My name is Alyssa Kiss and I am one half Hungarian. This unique heritage is something that I have deeply enjoyed learning about. Both of my grandparents on my dad’s side are Hungarian and escaped to America in their early years. Growing up I listened to stories of incredible heroics and devastating war that heightened my intrigue for a country so few people knew so little about. I learned how to cook traditional meals and play Hungarian card games. I finally got the opportunity to travel to this country in 2010 and fully immerse myself in a culture that already felt very familiar. The entire two weeks was incredible and is my favorite trip I have taken to date. I was able to visit family I didn’t even know I had and eat incredible dishes. Since then I haven’t ceased to want to go back and visit the beautiful landscapes, clear lakes, and stunning architecture. The country and culture has become an irreversible part of me and has played a very important part in shaping who I am.