosé in the kitsch romantic sunset, and to go on a canoe trip with friends! To return to where I come from. Because Hungary is waiting and will wait.
And we will come back. We need this just as much as the country does, to stand up together. We vacation at home, safe, once again. Many more times!
The Hungarian Tourism Agency has created something lasting. Let's not give up hope, COVID will end someday too! Together, we will successfully get through this challenging time for everyone and then we can set off again towards wonderful domestic destinations. Until then, let's take care of each other! Because #egyuttsikerul!
