Rendőr és Tűzoltó Nap- the Fire and Police Day in the Park

Well, some things do translate. The stereotype about the difference between firemen and policemen seems to carry through to Hungary. We went to the Városliget- the City Park, and watched a day of firemen using the jaws of life, playing cards, singing in their own firehouse rock band, marching in the fire department band, and hanging out with their families. Then we went over to the rendőrség area and watched some guy put on a huge protective jacket and be dragged to the ground by police dogs.  Nate got to shoot a gun at a target (no protective eyewear necessary) which was a thrill. There was a very scary booth where these young  people were dressed all in black, like some special ops forces, and we watched how police frisk and arrest people. There was a long explanation for this one, which we didn't understand at all, but Kent decided it was a lecture on how to submit to the State.


Jack Loved the fire area- he got to put out a real fire. This would not happen in the US, I'm pretty sure. They had these big fryolator type things, and one of the firemen would ignite it with some sort of a remote switch. Then the kids, all dressed up like firemen (with helmets looking remarkably like a Star Wars Storm trooper) would get close to the fire and spray it with something which would put the fire out.  Very fun- so much fun that even the cool 7th grader wanted to try.

Next, there was the smokey building simulation. There was this u-shaped tent filled with smoke (more like a thick mist or fog). Kent and Nate put on these gas masks and strapped an oxygen tank on their backs. Kent's mask wasn't fitting quite right, and the guys were telling him to lick it to make it fit better, or get it to seal on his face. He had no idea what they wanted him to do. I thought it might be better not to lick something that had been worn by 50 other people that day. Eventually they got suited up and in they went. 

A few minutes later, Kent came out by himself. He said it was impossible to see. Nate didn't come out right away. So, we waited. And waited some more. I was getting a little bit worried. I think the firemen were too. 

Then-- Nate popped out the door-- the Entrance. He had gotten so turned around he didn't know where he was. The firemen thought it was hysterical. He went back in and emerged, triumphant, from the exit several minutes later. 

Jack also got to drive a car, while Nate was shooting  a gun, and we were avoiding the Fascist youth league, or whoever they are. All in all, a successful day learning about those who serve and protect here in Hungary.