Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival As the Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival comes to a close with the twelfth Steiner family sharing their unique culture and heritage with the Ranch Record and the Community, we would like to thank everyone that contributed to this exciting journey. To tie it all in, the Steiner Ranch Event Planning Committee will be hosting a Multicultural in-person event on January 29th. Stay tuned; more details to come...
December highlight - the nassar family By Orsi Domonkos Nassar We are the Nassar Family, and we are pleased to be part of this issue of the Steiner Ranch Record to introduce our family and culture.
(From left to right: Orsi, Elena, Cesar, Olivia)
(The Széchenyi Chain Bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary.)
(From left to right: Olivia and Elena) 16
Ranch Record - December 2021
Once upon a time, there was Cesar and there was me. We met in the enchanting Budapest, Hungary, over 17 years ago, where Cesar was living at the time. Before that, he lived in Canada, several countries in Asia, and finally, work brought him to Hungary. Cesar was born in Arkansas to MexicanLebanese parents. I was born and raised in Hungary, lived for a while in the United Kingdom, and later worked for the Irish government in Hungary. Hungary is located in Central Europe and borders seven different countries. It is about the size of Indiana State with a population of greater Chicago area, and we speak a unique language, Hungarian which is considered one of the top ten most difficult languages to learn in the world. It has no connection to any other language families. Our journey started in Budapest, Hungary, then with a curve towards Ukraine and Russia and back to Hungary. Finally, we decided to move to the United States eight years ago with a quick layover in Houston and then to Austin. Austin was always a favorite place for Cesar to return to while spending twenty-five years working internationally. We have two wonderful girls, Elena (Eli) and Olivia (Oli), who were born in Hungary. Our energetic “Elastigirl” Elena is a great dancer who strengthens the amazing Dyami Dance team and is a flutist in the fantastic Band at Canyon Ridge Middle School. While our dog-loving, full of energy, Olivia is in her final year at Steiner Ranch Elementary. Both girls have been swimming year-round almost since they were born, and I can tell you winters in Hungary are cold. Not Hill Country cold! As they love water so much, having access to the pools so close to us is fantastic for them here in Steiner. It doesn’t happen everywhere in the world. And for sure you can find us at the pool in the wintertime. The steam rising from the Bella Mar pool on cold days is a special feeling for us. Another feature we quickly fell in love with is the Club House at Lake Austin. Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming in such a picturesque nature makes us feel we are on vacation every time we spend time there. In addition to the hills, lakes, more hills, trails starting at your doorsteps, the neighbors we have become friends with “in the hood” makes this a great community to live in. And, having a brother in Steiner makes it a bit more special. Living in so many countries allowed us to learn and celebrate unique traditions, like Eastern European, Orthodox, Western European, the United States, and for Cesar, Asia. We, as a family, celebrate American and Hungarian holidays. It has been essential for us that the girls are connected to both their Hungarian and American roots. In Hungary, we would celebrate August 20th State Foundation Day that celebrates the crowning of Hungary’s first King, Saint Stephen. It is observed very similarly with the U.S. Independence Day, with stately fireworks crowning the celebration. Hungary is predominantly Catholic from the religious holidays, and Easter is observed similarly to here; however, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are holidays, and the Easter egg hunt takes place on Monday. Also, on Easter Monday, boys would go door to door to spray girls with water, and in return, the girls would give out hand-painted eggs or chocolate eggs. Another holiday we celebrate a bit differently is Halloween and All Saints Day.
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