Paul Richards

Lake Powell

2008-06-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

I went to Lake Powell last week and had the best time with a great group of people. I didn't know everyone when I arrived but by the end we all became friends and had a fun and relaxing time together. We all want to go back. Summer is the best for such random and great trips.

Lake Powell Part 1

2008-06-22T17:38:00.001-07:00

Me getting some rays.

Here are a few of the people I went with.

Cliff Jumping. I am on the far right.

Lake Powell Part 2

2008-06-22T17:05:00.001-07:00

Me and Adam

Me Liesel and Rachel having some fun on the death tube.

What's better than being in Lake Powell?

Family Pic

2008-06-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here I am with My Dad and two brothers John and Andrew before Conference.

Utah Jazz Playoffs

2008-04-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

The playoffs are finally here! What an exciting time for me to watch my favorite team. This picture was taken last year when I was at game 5 against the Golden State Warriors when the Jazz defeated them and advanced to the Western Conference finals against the Spurs. The Jazz went on to loose in 5 games. I was sitting with my buddy Chris Okland and just happened to be perfectly positioned behind Jerry Sloan. Every time TNT showed Sloan on TV there I was. I have to thank Chris again for the great seats. Chris flew in from Arizona the day of the game and then flew home shortly after the game ended. Go Jazz 2008!

Hawaii 2008

2008-03-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Sunset on the Na'Pali coast

In front of a waterfall

This is me on an isolated beach that took some hiking to get to.

Hawaii 2008

2008-03-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of an awesome rope swing into this cool swim hole.

Me and my Dad.

Me with my parents and my Aunt Carol and Uncle David.

This was taken overlooking Waimea Canyon.

2008-03-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunrise on our beach.

We went slip lining! This is a must in Hawaii!

Cool car they took us up in the mountains to the rope line.

At the beach with my Mom.

Hawaii 2008

2008-03-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

This year I have come to the Island of Kauai. I love this Island because it is the most lush of all the Islands.

U23D

2008-02-02T16:11:00.001-08:00

My favorite band U2 released a new concert in 3D. To celebrate I dressed as Bono opening night . I thought that others would be dressed up, turns out i was the only one.

Life Back Home

2008-02-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

At the end of December I returned home from school where I attended the University of Debrecen in Hungary. I was gone for 4 months and loved my experience. Now, I am back finishing my last two semesters at the University of Utah.

Hortobagy

2007-12-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Hortobagy is like North America's great plain region. It is completly flat and bare. Not very pretty but amazing in its own way. Check out the hairy pig.

Slovakia

2007-12-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some great pics of a castle in Slovakia. It looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings. It is believed to be the largest castle in Eastern Europe.

Santa Claus came to Hungary

2007-12-04T00:13:00.001-08:00

The craziest thing happened yesterday on December the 3rd. I was sitting in the dorm with Kyle when a Hungarian ran into our room shouting in English that Santa Claus was here! So we ran out and met Santa and his two elves. I don't know if its me or isn't that the scariest Santa you have ever seen? He gave us bags of candy and we sung "Jingle Bells."

Thanksgiving and Friends

2007-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Kyle cutting up the Turkey.

A large group of peope celebrating Thanksgiving with us. Can you find me?

Me, Victor, Norbi (Hungarian friends), and Kyle.

Some of my friends.

Salute

2007-11-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

I think it's about time for me to leave this former Socialist Country and get back to the USA. I am starting to act more and more like a soilder everyday.

Missing Debrecen

2007-11-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that soon my time in Debrecen and Hugary will be coming to an end. I have had a great experience learning about the history of Eastern Europe particularly that of Hungary. I have enjoyed learning about the Hungarian heroes who fought against the Ottoman Turks and other invaders. I have learning about the spirit of the Hungarians and their surrival after the German and the Russian occupations. I am very glad that I came to Hungary and this region of the world.

The picture I have posted before but I thought another look at my school would be good. When I walk inside it feels what I imagine Hogwarts in Harry Poter must feel like. It is a grand old building with staircases everywhere.

My Parents

2007-11-09T09:51:00.001-08:00

Here is a glimpse of my Parents. They are two of the greatest and kindest people I know. I took this picture after we had climbed to the top of a large mountain in Hawaii this past March. They are my exampe of strength and hard work. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Latest Adventure (Germany)

2007-11-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I got in a car and 12 hours or so later I was in Freiberg Germany looking at the LDS temple. It was a long drive but worth it. I was able to pass through Slovakia and the Czech Republic on my way to Germany. I stayed in a cousy hotel across the street from the Temple and was able to attend multiple sessions during my stay. I loved Germany mainly because of the food. I ate a lot of chocolate and brats! I was able to see one other German city which was Dresden. I really enjoyed this city. It was old and had some beautiful buildings to see. On my travels home I was able to stop in Prague and visit it for the day. I loved how old it felt but was amazed at how many tourists were there even in November. I can't imagine what it is like in the summer. It was shoulder to shoulder trafic as I navigated through the old winding streets. After this trip I needed to get out of the car and take a break from traveling for awhile. Sitting on my bed with a good book sounds more exciting then any city in the world right now.

Latest Adventure (Prague)

2007-11-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

This was taken at the main square of the new part of town. Here is where thousands of Czechs protested the Russian Regime. Just behind me there is a memorial honouring two men in 1969 who set themeselves on fire to protest the Russians.

A famous astrological clock in the old town center. Every hour a keleton comes out and rings a bell.

One of the many beautiful churches of Prague. This one reminds me of the castle in Dinsney's Sleeping Beauty.

Here I am.
I would have posted more pictures of Prague but my memory card for some reason was acting funny and deleted my pictures of Charles Bridge (a famous 14th century bridge), the prague castle and hill top views of the city. Oh well.

Trip to Romania

2007-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you ever want to go back and see what life was like 50 or even 100 years ago then Romania is the place for you. It is common to see horse carriages pulling the locals around or to see shepards out attending their heards. Life is much simpler and slower there.
I went there with a group of 13 international students from all over that study with me in Debrecen. We had a great time with each other. We were led around the area by one of the exchange students in Hungary named Alina. Alina conviently is a Romanian and acted as out tour guide. She took us all around, and even had her parents prepare several meals for us. We were well fed! On out third day it snowed heavily but did not stop us from getting to Dracula's castle.
The Romania's claim that this is Dracula's castle but there is no real proof. Most people believe that his real castle was destroyed long ago. Dracula or Vlad Tepes was a real person who ruled the area of Translyvania. He was a horrible person who would impale people on wooden spikes outside his caslte then dine outside with his victums all around. Dracula means Dragon.
After the castle we headed over to the Romanian royal palace.

Top right- A picture of me with the international students at Alina's parents house.
Middle- A great shot of an old traditional Romania taking a nap on a train.
Bottom right- The Romania royal palace.

Dracula's Castle

2007-10-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

Oh no Dracula is coming!

On my way up the steps to the castle.

A side shot of the Castle.

Here is a great front shot of the Castle.

Here I am in the little town of shops with the Castle in the background.

Trip to the mountains and the coast

2007-10-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

I had a great adventure this past week. I went from being in the Julian Alps of Slovenia to the warm soothing water of the Adriatic Sea. The trip started in Slovenia and ended in the harbor town of Split, Croatia. It was not an easy place to reach but was well worth it. I think I spent a total of 38 hours on train and another 4 hours on busses and ferries. I headed down from Budapest to Zagreb which is the capital of Croatia. From there I headed up the steep mountain slopes to the quiet town of Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana is compared to Prague and Paris. From Ljubljana I headed to Split. Split is the main port for ferries that head to Italy and all parts of Croatia. Croatia is a country of Islands. There are thousands of Islands big and small. Split is home to Diocletians Palace. Diocletian was a great Roman ruler who was famous for executing Christian missionaries. In Split is where he decided to have built his retirement palace. The palace still stands to today. It is a marvel to see how a building so old can still be so strong. Inface the locals other the centuries have moved into the walls of the palace and it continues to be a thriving place. I was able to see the famous beach on the Island of Brac called Zlatni Rat. It is a warm beach that extends out to a point. I also saw some other amazing Roman ruins. This was a great trip!

Croatia day 1

2007-10-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Just as I arrived in Split the sun was rising.

Some of the ferries heading to the Islands

This is in the main square

A local band entertains

Croatia day 1 cont

2007-10-18T01:20:00.001-07:00

Me in front of the tower of Diocletians Palace. Inside the palace walls are now homes and even the hostel we stayed in.

Split is a beautiful fishing town turned into a bust seaport. But some of the fishers still fish.

This ship was heading out to Italy. Can you imagine how fun that would be?

Croatia day 2

2007-10-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

Here I am setting off on a ferry for the Island of Brach to the famous beach called Zlatni Rat.

Enjoying some sunshine

Enjoying the beautiful coast

Here is one side of the beach

And the other. The beach comes out to a point its quite amazing. Just watch out for nude bathers.

Croatia day 3

2007-10-18T01:03:00.001-07:00

There are many Roman ruins in Split. Top left is are the remains of the great Roman Emperor Diocletians Palace where he retired and lived out his days. Top right is a Roman aquaduct. Below left are remanis of a Roman colosseum where gladiators fought and were Christian missionaries were killed by wild animals. Lower right is me resting after a long trip.

Ljubljana

2007-10-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was glad that I could take train for the day up through the steep mountains to Ljubljana in Slovenia. I only spent a day but it was worth it. They say that Ljubljana is a miny Prague and has the feeling of Paris without the attitude. I feel in love with the rivers, coblestone streets and beautiful trees.

Here is shot of the river that cuts through the town.

Everyone seems to ride a bike or walk for transportation. I almost got run over multiple times.

One month in Hungary

2007-10-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by and already it has been a month since I left SLC. I cant believe that I only have two more months in Hungary and another to travel around Europe. I must say that I have been loving it here, the people, school and the food. I love waking up each morning and getting a fresh cherry or apple pastry at the local bakery. School is still easy, the weather is nice and warm and the travels so far have been great.

Hungarian Folk Dancing

2007-10-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

We had a international night with students from all over the world. I was surprised that so many people had chosen Hungary as their place of study. We learned a traditional Hungarian dance. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures.

Here I am amongst other international students wondering what are we doing in Hungary

Actually this stuff isnt to bad, I might try a little

Good job Paul

This is Aniko and her daughter. She is in charge of the international students

Debrecen

2007-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is downtown Debrecen in front of the great church, my school is just up the road.

2007!

This is the trolley I use to get around

Coat of Arms

Eger and Szilvasvarad

2007-09-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

Make sure you check out my Eger/Szilvasvarad link on my blog to read up on its history and what I did there.

Szilvasvarad

2007-09-28T04:46:00.001-07:00

Szilvasvarad

The old trains of the east

This is a primitve house of the Magyars

Fall is coming

The famous Lipizzaner horses are here in this town

Eger

2007-09-28T04:24:00.001-07:00

This is me standing on the castle wall looking out on the town

The Hungarian Flag

Inside the castle in its secret tunnels

Me relaxing in a hot natural spring bath

2007-09-28T04:20:00.001-07:00

2007-09-28T04:19:00.001-07:00

2007-09-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

University of Debrecen

2007-09-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is me in front of the main campus building. My dorm is right behind this building.

Budapest

2007-09-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pictures of the awesome captial of Budapest. Sorry about the akwardness of the layout I am stil learning how to use this site.

2007-09-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Trip to Eger & Szilvasvarad

2007-09-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

September 21-22

I went to a couple of nice quiet towns outside of Debrecen this last weekend and had the greatest of times.

Eger is an old castle town where the Hungarians fought off the advancing Turks. Eger is also famous for its wine. Legend has it that the badly out numbered Hungarians were given red wine from their general to boost their courage. When the Turks came to battle they saw the red wine all over their breads and believed that the Hungarians had been drinking the blood of wild boars and other animals and became frightened and ended up loosing the battle. Several years latter the Turks returned and defeated the Hungarians. In Eger there is a valley called the "the valley of the beautiful women". There are no beautiful women just a buch of gympsies selling cheap wine. The whole valley smelled of wine. Eger is a type of town where its nice to sit outside at a quiet cafe and listen to the nice classical music as the sun sets. One of the highlights of the trip was soaking in the turkish mineral baths with the locals. These pools are natural springs that get as hot as 41 degrees celcius. They are also high in sulfer content causing the water to have a nice smell. Mineral baths are great for the skin and body pain. I felt so refreshed afterwards, it is a must while in Hungary.

Szilvasvarad town is a great place to do some hiking and see the Lipizzaner horses. During the summer months there are shows and charriage races. We were able to see the horses pulling tourists and later we visited them in their stable.

It is so fun to plan out these excursions almost every week. I love looking at maps and reading all I can about these destinations.

2007-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Still Alive

2007-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

On the 7th of September I left for Hungary for a study abroad. It took me an entire day to arrive in Budapest which is the capital of Hungary. I was so excited to reach my destination that I was unable to sleep on the plane. I arrived at the airport hardly able to speak Hungarian and somehow was able to make it to my school safely and rather easily.

Here are some random facts of Hungary:

1. Hungary has a population of around 10 million and is deminishing in size each year.
2. Hungary is part of East Central Europe. It has a little bit of the eastern influence but considers itself more a western nation.
3. Hungary once was one of the strongest nations in all the world. It once contained all of Austria, Romainia, the Slavic lands, Poland and the former Czechoslovakia.
4. Hungarians are not related to the Huns but come from the Magyars. Hungarians don't call themselves Hungarians but the Magyars.
5. Hungary is about the size of the state Indiana

Currently I am studying at the University of Debrecen. Debrecen next to Budapest is the second largest city. It is nicknamed the city of the sun. It is a beautiful city of about 2 hundred thousand. My school schedule is going to be great check this out.
Monday- 10-12, A cultural history of Hungary. My teacher actually offered us Hungarian peach brandy during class to help us understand Hungarian culture. After that from 12-14 I have tennis.
Tuesday- 10-12 US Hungarian Relations, 12-14 Ping Pong, 14-16 History of East Central Europe
Wednesday- 10-12 Soccer, 12-14 Hungarian Language, 14-16 Economics of Europe.
Thursday and Friday no class. I will be able to travel all weekend! I probably will take one more econ class and maybe one more soccer class and volleyball. I couldn't imagine a better schedule.

Life here is about 20 years behind the U.S. Now I know what it must of been like living in the 80s. The people are simple and nice. The food is very good. Hungary is world famous for some of the best cusine in the world. They cook some of the best soup I have ever eaten.

On those long weekends I intend on traveling around the eastern part of Europe. Hungary is a good place for me to set as my hub for those travels. I intend on visiting many places while here and after my schooling. I will keep an update on those adventures.

Hello from Hungary

2007-09-20T08:31:00.001-07:00

This is the first picture that I took after arriving in Hungary.

Hello from Hungary

2007-09-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

September 20 2007

I have almost been in Europe for two weeks now and I am finally finding time to update my blog. Sorry about the delay.