Seth Kugel, a former columnist for the New York Times and author of "Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally Curious," shares a unique travel experience in his book. He recounts his visit to Mezöberény, a small town in the Great Hungarian Plain, known for its lack of tourist attractions.
On a cold January day, Seth arrived in Mezöberény, a town so off the beaten path that it didn’t even have a single listing on TripAdvisor. Despite the language barrier, he managed to navigate the town, even deciphering the Hungarian words for men and women to use the restroom at the train station.
As he explored the town, he noticed a sign that read "SZESZFÖZDE" on a cement wall. Curious, he used his phone to translate the word and found out it meant "distillery." Intrigued, he ventured further and found a functioning distillery behind the wall.
Despite their gruff appearance, the men working at the distillery welcomed Seth and gave him a tour. They showed him how pálinka, a Hungarian fruit brandy, was made. Seth was fascinated by the process and the distillery’s rustic charm.
This experience made Seth reflect on the essence of travel. He believes that discovery is the lifeblood of travel, especially for those who prefer to explore independently. In the past, travelers would venture into the unknown with little more than a guidebook and a sense of adventure.
However, with the advent of technology, every corner of the world is documented and readily available online. While this is convenient, Seth argues that it takes away from the thrill of discovery. He encourages travelers to break away from their routines and let the world surprise them.
Seth’s experience in Mezöberény is a testament to the joy of unexpected discoveries. Despite being a small, unremarkable town, Mezöberény offered him a unique and memorable experience. It reminded him that sometimes, the most rewarding travel experiences come from the places least expected.
In his book, Seth challenges the modern travel industry and encourages readers to reignite their sense of adventure. He believes that in this digital age, it’s more important than ever to rediscover the joy of spontaneous travel.
