Rolling in Budapest Cultural information in English … Hear everything first hand

This year’s  Gala Games has reached its fourth year anniversary.

Welcome  “Tennis Classics Players”.

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The date and place as to be at the “hard courts”:

October, 29. 2011.

Scene: “László Papp” Sport Arena – Budapest

Even if the weather will be cloudy, the Stars of Tennis bring sunshine to the Arena, that’s for sure!

The Tennis Classics Players were introduced as they arrived to the scene of  the Gala Evening at the Budapest’s  Hotel Kempinszky by Balázs Taróczy, the former Hungarian tennis player who opened the ground. His name in tennis  wasn’t familiar to the world of tennis in the year 1985 ,  whereas he won in the doubles title with partner  Heinz Gunthardt  at  Wimbledon. The Tennis Classics Players was a long cherished dream of his. as to once be able to bring to the ground of Budapest the grand  tennis players, so that the Hungarians can see and have the moody feeling that is on at these  grounds of tennis. Mr. Taróczy’s  great supporter and helping hands in bringing  and holding this special event  was and this year aswell  is  Andrea Temesvári, the former professional  tennis player. Once was ranked as high as the World Number. 7 and  in 1986 at the French Open  she won with Martina Navratilova in the woman’s double.  Now it can be seen that the guest tennis players will be in good hands.

Balázs Taróczi’s dreams are coming true this year  again as to welcome fabulous selection of grand tennis players. As he said during the welcoming ceremony, “It is easier to give call  and invite my  former ground players. Knowing personally each other is as simple as “ace” and always receives the welcome. Unfortunately, not so smooth with the to-day’s great tennis players, who (their managers) sometimes haven’t a clue who they are talking with,  so it ain’t always easy to reach the goal,  just having to give a harder try”.

The players initiated luckily made it. The legendary player from Croatia – who doesn’t remember his Grand Slams – Goran Ivanisevic is the  4th Tennis Classics’s guest star.  (Balázs Taróczy was  Goran Ivanisevic’s coach throughout 1989/1990).  Jevgenyij Kafelnikov, another big shot has arrived to participate in rolling the good times on at this Gala of Tennis. Superb that to-day’s first in the line of tennis players Fernando Verdasco and Gael Monfils have had excepted the invitation to join this group of marvelous tennis players as to play tennis for fun and from deep down their hearts.

Fernando Verdesco,  last but not least he arrived safe and sound and spoke about his route from the airport to the Hotel Kempinszky: “I will surely keep in mind this afternoon’s arrival of mine to the Hotel Kempinszky”. His plane landed late at the “Ferenc (Frank) Liszt” Airport/Budapest and he would have had arrived to the gathering pretty late if it wasn’t for the motorcycle police to escort him all the way from the airport to the Hotel  Kempinszky. So, the troopers of Metro Police  accomplished what is written on their motorcycle “To Protect and Serve”. Verdasco also added: “The Police sure did a splendid job and I was amazed how the rolling cars along the way  just pulled aside by hearing the loud toot siren passing them. This was something pretty unusual experience for me, something I will  surely remember”

Richard Krajicek,  implemented us of  his secret of how he was able to come and join this magnificent selection of tennis players. He said: “I am often far from my wife and son and I work hard on it to be there with them at least on week-ends. This time I told my wife, I will leave Friday late afternoon  hours. (The flight  from Amsterdam to Budapest is only one-and-a-half hours) ) and at Sunday morning 9 a.m. on the spot I will be sitting at the breakfast table to have breakfast together. So she look at me for a short glance and said: alright 🙂 and here I am”

Here is just a brief “refreshing button”:

Gael Monfils – Right-handed, two-handed backhand – born: 1986 – Paris – France

One of a kind,  a marvelous showman on the field of tennis. He assures to the ‘witnesses” up an around the ground his acrobatic style in playing the 21 centuries modern, modifies hops and catches. Was the highest ranked French tennis player in the World ATP of this year, with the rank of number 7. Within a year playing as a Junior he won at the Australian Open, the Roland Garros and in Wimbledon.

Highlights of 2010: Mercedes Cup Germany, F, Davis Cup, QF, Open de Nice Cote d’Azur, QF, Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid, QF, Open 13 France, QF, ABN AMRO Championship, QF, SA Tennis South Africa, SF, Brisbane International, Australia, SF, Rogers Masters, QF.

Fernando Verdasco – Left-handed – two handed, backhand – born: 1983 – Madrid – Spain

They say, if there is two tennis  ground within the backyard of your house, there’s nothing surprising in having your kids to grow up as being tennis players. Yup, it sounds pretty good as to be a runner-up!

Grand Slams: Roland Garros, 4 rounds – 2007, 2008, 2009, Wimbledon, 4 rounds – 2006, 2008, 2009, Australian Open, ED -2009 US Open, ND – 2009.  Tour Finals, RR -2009.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov – Right-handed – two-handed backhand – born: 1974  –  Sochi – Soviet Union

He is a former World number 1 tennis player. He won two Grand Slam’s singles titles.One was at the French Open and the other one was at  the  Australian Open. Received one-one gold medal at the Sydney’s Olympic Games. One within the doubles titles, and one with the men’s single. Representing Russia,  he won the Davis Cup in 2002. In the year 1996 he was the grand tennis player at the French Open to have won both the singles and the men’s doubles titles.

Grand Slams: Wimbledon, QF – 1995, French Open W – 1996, Tour Finals, F – 1997, Australia Open, W – 1999, US Open, SF – 1999 and 2001 The Olympic Games – Sydney, Gold Medal – 2000.

Goran Ivanisevic – Two-handed – backhand-handed – born: 1971 – Split/Croatia (former Yugoslavia)

Retired,  but not forgotten!

For those that remember and for those who are still young by heart for tennis,  Ivanisevic made his first highlighting step on the ground of tennis by knocking out Boris Becker at the 1^st round during the French Open in 1990. That was a time when he became the king on “aces”.

Grand Slams: Australian Open, QF – 1989, 1994, 1997, French Open, QF – 1990, 1992, 1994, US Open, SF – 1996, Wimbledon, W – 2001 (This was his most famous winning ground).

Mansour Bahrami – Right-handed – one-handed backhand – Born: 1956 –  Arak/Iran

Retired, yet active when called for shows, exhibitions etc.

Bahrami was born to be a superb tennis players and an artist handling x-number of balls. His show offs, his brilliant elastic moves proves he has an awesome sence of humor. His tricky catches are breathtaking, all enjoyable by the tennis lovers.

Grand Slams: French Open, 2R 1981, Australian Open, N/A , Wimbledon, N/A, US Open, N/A.

Richard Krajicek – Right-handed and one-handed backhand – Born: 1971 – Rotterdam/The Netherlands

Retired, but still active in rolling the balls. He plays occasional senior tennis games. He runs a Foundation under his name that builds sport facilities for kids in the Netherlands.

Grand Slams: Australian Open, SF – 1992, French Open, SF -1993, Wimbledon, W – 1996, US Open, QF – 1997, 1999, 2000.

Fabrice Santoro – Right-handed  and two-handed both sides – Born: 1972 – Tahiti/French Polynesia

Junior winner at Roland Garros and Junior Orange Bowl.

In 2008 at the Australian Open he was able to break Andre Agassi’s record.  This was  his  highlight within  the career of  the Grand Slam world.

Retired in 2009 with his last active playing at his hometown in Paris at the BNP Paribas Masters. For a single tournament  Santoro returned to play at the Grand Slam at the Australian Open. He wished to have a record of his games in four different decades.

Grand Slams: US Open, 3R – 1990, 1998, 1999, 2004, French Open, 4F – 1991, 2001, Wimbledon, 3R – 2001, Australian Open, QF – 2006

Grand Slam Doubles: US Open, SF -2003, Australian Open, W – 2003, 2004, French Open, F – 2004, Wimbledon, F – 2006.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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The Central and Eastern European Contemporary Art Fair:

October, 27-30, 2011. Budapest

 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursday

 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday

It was a pleasure to drop by over the River Danube to the Buda-side up to the  Millenarian Convention Center “Millenáris” to see the Art Market  of 2011. It is  fine place to meet artists, teachers of art, gallery folks and collectors.  The list of materials in use by the artists is enormous. Just a few seen at the exhibition: ceramics, glass, metals. Out on display were a volume of artworks that were previously exhibited  abroad at  international art fairs. The past years modern hotel’s halls have had given a space to hold exhibitions by contemporary artists and by all means also decorated, uplifted the area.  Contemporary art has entered the contemporary photography. A new dimension to add to the  modern art. You can peak into these artistic trends at the Fair.

Throughout Budapest there are many growing galleries, just like the mushrooms: home-galleries, cellar-galleries, rearranged basements of huge luxury flats, and hotels, you name it.

Here’s an insight to the following days programs. One or the other may fit into your time and program to see this huge national and international art fair.

October 26, 2011. Wednesday

5 p.m. ART MARKET BUDAPEST PREVIEW  – By invitation only!

7 p.m.  OPENING CEREMONY was held by  Mr. Attila Ledényi, Chief Organizer of Art Market, 2011,  Mr. Gergely Prőhle, Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and  Ms. Nancy G. Brinker, an art collector and former US ambassador to Hungary  couldn’t make it to this year’s opening, but wished to pass her message to the audience by sending a video message saying:  Hungary is a country that has grand artists and to organize a local and international Art Fair in Budapest is a superb idea. Grand venue for artists, collectors and future collectors.

9 p.m. – 11p.m. Art Bar & Loung – A place to meet artists, collectors and gallery people over a drink.  Millenarian Convention Center – Reception Hall.

October 27, 2011. Thursday

10 a.m. -10 p.m.  ART MARKET BUDAPEST ART FAIR – extended opening hours!  –  Millenarian Convention Center –  Hall B.

10. a.m.; 1 p.m.;  3 p.m. ; 5 p.m.  Museum pedagogy activities at ART MARKET BUDAPEST – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

2.30 p.m.  „Artfolio” INSIDE ART book presentation
The Hungarian-English language volume presents artworks that were exhibited on international art fairs.  – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B  – Inside Art Room.

4 p.m.  „The Roma-question in Eastern Europe, in Hungary and in art” INSIDE ART round table discussion.
Participants: Róza El-Hassan, artist; Edit Kőszegi, film director, art collector; Tímea Junghaus, art historian –  Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B –  Inside Art Room.

5 p.m. Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in Hungarian language  – Millenarian Convention Center –  Hall B  – Inside Art Room.

5.30 p.m. „Contemporary photography in Central and Eastern Europe INSIDE ART round table discussion
Participants: Guillaume Piens, Director of the Art Paris art fair, former director of Paris Photo; Péter Baki, Director of the Hungarian Museum of Photography;  Dejan Sluga, director of Photon Gallery; Attila Pőcze, director of Vintage Gallery; Ádám Magyar, photographer. –  Millenarian Convention Center –  Hall  B – Inside Art Room.

6 p.m. Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in ENGLISH – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

7 p.m.  Bring the Art Home: exhibition opening in the Prezi Office
In the BAH-series emerging artists are exhibited in special places where design meets art. Hosts of the evening are Nóra Winkler and Ádám Somlai-Fischer, founder of Prezi – Prezi Office (District VII. Károly krt. 9. Budapest)
Preliminary registration required for the opening, send an email to office@loffice.hu with the password “design”.

7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Art Bar & Lounge
A place to meet artists, collectors and gallery people over a drink – Millenarian Convention Center – Upstairs – Reception Hall.

8 p.m. Star Jam Session
Surprise star in the popular series; before and after the concert: ’Soul Session DJ’ – Millenarian Convention Center –  Ground Floor – Reception Hall.
Ticket price: HUF 1,200 Ft; Free with VIP Card.

October 30, 2011. Friday

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. ART MARKET BUDAPEST ART FAIR – the whole day!  Millenarian Convention Center  Hall B.

10 a.m. , 1 p.m. , 3 p.m. , 5 p.m.
Museum pedagogy activities at ART MARKET BUDAPEST – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

NOON  Guided tour with the curator on the permanent exhibition of the post-war collection of the Hungarian National Gallery
FOR VIP CARDHOLDERS ONLY!

NOON  Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in ENGLISH – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

2.30 p.m. The works of Ádám Magyar INSIDE ART catalogue presentation with Zoltán Somhegyi, author of the catalogue –  Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B / Inside Art Room.

3 p-m.  Guided tour with the curator on the exhibition „East of Eden” at the Ludwig Museum
FOR VIP CARDHOLDERS ONLY!

4 p.m. Budapest Beyond – art- and sightseeing walk in the city. During the walk around Széll Kálmán square (close to fair location) several classical sunny studios and apartments turned into studios will be visited.
Preliminary registration required on http://www.beyondbudapest.hu, maximum 30 guests!

4 p.m. „The road to success – Central-Eastern-European artists in international art” INSIDE ART roundtable discussion
Participants: Ursula Krinzinger, Owner of Krinzinger Gallery in Vienna; János Rechnitzer, Professor at the Széchenyi István University, collector; Erika Deák, owner of Deák Erika Gallery; Zsolt Petrányi, art historian; József Mélyi, art historian – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B – Inside Art Room.

5 p.m.  Ateliers Pro Art guided tour. Guests are invited to visit the 10th anniversary exhibition of the art center.
A.P.A. Gallery (VIII. Horánszky u. 5.)

5 p.m.  Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in Hungarian language – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

5.30 p.m. „Art Biennials. INSIDE ART roundtable discussion
Participants: Nicola Trezzi, U.S. Editor of Flash Art International, Curator of the Prague Biennale Foundation; Gábor Gulyás, Director of Műcsarnok-Kusthalle; András Földes, art journalist of Index.hu; Andor Wesselényi-Garay, architect, theorist, Co-Curator of the Hungarian participation at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennial. Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B –  Inside Art Room.

6 p.m. Unusual guided tour on the exhibition of Veronika Jakatics-Szab Tour of the exhibition “Urban poems” by the artist and the poet Zoltán Rónai-Balázs Kogart Gallery (VI. Andrássy út 108.)

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.Acrochage (at 7 p.m. in English, at 9 p.m. in Hungarian language): Société Réaliste
Personal discussion with the Paris based French-Hungarian art couple. Irokéz Collection (VI. Eötvös u. 2.)
FOR VIP CARDHOLDERS ONLY!

7 p.m. – 11 p.m Art Bar & Lounge
A place to meet artists, collectors and gallery people over a drink – Millenarian Convention Center   – Hall B – Upstairs Bar.

7.30 p.m. Traditional Hungarian Dance House with the participation of Csillagszemű Dance Group and Tündök Folk Orchestra. Millenarian Convention Center – Ground floor – Ticket price: HUF 800; Free with VIP Card.

October 29, 2011. Saturday

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. ART MARKET BUDAPEST ART FAIR – the whole day! – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

10 a.m. , 1 p.m. , 3 p.m. , 5 p.m. Museum pedagogy activities at ART MARKET BUDAPEST – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

11 a.m. Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in English language –  Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

11 a.m. Tendencies of Hungarian photography in the last 40 years – gallery visit A key topic of Art Market Budapest is Central and Eastern European photography. Nessim Gallery (VI. Paulay Ede u. 10.)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.Open House and studio visit at the Amadeus Studio House . Amadeus Foundation offers studios for a dozen of young artists.

3 p.m. Guided tour for VIP-guests. AMA House (III. Veder u. 16.)

1 p.m. Visit at the Artist Residency of Krinzinger Projekte
Since 2010, the world known Krinzinger Gallery (Vienna) supports “Air Petőmihályfa”, a residency program for Eastern European artists in Western Hungary. Petőmihályfa  – FOR VIP CARDHOLDERS ONLY!

2  p.m. Mai Manó House presents: „Observations – Present continuous VI.” INSIDE ART roundtable talk and catalogue presentation
Participants: photographers Róbert László Bácsi, Sári Ember, Viola Fátyol, Ildi Hermann –  Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

3 p.m. Live MúzeumCafé: „Who sets the trends? Public and private collections.”  INSIDE ART roundtable talk. Participants: Barnabás Bencsik, Director of the Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art; Péter György aesthete, Director of ELTE Institute for Theory of Art and Media Studies; Annamária Molnár, Owner of the Molnár Ani Gallery, Chairperson of the Hungarian Contemporary Art Galleries Association; Gábor Pados, Owner of the Irokéz Collection and the acb Gallery – Millenarian Convention Center – Inside Art Room.

5 p.m. Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in Hungarian language –  Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

5 p.m.„Institutionalized private collections” INSIDE ART –  roundtable talk.
Participants: Krisztina Szipőcs, Director of the permanent collection of the Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art; László Vass, Modern Képtár – Vass-collection, collector; Mariann Gergely, Hungarian consultant to the Nancy G. Brinker Collection, art historian at the Hungarian National Gallery.  – Millenarian Convention Center – Inside Art Room.

6 p.m. MOME ANIM 2011 – contemporary animation
Presentation of the diploma works from one of the most exciting centers of Hungarian animation, the Faculty of Animation of Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. KINO cinema (XIII. Szt. István krt. 16.)
Reservation: (1) 950 6846; info@akino.hu; http://www.akino.hu.

7 p.m.  Exclusive reception at the exhibition „Sírba visztek” in Műcsarnok-Kunsthalle  – FOR INVITED GUESTS ONLY!

8 p.m.  Gábor Goda Group: May-fly works Performance-pub. Artus Contemporary Art Studio (IX Sztregova u. 7.)
Ticket reservation: info@artus.hu or (+ 36 1) 204 3755. http://www.artus.hu

9 p.m.  InfraGandhi & Vida G -Celebrated contemporary DJ-s at the turntables. Fogasház (VII. Akácfa u. 51.)

10 p.m. – 4 a.m. „Factory” – closing party in the spirit of Andy Warhol
Music, lights, creativity, arts – contemporary DJ-s till dawn. Millenáris Teátrum – Free entrance with VIP Card.

October 30, 2011. Sunday

10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  ART MARKET BUDAPEST ART FAIR – the whole day!  – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

10 a.m. –  4 p.m.  Family Sunday
Turkish ambience, craftsmen, tasting, theater and Art Station art fair. Vízraktér (Király Turkish Bath; II. Fő u. 84.)

10 a.m. , 1 p.m. , 3 p.m. , 5 p.m.
Museum pedagogy activities at ART MARKET BUDAPEST – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

11 a.m. Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in ENGLISH – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B.

11 a.m. Presentation of the art magazine Új Művészet – INSIDE ART roundtable discussion – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B. – Inside Art Room.

3 p.m.  Studio visit – Artus Artists’ House and Sinkovics Museum
The old factory building hosts a dozens artists’ studios, where the private museum of Ede Sinkovics can also be visited.
Artus Contemporary Art Studio (XI. Sztregova u. 7.)

6 p.m. Presentation of Artmagazin – INSIDE ART roundtable talk – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B. Inside Art Room.

5 p.m.  Guided tour on ART MARKET BUDAPEST in Hungarian language  – Millenarian Convention Center – Hall B

Wish you all a fine week-end  at the Millenarian Convention Center  by visiting the grand ART  MARKET OR ART FAIR, as you please.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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Before you get into reading the afternoon’s programs that I wish to share with you, I  have the pleasure to admit Mohács has plenty to offer to all its arriving guests. If you are looking for a warm welcome, even on a cold  day, you will feel jolly good  with all the excitements.

Besides the cultural experiences for about to see at Mohács, not bad to know its region is an important wine-growing , which has become more and more famous with its  dry white wines.

You have arrived to the right place.!

After leaving the Museum of Busó (pro. as Busho), we hit the road again to explore  the Museum of  Dorottya (Dorothy). The  museum is a home with its largest collection displays Hungarian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian folk customs, folk ceramics and arts.  More than 3000 ceramics, 5000 homespun, 130 painted carved chests are some of the treasures can be seen at the Dorottya Kanizsai Museum.

Another significant building the Dome stands at the Main Square the “Széchényi “Square. Before leaving the Main Square we  visited the Church of Oath that is also known as the Battlefield’s Memorial Church. It represents as a landmark of the Hungarians national union. Within the church’s decoration, the  forms of the glass windows  had a reminder of the  times from the  Middle Ages.

The Dorottya  (Dorothy) Kanizsai Museum.

The museum with its largest collection displays Hungarian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian folk customs and folk arts.  More than 3000 ceramics, 5000 homespun, 130 painted carved chests are some of the treasures can be seen at the Dorottya (Dorothy) Kanizsai Museum.

Serbian Orthodox church

A breathtaking scene welcomed us. The whole  furnitures and stands were made of wood. This Baroque Serbian Orthodox church was built by Serbians escaping to Hungary from the Turkish in 1732. The inside icons are from the early 19th century works by Mór Csóka, Hungarian painter. The 48 meters tall church can be easily seen from far away distance.

Rolling on the River Danube on Mohács’s catamaran

An outstanding trip out on the River Danube, drifting on a catamaran, whereas ya can enjoy the outstanding hospitality of the crew.  Can go for an expedition of watching the landscape and the birds of this territory or just for pleasure having a boat trip. You may feed your eyes with the outstanding sight on both sides of the bank. All you need is to make a reservation (you float on the catamaran from early spring untill the River Danube doesn’t froze) and spend a wonderful time with your friends and/or family. Also you can a receive a treat from the Captain, as to be wed while floating on the catamaran. See the guidelines on the attached snap.

The promenade by the riverbank is going on to be extended and renewed to please those wishing to have a pleasant stroll along the river.

Lunch time down at the bank of the river at the  Halászcsárda  “Fisherman’s -“home-made meals”

Just was in the right time to hear we are heading to the Halászcsárda. Now we all became hungry thinking of the Hungarian Fish soup that  many  have dreamt of on our way to the Halászcsárda. It is a neighbouring building next door to our stay at the Hotel Szent János  (Saint John). Furnished in the old  Hungarian style, as a fisherman’s port.

We all enjoyed the typical Hungarian riverside meal: Soup: Hungarian fish soup “halászlé”, 2nd course: Hungarian pasta with sweet cheese and sweet  cream “túróscsúsza”, desert: pancake filled with sweet milk cheese mixed with raisin topped with vanilla cream “mazsolás túrós palacsinta, vaniliás öntettel”, booze: plum pálinka “szilva pálinka”

After our wonderful lunch, we “jumped up the bus” and headed to our last  scene of our 2 days “study tour”

Museum of White and Black storks

Received  an overview of the natural environment at the surrounding area of Mohács with its woods and many small ponds, river-sides that are  in favour to the storks  living/staying in Hungary’s Mohács area. Snaps, maps, video, stamping rings, tales about  their migration routes were out on displays. A wonderful guide showed us around by giving a full overview about the white and black storks surrounding the area of Mohács. Spoke about their habitats and habits, especially underlining the  black storks as  the unique pieces in  the world of nature, their loyalty and the storks as parents.

Darkness covered  the city by the time we left the museum and start our way  back to Budapest on a rainy cold evening during the Fall of October.

Personally wish to thank each and everyone who had a part in hosting us to this Study Tour. The surely worked hard  as to ensure we enjoy our stay. They hope we all will take back and share, spread our memories and come back again someday, if not earlier than in February when the days of the Walking Busó (pro:Busho)Parade “Busójárás” that fills the air at Mohács. I  would like to recommend every foreigners living in Hungary and tourist already in the planning state to mark the date in your 2012 calendar for February’s stay at Mohács.

Summarizing my 2nd day of  adventures, Mohács with its rich history background and the marvelous hospitality of the locals made my day.

It was really a pleasant Magical Mystery  Tour.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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Our day started with a fine brekky at the Hotel Szent János (Saint John), then off we went  for just a 10 mins. walk to a local black pottery artist’s workshop. On our way we saw the city is going through reconstructions and pulling up new buildings. We finally arrived to the Serbian quarter in Mohács whereas, the world of black ceramics welcomed us.

Mr. László Lakatos’s pottery craft  workshop. He learnt  this professional from his father, Senoir László Lakatos.

Upon our arrival Mr. Lakatos welcomed  to his land of ceramics and showed us on his winding table how he sets a traditional Mohács style ceramic plate.

Mr. Lakatos spoke about the  this special pottery’s ingredients and the knowhow of how the famous Mohács black ceramics are made saying:  “The black color derives from a special firing process in which the kiln is deprived of oxygen, causing the clay to carbonize, simple as that! All he pieces are separately hand-thrown and individually decorated. There are no two same pieces.  In the past centuries these ceramics were use as cooking tools and kitchen wear. To-day they more likely decorate the homes, by hanging on the walls the plates and using the jugs and vase for decoration”.

Leaving the land of ceramics, went to see the museum of masks, tools and outfits of the Busós.The Busós traditional is one its landmarks of the Mohács. The so-called Walking Busó’s “Búsójárás” has grown over the years to its major tourist attraction of Mohács.

The Walking Busó’s  “Busójárás” Street Carnival is the one-and-only unique attraction  in the World.

At the end-of-winter the  Walking Busó „Busójárás” festivities attract many tourists to come along  and see this splendid parade. The  Walking Busó Festivities of Mohács, is a spectacular farewell-to-winter and welcome-to-spring parade. Local Hungarians, temporary foreigners living in Hungary and folks from across the border joins this parade. This 3 days festive is an ongoing street carnival with people wearing scary wooden masks. Those that can make it will have a chance to see something that they wouldn’t have the experience to see anywhere else in the World. By-the-way the word Busó, as I was told at the Museum of Busó comes from way back  2500 years , when at this territory the so-called “bushmen” lived. At least the guide of the Museum said so and for me seemed pretty new tale in my information. Having to take a look at the snaps, you can get the image of this festival.

In 2009 the Walking Busó’s (Busójárás) Festival  made its way to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99aL0NkcQDw

I was invited for a two days “magical mystery tour”

Although the Southern area of Hungary’s main known cities are: Pécs and Harkány,

with both having their own history of excitements,

yet!

the castle of Siklós is less known, that it has the most medieval history in Hungary.

Once the Pun said:“Siklós, is the city of castle” (Siklós, a vár városa)

Left Budapest pretty early with a bunch of 38 persons on a comfy bus, at the time when even the cocks didn’t crow or at least in Budapest. The distance we have had ahead of us was 240kms from Budapest to Siklós. On our way the weather was cloudy with sprinkles of rain, as usually in the season of Fall. The temperature outside was just fine for that day of touring. On our way beautiful hilly and plain landscapes, old folk villages and cows, goats, horses out on their pasture-fields passed us by.

The main attraction in Siklós is the castle, the appearance of which dates back to the 18th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Hungary. The city’s ecclesiastic and other heritage sites are like rolling back in time to the medieval ages.

The clock hands twirl back to the times when here was a military camp called Seren. It was established during the Roman times on the scenario the city of to-day. There are early recordings of the fortress dated 1190.The first record as a settlement existence dates back to 1294. Since then it, became for the most prominent noble families the seat of their estates.. In 1394, the Garai family purchased the castle, who extended it over decades. The Gothic wing and the chapel with its rich Gothic vaulting, shows much to that era. In 1515, the Perényi family continued the castle’s construction to their need and style, adding the Renaissance refurbishment.

At the times of the Ottoman occupation, the Turkish used the castle as a fortress. They had also mosques built-in the outskirts of the town.

In the 18th century, the Batthyány family redeveloped and expanded the castle in the Baroque style. In the 19th century it had completely lost its looks as a military role. The Count Kázmér Batthyány, foreign minister in the Kossuth Government, rests in the Castle’s chapel. The chapel inside the castle is among the most beautiful examples of its kind in Hungary. It has an organ and they hold organ concerts as well. The frescos had went through a huge reconstruction and found underneath layers of previous frescos. The colourful high standing window-glass were damaged during the WW2, but have been remade and the natural light is simply breathtaking in this small chapel. To-day, this small chapel is a fond scene for the couples to hold their wedding.

On our way to Mohács, we stopped by:

SÁTORHELY

The Memorial Park
commemorates the fight and the soldiers died during the battle against the
Turks.

Today a national memorial site, an area surrounding the town that was once the scene of tragedy preceding the Turkish period.

There is an estimation of 28,000 Hungarian soldiers lost their lives in the defeat at the hands of the Turkish that sealed Hungary’s fate for the following 150 years. This tragedy gained symbolic value in the Hungarian national psyche and left one of the most indelible marks on its historical memory. The battle lasted an hour and a half but its consequence was a century and a half of Turkish rule, which excluded the Hungarians from their was short in time but heavy in  lost of lives.

The memorial gate, made by the goldsmith József Pölöskei. A breathtaking artwork! artwork symbolises the fallen heroes. Its bronze units are fold together with 28,000 rivets as an indication of the appr. number of fallen soldiers.

Many carved wooden statues are dedicated to the anonymous memory of valiant soldiers. There are also statues of the persons that took part in the battle: Jagiellon Louis II., Dorottya Kanizsai (who was searching for the her son’s body, had all the bodies buried after the battle) Pál Tomori (Archbishop of Kalocsa and supreme commander of the Hungarian troops during the battle), Sultan Suleiman, the victorious Turkish monarch. The magnificent sculptures were created by artists: József Király, Sándor Kiss, Pál Kő and István Szabó Jr.

Dorottya (Dorothy) Kanizsai, the former lady of the castle, has a statue in the garden area. She was the one who had the dead to be buried after the great battle at Mohács.

As an acknowledgment of the restoration works on the mosque, the heritage building received the International Europe Nostra award in 1992

Now-a-days the castle shares places in its rooms and halls for exhibitions. Throughout the decades Siklós, the former market town continued to grow as a large village and by 1977 it received the city rights.

Seeing the castle and the remained prints of the medieval times of Siklós is worthwhile to stop for a couple of days to leave your footsteps there by exactly rolling down the River Danube, renting a car, or traveling by bus.

So after leaving our footsteps at the Castle surroundings, the show rolled on by visiting the newest „child” in the „family” of Siklós. Her name is Thermal Spa Siklós, born August, 6. 2010.

Stepping in through the door at the Thermal Spa, the first thing you recognize are the secure high walls dividing the pools. Some pools have waterfalls, “tropical plants and trees” that makes you feel you are somewhere in between a land of wonders. These bath walls holds three pools for kids and six pools for the adults. The spa has opt. for folks to enjoy the adventure in the pools of temp.33-36C. The secure walls enlighten to the times to recall the picture of the surrounding walls of the castle of Siklós. The thermal spa offers: the Turkish bath, message, stream bath, infra sauna, aroma cabin, Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and a perfect relaxing and healing salt cave assures the place to reach to enjoy and to recharge yourself. (Unfortunately we had to run like the Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland”, no water experience, no relaxation, hmmm maybe next time). The “running” was to show us more-and-more places by the superb  local  organizers, whom escorted us all along the way. Fabulous hosts with heartful hospitality! They absolutely fulfilled their “adventure” with us. There is also an outdoor pool with the size of 33m in length. Now-a-days not too much in use, but next year the sunbathing terrace will welcome those who wish to get their natural tan. In the meantime the spa thought of those who still wish to keep their summer-tan by having a solarium at the spot.

Couldn’t have imagined a better place have our next stop!

Reach the food scene!

The name of the place was the Csárda of “Tenkes”

Indeed, was a great idea by the organizers of the study tour to shift us over to this extremely well-arranged to the old country-style restaurant, not to mention the grand variety of home-made countryside food that were served on huge carved wooden plates, if it can at all be called a plate. The size of food on this wooden plate isn’t for lunch or supper for two person. It was food to last for a week ahead. The study tour group was lead to an outdoor hall. The top, as a roof was covered by hard polyethylene. As shown in the snaps the “side walls” were absolutely in the countryside stylish. Four hundred kgs. of dried hay was cut into the form of huge bricks and planted all around. Well, it was something in sight and sence that enlighten the whole place. The hay walls were a unique idea. Nothing similar seen before. The snaps will remain snaps, so I would really recommend all to definitely visit the Csárda of Tenkes to cherish to environment, the scene and especially the marvellous taste of food the restaurant lines up. Here just mentioning a couple of dishes,wooden-plate to excite you. As for the starter: great plain goose liver pasta with fresh red onion jam. Soup, what else would be so common there. Yes,  the Tenkes Gulyás with potato balls. Oh and one of my favorite.: crispy duck legs with steamed sweet red cabbage and parsley potato, yummy. As for the desert: fried sweet cottage cheese balls with “whistling” (it is called whistling, because after ya snip it, soon you will start whistling!) apricot jam sprinkled with pálinka. Beside the red and white wine, they serve home-made plum pálinka. Now, if this menu of mine got your attention, go ahead and give it a try. Superb hospitality, I must say. The service was outstanding, quick and everybody felt they are there just for you.

Continuing our study tour, we left the City of Siklós and hit the road again on route58, just 47kms away to reach the City of Mohács.

Entering the city of Mohács, our first station was to visit to the

TOWN HALL „Városháza” of MOHÁCS

whereas the participatants of the study tour was welcomed by József Szekó, the major of Mohács and Katalin Rittlinger Pécsváriné, Head of Office.

As entering into the Town’s Hall on both sides hanging on the wall up along the stairway, watercolour pictures showing the scene of a Busó carnival painted by János Pleidell that surely caught many of our attention. Stepping in the Assembly Hall an enormous, brilliant goblin scene brought alive  the legendary festival of the Buso’s. The major of Mohács gave an overview of the City’s activities, economics and the „Kálmán Széll” plan that has promoted to bloom the City’s infrastructure, visits of tourist, nature and culture attractions. The City has excellent geographic characters: folk customs, folk trade, outstanding sights, tasteful surprising gastronomy, leisure, sporting possibilities. The guest’s of the study tour where warmly welcomed by the so typical Hungarian drink during the cold season:  a mug of mulled wine, home-made “pogácsa” and a folk group playing folk dancing tunes. Was a very touchy greeting from the hosts.The city’s main square is truly the center of Mohács in every sence. Here the eye meets the outstanding Town’s Hall, that was erected to commemorate the 400 year of its anniversary of the great battle of Mohács. Aladár ÁRKAY was the designer of the Town Hall in 1926.

(Follow-up will be continued by Day 2 : Rolling in Mohács.)

Update and snaps by  Aggie Reiter

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New smartphone application is available from today
making bankcard payments fast, secure and convenient at several service
providers and online merchants.

Press Preview:

 October, 25.2011 – 10 a.m. Tuesday

Was present at an invitation by the Telenor, Hungarian Telekom, FHB Bank and Cellum at the MasterCard® Mobile press preview, whereas a presentation was held  concerning to the use of the mobil payment. This application is brand new and stands unique in Europe. .

Launching MasterCard Mobile opens a new era in the development of mobile payments, due to the fact that this is the first payment application in Hungary making it possible to pay only by one’s MasterCard bankcard, independently from which bank’s or mobile operator’s service is being used therefore opening up mobile payment applications for millions of Hungarian MasterCard cardholders.

„The growing popularity of smartphones made it clear for us and for our partners – Telenor, Hungarian Telekom, FHB Bank and Cellum that there is a need to create an application running on devices of several operators and whose benefits every MasterCard bankcard holder may enjoy. Due to the remarkable cooperation of our partners we can now say that we have achieved this goal by launching a pioneer service in mobile payment also unique in Europe.” – said László Szetnics, MasterCard Europe, Regional Manager of Mobile Payment Services.

Currently, MasterCard Mobile provides payment services in three fields: cell phone top-up, convenient and quick payment of service provider bills, online payments.

Following the download and registration of the application the bankcard needs to be registered as well which has a onetime fee of HUF 99 (app. EUR 0,35). Once registration has been completed no card data or PIN needs to be typed in at each transaction. This makes mobile payments not only faster and more convenient, but also more comforting since according to recent surveys there are still many users who are reluctant to give their bankcard data online. When paying by MasterCard Mobile customers will not have to reveal their card number or the safety CVC code of the bankcard. Cardholder sign in with their mobile phone numbers or the identification code. Payment info received on the phone containing transaction data will be confirmed by giving a six-digit alphanumeric code (mPIN). This is an independent code, chosen by the user at the registration of the application and can be changed at any time. The code is not the same as the PIN code of the bankcard.

MasterCard anticipates the continuous expansion of services available through the application. Presently Telenor and QR coded T-mobile and THome bills can be paid through the app. Online shopping is possible in webshops of Bookline, Bonusz Brigad, Bortarsasag and GRoby.

László Szetnics emphasized: „Several merchants indicated their wish to join MasterCard Mobile Hungary so we expect quick development in this area. However, apart from retail services we also plan to launch further functions such as interpersonal money sending (P2P) within the app.” With the help of the application Hungarian Telekom and Telenor customers can pay their service bills. One way of doing this is by taking a photo of the QR code and initiate a transaction.

Gábor Pukler, Hungarian Telekom, director for innovation and business development added: “As we have emphasized earlier mobile payment is a step ahead towards ideal distant payment solutions. MasterCard Mobile service now successfully eliminates limitations and allows customers to use their own MasterCard cards for this type of transaction. To help the expansion of the service Hungarian Telekom, as one of the largest bill issuers in Hungary, will put QR code on each T-Home and T-Mobile cash advance bill. Payment has never been easier, quicker and more convenient.”

Another tangible advantage of MasterCard Mobile compared with competing payment services such as bank transfer or debit authorization is that it has no additional fees apart from a one-time registration fee (HUF 99) and the cost of data transfer if any.

Tamás Foltányi, CEO at FHB Bank Service cPlc. said: “Nowadays, there is news of mobile payment solutions daily. Attempts that are not compatible with each other have little chance of survival even if they are secure, advanced technically as well as business-wise. All such initiatives will have a hard way to market success. However, truly good products are created by the cooperation of powerful players and in a lucky case consumers will support it too. In the case of MasterCard Mobile Hungary the cooperation of a Hungarian software developer company, a Hungarian bank together with two mobile operators earned the privilege to create the third such project worldwide.”

MasterCard Mobile can be freely downloaded to mobile phones using iOS 4.0 (iPhone), Android 2.2 or above, independently from mobile operator. For users who do not own mobile phones using one of these operation systems the application can be used with Telenor and T-Mobile dynamic SIMhandsets by downloading an STK (SIM Toll Kit). This special SIM card can be obtained in operator’s shops.

“We at Telenor believe in the future dominance of services that are available through wireless communication practically from anywhere. A good indication of just how quickly these services are developing is that, due to the introduction of MasterCard Mobile, today people can effectively manage their finances through their smart phones. No wonder that the expansion of smart phones is four times quicker than traditional mobile sets. We are determined to keep up with the quickly growing demand and serve users requirement of mobility, speed and convenience by making available the newest models and by supporting new services such as MasterCard Mobile”– said Zoltán Takács, head of product and innovation at Telenor.

All MasterCard branded cards can be registered into MasterCard Mobile. In the near future customers will also be able to use the application with their Maestro cards. For the download and use of the application internet or (in case of SIM Tool Kit) SMS connection of the telephone needs to be provided.

“This application is the joint project of MasterCard, Hungarian Telekom, Telenor, FHB Bank together with Cellum – Hungary’s leading mobile payment software developer group. Transmission of sound, picture and text has been an everyday option for mobile phones for many years now. Cellum now moves bank cards onto mobile phones as well allowing customers to send money freely. Our developers have created an advanced system that helps people forget difficulties of top-up, postal payments, and online shopping. Cellum developed a QR code based system that is both simple for the consumer and quick and secure for merchants.” –said Balázs Inotay, Cellum Global Strategic Director.

According to data of the National Bank of Hungary, currently there are 3,6 million MasterCard bank cards in circulation. Therefore, substantial proportion of the total card portfolio can be used in the new MasterCard Mobile application.

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions,  merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries an  territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.

Learn more at www.mastercard.com, follow us on Twitter @mastercardnews or join the conversation on The Heart of Commerce Blog.

 Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE HUNGARIAN RADIO

The remembrance day to the date  of

1956. October, 23.

 The public radio celebrates
within broadcasting documentaries, having live connections to the festive scenes and opens its doors to the public with a historical exhibition at the radio’s museum

The first major historical discovery of mankind was  by  Christopher COLUMBUS, the explorer to reach the shores  in 1492 of America.

Before the second major historical discovery of mankind was Capt. COOK’s discovery in 1770 of Australia.

The second major historical discovery of mankind was undertaken by Thomas EDISON to invent and develop of radio technology in 1885.

Let alone, the history of the “birth” of the radio  was involved by several scientific individuals. So by the late 19th century, it was clear to various scientists and experimenters that wireless communication was possible and alive.

As the history’s decades rolled along, the radio became important for economic, political and nationalistic reasons.

I would say, it was a naval string to reach out over the borders by sharing information and connecting people.

Even to-day, as the technical revolution have had been taken far ahead, it still has a strong connection  for many individuals all over the World.

Leaving the way back historical  times and data, to-day’s main update is to give an overview of  Hungary’s  55^th year’s anniversary of the public radio, as a part in the War of Revolution.

The representatives of the Press and Media were invited to participate on a tour in Europe’s oldest radio building. Not just the building’s age was surprising with its existent of 85 years that lifted up the heads, but the fact of the Hungarian Radio, at the time being was on-air as the third existing transmitting radio in the World.

Throughout the 85 years,  past and present collected and displayed selection of transmitting belongings at the Radio’s Museum was on display. Within the 85 years, the Hungarian Radio developed its own Symphonic   Orchestra, the initiator was  Ernő DOHNÁNYI.  Dohnányi’s main objective target was to bring to the highest standard the live music through to the radio-listeners and concert-lovers.  The Orchestra was known  outside the country as  BpSO. During the years of the WW2, Dohnányi selected on his own the Orchestra’s musicians. His main selection was connected to religion, as to save the lives of the jewish musicians.  The internationally and worldwide already known musician and the Hungarian Radio’s  own Orchestra was out of harm. Dohnányi saved many lives in those dark days.

The Radio’s BUNKER, for many was a taboo, as  an unknown building which is not under the ground, but above the surface. Even was not known about the function of it between the local workers. The representatives of the press and media  had a chance to glance on the one-and-only treasure of voluminous archive documents, that lay there for decades-. Inside the fence of the radio’s six-storey HQ’s contains this 3 meter thick walls of concrete. Mr. István JONÁS, Director of the Hungarian Radio (MR Zrt.) said: This secret building was built the yard area in ‘52. Was in use by spying their own broadcasting, radio co-workers between March, 15. 1957 until 1991. The bunker was build-up in the time of Mátyás RÁKOSI, for the purpose to give shelter  to the broadcasting workers on-air, if there were to be a bomb blast. The authorities of the Security of State were the regular visitors. Behind the walls they had two studios.  One held within the walls as  the  tapping center.

The bunker will  be opened between October,19-21 to cca. 340  high-school pupils, as to have at the spot a live history class. This irregular hour is a part of the series of the 1956’s festive programs given by the Public Radio. Throughout  the day of October, 23 there will be many formal programs broadcasting through the Public Radio and other media channels.

The mission to visit the  bunker is to challenge, generate new knowledge, and to deepen the understanding about the ever-changing concepts and realities. Within the plans for the coming future, the Museum of the Radio wish to provide exhibitions, research, tours, lectures to open it’s doors to everyone that feels the need to expand their knowledge behind the walls of the World’s  second major invented  senario.

The Director, closing thoughts were by saying: To understand the improvement of to-day’s technical evolution, here at  the museum there are out on display original items, documents that were in use from the past. The Radio has to fulfil the need to outreach activities, as present social and cultural issues that impact communities.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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THE PREMIER  OF THE  GYPSY LOVE – “CIGÁNYSZERELEM”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER, 20.  and  THURSDAY, OCTOBER,  21.  7 P.M.

BUDAPEST’S  OPERETTA  THEATER IN THE COMING DAYS WILL OPEN IT’S DOORS TO THE UPCOMING SEASON OF 2011-2012.

THIS SEASON WILL BE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE

CELEBRITY AUTHORS.

Mr. Miklós Gábor KERÉNYI, aks: KERO, the Director of the  Budapest’s Operetta Theater opened the press conference to  the forthcoming premier of  Gypsy Love  ” Cigányszerelem”  by sharing his following thoughts:  Seasons come and go. Now, the fall is just right outside our door’s, the weather will be getting cooler and colder, but inside the walls of the Operetta Theater  the  temperature is always high before a premier.

The musical’s director: Attila BÉRES, Conductor and Musical Director: László MAKLÁRY.

On October, 2o and 21  the stage’s curtain will lift up at 7 p.m.  at the Budapest’s Operetta Theater, as the  “Gypsy Love” steps on  the stage.

It will have  subtitle in German language.

The plot isn’t easy to summarize within a few thoughts. The scene and story go on  in a small rural land out in the land field of  Transylvania.  At this rural area Hungarians, Romanians and  Gypsies are living altogther. (For 500 yrs., the Gypsies have had been living in that rural area,  in tents and  moving around on caravans).

Anyway, just  in a nutshell the story goes on with Zorika, a rich boyar’s daughter, is supposed to be engaged to Gábor, a boy from her own class. On the day of her engagement she accidentally  meets with Józsi, the wild gypsy with the magical violin. Zorika’s heart gets into a mess, shall she choose him or  Gábor? She has lived with Józsi for two years and their love has turned into a nightmare. Józsi in the meantime has an affair with Ilona, but in the end she turns him down and they separate.

The Gypsy musicians on stage provide an excellent sound. Within their music they ensure a strong  part in the emotion zone.  On the stage  tapping  feet  lifts and shapes the figures and brings close to vision how they danced when they were down and when they were high.

Love always has many deep dimensions and as in every operetta,   “come rain – come shine”  it cannot end without pulling the curtain down seeing that everything  finally worked out.  The Gypsy Love “Cigányszerelem”   as mainly in every operetta has a happy-end.  You have to see the last couple of minutes to find out the Gypsy’s Love  Happy-End!

The lesson is simple:  three different cultures can build the hate and angers, but can also unite and have no boundaries, because love has it all.  No matter of the colour of skin, philosophy nor religion. Love has the same feeling in every culture.  It has the power that is stronger than the hardest stone and can connect two individuals like bread and butter.

Those that reserve their place at the Operetta Theater will be in also for several pleasing surprises.

LEHAR’S lovers should rush to get their tickets. This is a good performance of a work that should be seen and also to lend your ears.

The snaps were taken during  the press conference, as  a slice shown from what’s to come, to see  and to hear.

Update and snap by: Aggie Reiter

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   THE SECOND PART OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE

  WAS  HELD BY  ÉVA KARÁDI AND  PÉTER RÁCZ. 

THE ANNOUNCEMENT  WAS TO SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT THE FORTHCOMING  LITERATURE IN FLUX  JOURNEY’S STOP IN BUDAPEST AT THE NEAR  PORT OF THE

  A38.

THE RIVER DANUBE IS EUROPE’S LONGEST RIVER. THE STEAMY TWURLING WATER MAKES IT’S WAY THROUGHOUT NINE COUNTRIES.

STARTS ITS WAY AT THE BLACK FORREST/GERMANY, AS A SPRING WATER AND ROLLS DOWN IN IT’S LONG JOURNEY TO THE BLACK SEA/BULGARIA.

The time has come on the River Danube not to just carry loads and loads onwards and upwards, but  as to fulfill the need to share  and connect the nods between different nations culture.  The literary tour is planned as a journey, that takes you along on the waves of different cultures and stirs the waves  along the countries without borders.

The Literature in Flux along the River Danube is a project that stands for providing contemporary literature from the Balkans up along other countries. Hopefully this  literature in Flux will merge a long-lasting  personal partnerships in exchanging views and experiences.

The voyage started  September, 23-24 port at Ruse (Bulgaria), September,29 until October,2 at Cetate (Romania), October, 6-8 port at Belgrad and October, 8-12 port at Novi Sad (Serbia), October, 12-15 port at  Vukovar (Croatia), October,19-22 port close to A38 (Hungary), October, 24-25 Bratislava (Slovakia)

Next year the project will continue with the move on from the River Danube towards the West Balkans along the cost area towards Turkey. Planned ports: Split (Croatia), Tirana (Albania) and Izmir (Turkey).

The whole project is supported by the European Commission.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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THE RIVER IS SURELY ROLLING WHILE THE A38 STANDS STILL AT IT’S PORT!

Looking for something special in Budapest to get into the groove, well you have found your place right at/on the A38 boat!

Overlooking  Budapest’s  landscape, the city that is splited by the River Danube, you can enjoy the concerts in a tidy area and walk along the deck to the exhibition room, whereas contemporary  art shows can be captured.

First of all the A38, in UK stands for a major A-class trunk Rd. Also might be recognized in other country’s road signs.

Here in Budapest/Hungary,  it stands for the former Ukraine  barge that once carried heavy loads. After a brilliant idea and background it went through a huge re-construction and transformed to become a unique culture center that floats on the River Danube, a place by all means to – togetherness, as the one and only concert ship and a restaurant.

It held it’s opening at April, 30 of 2003, with the jam session of  Maceo Parker. From then on it became Budapest’s grand floating “pleasureland”.

The engine-bar was created for the gigs, but as the area became small for the amount of folks to join these concerts and the other venues, therefore a new platform had been planned and constructed as a  joint to the  barge.

The press conference was opened by Sándor KOZLOV, program and press manager and  continued by stuff speakers. The press conference took place in the newly designed, last year opened exhibition room at the joint barge’s lower deck.

As it was said at this press conference the “Circle of Life” changes every 7 yrs. Here at the A38 has also reached this period to change. A new 7 years of  change to come.   A new promenade deck was also constructed as the Telekom terrace.

Each year a selected country’s groups, entertainers arrive to Budapest’s A38 to show within their music a part of the trends of their music. Since it’s rolling, each-and-every concert had been filmed. They have over the recording of 500 concert films. There are ongoing technical reforms, that will give them a chance to convert their films to be views  through television HD forms.

Each year is devoted to a country’s musicians. This year was, still is the year for  ” Tours de France”, France’s artist, groups and still to come entertainers from over there, but also Hungarian groups are on stage  and from all parts of the world will be coming along.  For next year the entertainers from Scandinavia will be the hosted guests.

The fall has just entered and still the lower-deck will welcome groups, artists like: Jane Birkin(Fr), The Get Up Kids (US), The Magna Cum Laude (HUN) and  BalkanBeats-Foltin (MAC) and DJ Soko (DE) just to mention a few forthcoming shows.

As a gesture, a short boat-ride for the press and media was on the Panorama Deck, then after a welcoming sample of what’s to be present of the taste-of-tastes  made and produced locally, by the  new chef István HALÁSZ.  The menus will be constantly changing and updating to the food’s and  ingredients of the entertaining groups country’s dishes.

Reservations are not needed in advance, yet might be useful, if you wish to have a cosy site for your own  or company. For getting in to a concert,  drop by to make sure you purchase your entry ticket in advance. They are often sold out pretty quickly.

To be continued …

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter