Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

13 Dec

2013. CARRERA PLAYGROUND AT THE Duna (DANUBE) PLAZA – BUDAPEST

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Once again hitting the road at the 2013 Carrera Cup !

Location: Carrera Playground Duna (Danube) Plaza (2nd. floor)

District XIII., 178 Váci Rd. Budapest

2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

As Xmas approaches  and before the Xmas break, invitation goes out  to our country’s most ambitious game of car champion. Also a grand opportunity to find the most attraction Xmas gift to your kids.

Hungary’s largest, twenty-square-meters digital track will be on the run and ” Peter Őri  and  Zsolt  Darázsi  the two celebrities  of the  Hungarian Opel Dakar Team  are set  to „gear up the engines”. This time the fifty-year-old Carrera well held an unconventional Christmas Championship  benchmarked on both sides knowledge with children and adults. Anyone can take part within the game, implementing their dreams at this unique indoor free playground.

The set up track  is a curiosity in Hungary, made ​​up of more than two hundred elements of dynamic slot car tracks  with  spectacularly dynamic overtaking each other, pumping up the gear in following  the twists-and-turns competitions. The race starts at 2 p.m.and goes on until 3.30 p.m. all competing with each other Carreras Hungary ‘s best junior and senior categories

Join  the Xmas Carrera Cup  with the Dakar members  at the country’s most ambitious game of car championship.

Update by Aggie Reiter

12 Dec

PREMIER OF PHILOMENA – BOUNDLESS LOVE – BUDAPEST’S URÁNIA CINEMA – DECEMBER 26. 2013.

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 Stephen Frears, was previously the director of the movie “Queen” and “Dangerous Liaisons”.  His new film is based on reality, showing the uplifting story of the elderly Irish lady, Philomena Lee (staring Judi Dench), together with  Steve Coogan  previously seen in “The Look of Love”, plays the role of the career nadir British reporter Martin Sixsmith. Philomena and Sixsmith both looking for almost Fifty years separated Anthony, Philomena’s child.

A true life’s human interest story packed in drama of catholism, adoption with consequences. Happening dated back in the ’50s, that most probably not only have had and/or may still exist not only in the UK but at the rest of the World.

Basically, the story goes back  of Philomena aged 18 who became pregnant and was forced to take the hard side of life to be a resident at  a UK convent. Judi Dench for decades being „THE benchmark as „M”, a flesh-and-blood mother figure in the series of  OO7 James Bond, is  now showing for the first time her glimpse of her comedic  side as an Irish elder mother figure with wounded heart and soul  in finally deciding to open her book of her secret life.   Steve Coogan, the pitty jobless journalist can be taken as one of the „double  OOs”, if we were still on the scene, take, rolls of James Bond, but let alone here in this drama the two main characters have something more emotionally deep to share with the audience. They both brilliantly complement each other and at times the drama actually has a twist over into oddly sweet moments.

Throughout the film, Dench radiates a sort of wounded dignity, the loser of the past events, willing to apologize the nuns for their act by giving her son away for money.  As life has its plays, Philomena by fate meets the pitty jobless journalist and the two different people become one. Off they go sometimes hand-in-hand and sometime the two of them walking on different side of the street, but they both crawl through thick-and-thin to finally find out the hidden truth of Anthony, Philomena’s son.

Probably many folks may say the film is quite disappointing, but I believe they have their eyes and ears closed. Throughout the ages, history proved many circumstances which in real-time were not known by the public and/or if so, even excepted. This doesn’t mean of what was/is not seen … wasn’t/isn’t there.

Just watch carefully the first few seconds of the movie … (it will disappear in short time) a large capital letter „M” appears, which swiftly becomes a letter of the word “Philomena”. A tricky and superb connection to Dench’s grand moments in time and films.

Three version of the English drama will be screened in english speaking, synchronized and subtitled in Hungarian.
Here goes the list of the crew: Stephen Frears – director, Martin Sixsmith – writer, Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope – screenwriter,  Desplat Alexandre – music, Robbie Ryan – director of photography.

Awards and nominations:

Venice International Film Festival (2013) – Best Screenplay: Steve Coogan  and Jeff Pope
Venice International Film Festival (2013) – Golden Lion nomination: Stephen Frears

Very touchy movie … take a deep breath and hankies preferable to keep in hands.

Update by Aggie Reiter

11 Dec

Ms. SZILVIA AGÁRDI WINNER OF YEAR 2013 GOLDEN BELL AWARD

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The 2013 year’s Golden Bell Award for Excellence …

The ceremony  took place at  Ms. Szilvia Kárászy’s Salon – Budapest.

Spent an emotional, delightful evening at the outstanding pianist Ms. Szilvia Kárászy Salon, with her invited guest of th evening  Ms. Szilvia Agárdi, on the occasion of handing over the 2013 year’s Golden Bell Award for Excellence. This award was founded by Ms. Szilvia Kárászy developed for the main purpose as to give to the winner to talented,  visually impaired, blind, children, young adults and adults, whom in their professional life made prominent deeds.The previous winners’ stories are about perseverance, life and love to their fellow human beings. As previous awarded winners once said, their missions is not only to overcome themselves in course of the difficulties, but to create something special and lasting  which fulfills their hearts.  The evening was opened  in a so-called talk-show  by the presence of the two  Szilvia’s  a.k.a. „Sissy”  who have the same nickname from brought from their childhood. Went back-and-forth  with Qs and As . Szilva Agárdi  was an easy talking young, pretty lady and if you wouldn’t have had known in advance about her as a visually impaired lady, you wouldn’t have  had recognized  a single bit of it.  Szilvia  was asked to talk about her early  childhood days. She told u show grateful she is for her parents giving her a full life, never felt of being visually impaired, treated  her as a full sight person. Never made her feel the difference! That is why at the age of 4 she already wanted to slip down alone on a sleigh. She was a motile, nimble child. She wanted to try everything what a normal kids of her age are doing. Growing up she went horse riding, also entered at a cross-country race with her visual girlfriend. Here Szilvia told us the full story… Quote: „We both trained at along uneven trails, but when the final day of race came and we both started the race hand-in-hand, after a while in running, I heard her girlfriend saying „Szilvia, you let go of my hand and your running alone”.  My girlfriend was out of breath, lagging behind in the run. I didn’t want to stop, just kept on running and the other people on the run with me gave instruction when/where to turn left … right  when comes the dump and so forth. Much to my  surprise I was told to be the first in the run and won the race.” So as Szilvia said, she wasn’t a sporty gal, but tried herself in several sport activities, swimming, horse riding, cross-country-race. First to face being different was when entering her school years. Was tough for her and her parents in knocking on doors of schools to except Szilvia as if she was a full sighted person. The headmasters didn’t want a visually impaired person to sit in the same classroom with full sight kids. My parents were told I should go to a school where visual injured  are taught. Afterall, at of the interviews  the school’s the headmaster excepted Szilvia to join the elementary class by saying she will  assist in Szilvia’s  learning. At the end of her elementary years she finished with pretty good marks. Of course she received a lot of support in her learning , but  she put it, was mainly enough to have had read for her once the homework and  she memorized it by hearing. She also granulated high-school with nice records. Most of the Hungarians saw at first Ms. Szilvia Agárdi on TV at the „Voice” competition in Hungary. Her voice was outstanding and right away got an entry ticket to join the talented team. Szilva talked about her love for music, which is a deep source of pleasure, expressing herself and almost all all it is a kind of emotional healing. Talking about emotions … one of her performance was outstanding, seeing, hearing  her singing „Halleluja” in the „Voice” competions which  was a presented the viewers. Her intention was this evening to sing to us again, but despite of having a throat ache she coulnd’t make is so we had a recorded  copy to enjoy of the previous TV’s „Voice „  broadcast. The two Sissy’s also stressed the importance of preserving of well-being and the physical conditions. Szilvia Agárdi, indeed is a wonderful example to many human being, that  each-and-everyone of us is responsible for their own well-being, happiness and emotional  life, excepting the paths where they leads us. There is always something good in our deeds.  Szilva talked about  her awesome experiences being at the „Voice” competition, as she said „I would have loved to had been in finalist , but at the 4th path ended in the competition. Szilvia also had a duets with a former „Voice” singer in competing  to represent  Hungary at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. At that point her singing seems to have ended in front  of huge audience, but most probably with a her talented voice she will be seen and heard soon to come. During the evening we heard the owner of the salon Ms. Szilvia Kárászy also as a child aged 4 was in the sporty activities, as swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, played handball and tennis, but Szilvia quite soon realized she doesn’t want to hit the charts at the Olympic games. Music gave much more and was close to her, so she kinda given up the sporty life. The evening was filled with pleasures connecting our hearts, soul and the trays full of “tummy” delights prepared by Ms. Szilvia Kárászy in the pumpkin style of the month. Many of our fellow-man should meet often this kinda lovely human being, a shining soul as to be a reminder ain’t  no reason to be down …  all you need is to be well-balanced, sensitive for love and respect … succinctly. Time is never so actual to have more love and openness showed by our own countrymen.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

9 Dec

HERALD NEWS … INVITATION TO THE GOLDEN BELL AWARD – CHARITY AWARD 2013.

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THE INVITATION TO THE COMING UP GOLDEN BELL – CHARITY AWARD OF THE YEAR 2013.

  7 P.M. ON  WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12. 2013.

AT THE KÁRÁSZY SALON.

Venue: District XIII., 36. Pózsonyi Rd. 4th floor, door number 2. (entrance doorbell number 20)

The award was founded by pianist Ms. Szilvia Kárászy in 2001.

Of what the “Golden Bell” award stands for … it  is given to blind and visually impaired children and adults who have carried out an outstanding technical or an act of human deed. The  most importance of  the prize is associated with love and respect, also an encouragement for the prize winners. The award may contribute also to people with similar problems to believe that they can also live as a full human being in the society and within their performance reach, win other people’s attention and respect. The impaired stories of the winner’s are also filled with a message for the well-sighted people,ie  to overcome above the life’s difficulties need the perseverance, love the fellow human beings and they are able to create lasting values as well..

The winner of this year’s Golden Bell Award goes out to Ms. Szilvia Agárdi, singer,  who will be introduced by Szilvia Karászy, pianist also founder of the Golden Bell charity foundation.

The guests will  be invited with refreshing drinks and Xmas crunchy munchies.

Even though  … let’s say it’s only two-and-half days to go, worthwhile to spend some free time and enjoy a relaxing  and emotional evening at the show.

Due to the salon’s limited capacity, willingness to participate at this show need to make reservation  with Ms. Zsuzsanna Glósz, dial:+36 30 650 5313  or shot an email to glosz@karaszyszilvia.hu. The entrance fee is 3000HUF.

The Golden Bell Award winners from the past:  In  2004 was Tamás Érdi – pianist. Other award winners in the children category were Eszter Geszti, music, Zsófi Lengyel, Sport. In the adult category: Ilona Legeza, Audio library for the blind. Boglárka Parti, Humanitarian action-supporting her fellows and their families in helping to accept the disability and learn to live with a disability. The Golden Bell Award winners of 2005 was Zoltán Göllesz – Nándor programe Office Manager.  Further  winners: Lidia Szluka – singer, Tamás Barkó – harp. The Golden Bell Award  winner of 2006 was the 15 years-old Ungarija piano quartette. The  Golden Bell Award winner of 2007 was László Reményik, writer, Mr. Mario Jánoki – performer. The Golden Bell Award winner of 2008 was László Ézsiás, performer-actor. The Golden Bell Award winner of 2009 was  year’s Andris Szabó, singer-storyteller. The Golden Bell Award winner of 2010 was Norbert Márkus, jazz pianist-artist-teacher. The Golden Bell Award winner of 2011 was Mário Jánoki, pianist-performer.The Golden Bell Award  winner of 2012 was Márton Csányi, pianist.

During the previous years the awards were handed over at the Grand Hall of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at the Vigadó Concert Hall and at the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall at the Palace of Arts at the ceremony within the  Budapest Xmas Carillon Concert.

Update by Aggie Reiter

9 Dec

“MUSIC – WINE” GALA CONCERT – DECEMBER, 30. 2013. BUDAPEST

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The Argos Art Production Company presents “MUSIC-WINE” Gala Concert

held by the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra.

Date: Monday,  December 30, 2013.

Venue: Budapest Congress Center

Address: District XII., 1-3 Jagelló street – Budapest

The Center will be opened for the audience from 6 p.m.  The concert begins at 7 p.m.

A day before the New Year on Monday, December, 30., Budapest hold its MUSIC-WINE Festival at the Budapest Congress Center. Throughout the year, the audience awaits for the year-end grandiose concert by the unique, world-known, 100 member Gypsy Orchestra to steps on stage to holds their two-part breathtaking concert.

The concert is held in the frame of world-famous musician’s and their non less well-known works of music.  The concert includes famous tunes from Strauss, Rossini, Khachaturian, Brahms, Bizet, Liszt and Tchaikovsky. Also folklore tunes will be interpreted in the special and unique instrumentation that characterizes the “100 Members”. The concert, lead by “Buffo” Sándor Rigó, ends with the obligatory – The Lark, Radetzky March and Offenbach Can-Can.

The evening’s specialty lies in the folklore show and wine tasting which will take place before the concert starts and where at the same time the audience gets the chance to meet the regions of Hungary’s best wine-makers and taste their fully rich in flavour wines. Guests who reserve their seat on the ground floor can enjoy the concert of the 100 Member Gipsy Orchestra and at the same time be just close to a tasty dinner or having a snack, or just a sip of wine.

Below detailed program, starting at  6 p.m.  … 6.15 p.m. – 6.45 p.m. Wine-tasting and folk dance show … 7 p.m. Concert, 1st. part/dinner …  Khachaturian: Sword Dance, Brahms: Hungarian Dances No. 5, Hubay: Wavering Balaton, Erkel: Hungarian Court Dance, Brahms: Hungarian Dances No. 6, Monti: Czardas, Horváth: Gipsy Fire, Unknown composer: Cimbalom solo, Rossini: William Tell – Overture, Berlioz: Rákóczi March … 8 p.m. Interval –wine tasting … 8.20 p.m. Concert, 2nd. part/dinner continues …  J. Strauss: The bat – overture, J. Strauss: Long live the Magyar! (polka), Brahms: Hungarian Dances No. 1, Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the flowers, Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Dinicu: The Lark, J. Strauss: Radetczky March, Offenbach: Orpheus in the underworld – Can-can.

The evening’s Menu with more than delicious yummies to choose from: Homemade duck liver pâté with “Tokaj” wine jelly, fresh salad with dried fruits and goat cheese tower. Pullet consommé with cheesy tortellini. Rosé fillet mignon of Mangalitza with creamy mushroom sauce and pink pepper, layered potato, broccoli soufflé, chestnut paprika ragout and roasted cherry tomatoes. Nougat  chocolate cake with chili and strawberry mousse.

Wines as a sider from the cool cellars  along with the dinner:  Hajósi Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Hajósi Kékfrankos 2009, Kunsági late harvested Ezerjó 2011, Kunsági Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

Ticket, reservation through: info@argosart.hu  –  or  shot a call through the local phone: (06-1) 302-4290.

Update by Aggie Reiter

7 Dec

ELECTION AND AWARD DAY “2013 WINEMARKER OF THE YEAR” – HUNGARY.

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The 2013 year’s “Winemaker of the Year Award” winner was  Mrs. Gálné Eve Dignisz, with her wine from Szigetcsép at the Kunság region.

At  the ceremony of this year’s  “2013 Best Winemaker” was held on Friday in Budapest,  by the  Hungarian Wine Academy introducing the top five nominated wine makers: Mrs. Gálné Éva (Eve) Dignisz from Kunság, János Bolyki from Eger, Tamás Borbély from Badacsony, Tamás Dúzsi from Szekszárd and Zoltán Heimann from Szekszárd.

János Frittmann, the vice president of the Hungarian Wine Academy welcomed the press and media representatives by saying, Quote: „ Whoever wins the award titled 2013 Year’s Best Wine, will not only be him or herself only the winner, but will represent the entire field of professional winemaker. Although being nominated is already a major honor. The award primarily stands for a matter of professional work, in connection with other factors, i.e. the human attitudes and awareness which were also been taken into account.

Zoltán Zilai, general secretary of the Hungarian Wine Academy, went back to the year 1991 recalling the times whereas the most prestigious national recognition of the winemaker was founded on the Order of Judges Wine Week, and the year 1995 when the care of the academy took place.

The were two round to go in voting, the second decisive round out of 160 voters, 119 votes were signed, seal and delivered back to the wine academy. Éva (Eve) received the highest number of votes from regions of wine makers. It has been almost two decades since a lady winemaker achieved this remarkable award.  Mrs. Gálné Éva (Eve) Dignisz from the region of Kunság was elected to be the winner of 2013.  The outstanding award is in the frame of the most prestigious national honors to Hungarian winemakers.The year 2013 had been seen as an outstanding interest to be in the competition. In figures it had nearly 20 thousand calls sent out for nominations and the recorded entires hit the record number of arriving nominations. Eva Gálné Dignisz was touched and delighted hearing the announcement of the results, and as she said: it is just about 13 years of her existence, but being in  the wineville  as an occupation began much earlier with her husband, Csaba Gal (A.K.A. a remarkable wine specialist). Eve and her husband have had been building at the 76 hectares their own wine business for over 13 years. Eve also mentioned, they are mostly known for their Rosé wine from Szigetcsép and with these Rosé wines they have had  been in the world as repeatedly winning the gold medals at the international tournament since the early years in the Cannes competition.

The award stood for the reasoning of measuring  by international standards as: despite the excellent, juicy, superbly simple, casual, affordable wines and although the territory of Kunság has its own challenges received the well deserved award for meaningful, reason of the significant number of sold bottles of the brand.

Some outside facts about the wine industry in Hungary … Learnt from the Ministry for Rural Development: „The largest and most renowned wineries alike have recognized that the EU project funding, present a major potential for the industry. The wine received eight EU funds to support land-based payments, ranging from the plantation conversion and to-and-from purchasing of machinery and reconstruction of basement. The twenty most profitable winery has won a total of 5.8 billion HUF this year, ending a seven-year programing cycle.”

At the end of the presentation and the award ceremony the media people were invited to taste the 5 nominated wines,  which were in the competition  brought to the awarding event. Congrats to  all the wine makers of the year 2013.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

5 Dec

BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL BUDAPEST CLOTILD PALACE … “BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INTERIOR”

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The representatives of the Mellow Mood Group and the Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Clotild Palace invited the media personals to tell us  the good news, received from the London-based International Hotel Awards which announced for the year 2013, the recognition of the hotel to be awarded in the category of  the “BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INTERIOR” located in Budapest.

Within the welcoming words we were told, the hotel was in a competition of  hundreds of worldwide hotels in reaching the International Hotel Award. So, they wish to spread the news of this recognition of the Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Clotild Palace to be the first hotel in history to achieve this  distinguished award in Hungary.

Don’t wish to spoil the mood … sorry to say or happy to say … there has been one other hotel in Hungary to have had already received the International Hotel Award, which was the OXIGEN HOTEL AND THE ZEN SPA in Noszvaj in the category of : “The Best New Small Hotel Construction & Design”. Indeed, tailored in an awesome English cottage style. Details at previous update: https://rollinginbudapest.com/2013/11/29/rolling-in-noszvaj-oxigen-hotel-and-the-zen-spa/

So there are two hotels that I am aware of in having to have reached this year in the finalist run to be the „Best … „  by the judgement of jury at the International Hotel Awards. The Buddha-Bar Hotel was also recognized  in Hungary and received the awarded as the “BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INTERIOR” located in Budapest.

Over hundred of hotels around the globe participated in the high expectations within the competition.  A 100-page prospectus was submitted by the Buddha-Bar for the final round of judging; therein was presented the history of the 1901 built Clotild Palace with its twin building  (built by Mr. Kálmán Giergl, one of the significant Hungarian architect in the eclectic style), details of reconstruction work, historical monument protection-related aspects and interior design plans. Last year when the reconstruction works ended, opened its huge doors in mid-June and invited guest into a world of dreams. The five-star luxury hotel in the historical building received its well deserved honor. The hotel has just  what to expect from a 5-stars hotel, meeting facilities, spa, 102 Asian-style rooms, a couple of suites. The interiors of the luxury hotel is simply breathtaking.

The Hotel stands facing to the Elizabeth Bridge, just a short walk to the River Danube. The Buddha-Bar Hotel is in the line of the 2nd hotel in Europe. The first was opened in Prague – 2009. With the opening of the Budapest’s Buddha-Bar Hotel it stands as the 15th hotel around the world.

The Mellow Mood general managers Sameer Hamdan and Zuhair Awad were on hand to accept the award, stating the prize, Quote: „This  international award was an important recognition for the Buddha-Bar Hotel, since it will draw the attention of the Hungarian and the international hospitality industry to this unique investment.”  The GMs thanked the architectural and interior design teams of REV Architecture, Design Wapler and the Mérték Architect Studio for their contribution and involvement with the recent reconstruction. The Mellow Mood Hotels was founded in Hungary in 1994 and today operates 13 hotels in Budapest and one in Vienna.

Following the presentation they invited members of the press to taste a selection of the house’s special snacks.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

4 Dec

6TH TENNIS CLASSICS – 6 AWESOME TENNIS LEGENDS IN BUDAPEST

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SPORTY AND ENTERTAINMENT PACKED IN ONE!

6th Tennis Classics  – 6 Awesome Tennis Legends  2013 … made their day for the Hungarian and foreigner  tennis lovers in Budapest – Hungary.

The greatest tennis stars, and as suspected a real delicacy sporty day, at the Papp László Sport Arena – Budapest took place on, Wednesday, December 3. 2013. Even though this parade show  has been going since 2008, it ain’t easy in words to describe how the 6 tennis  legends and the audience had enjoyed spending their time at the 6th Tennis Classics tournament. Was an experience on both sides that will be kept in mind. Those who were present were spoiled by the tennis sport legends in a very high-level form. At four o’clock sharp, the Arena inch-by-inch was crowded. The audience was already anxious, heated on the boiling point, awaiting for the stars to show up on the court. During the last 24Hs Ferrer suffered injury so he couldn’t join the set of the legendary tennis players. Balazs Taróczy director of the tournament had incredibly short time at his disposal to find the player who can be a worthy partner and opponent to Jo-Wilfried,  Haas and Marcos Baghdati, but he did and invited, and succeeded to bring Monfil  to the 6th TennisClassic.  Gael Monfils  jumped in to replace the injured David Ferrer. Well that’s what unfortunately may happen in the sporty  life. You never know what tomorrow may bring! Hope, Ferrer will be fit again soon. Here’s a video message from him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP4AHUt0rAo.  As Monfils said: “Luck was on both side, the timing was perfect, “free” for the time being to join the stars of tennis at the 6th Budapest Tennis Classics.” Needn’t had to introduce for the tennis addicted young and elder  folks the well-known top ranked tennis player, who is by-the-way pretty famous by the Hungarians. His name previously became a legend after beating 4 legendary tennis stars: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. The pairings had been already drawn in advance: Rafter – Wilander … Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Markos Bagdatis … Monfils – Haas. Players at the doubles match were the two semi-final losers, who played the Gala Game with Pat Rafter, and Mats Wilander.

The first ball leaving the racquets at the opening game were by the top two seeds …  the Aussie Pat Rafter and the Swede Mats Wilander presented a fabulous show. Rafter, by the end of the match defeated fellow Swede Mats Wilander, also former World’s tennis player number one! During the match, much fun and laughter filled the Arena when the Aussie classic happen to hit the ball high and ended on the lightbulbs on the ceiling. Actually stayed hanging on the display. Was by coincidence, or within the show, doesn’t really matter, the audience just couldn’t stop cheering and he himself  and Wilander were awaiting with heads up, watching  for the ball to fall down. Actually stayed hanging on the display. Have a bet … the Arena will indeed keep that ball high esteem.  The Aussie Mate finally brought the game to an end with 9:6. All the games lasted until winning the nine games. Watching their marvelous show looked easily played … but  having second thoughts … to follow their racquetball and performance showed no wonder they are the Best!

A couple of minutes  after  5.30 p.m.  Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Markos Bagdatis, the  two  stars entered the tennis s court. All along the way Tsonga was the leader of the match, then came  tie-break. By now both were sweating as being out under the 60C sun. Afterall,  the final racquetball  was in favor for  Bagdatis.  They both played with each other at previous grounds and at then all 4 games were won by Tsonga . Words can hardly be found to express their sets. They surely entertained the audience with their hits-the-kicks. For Tsonga the venue wasn’t new, since he was at the 4th Tennis Classic in 2011 and as he said he was very pleased to be invited again to the show. Thereafter,  Markos Bagdatis and Gael Monfil began their first ball. Sweats weren’t missing this time as well. Terrific show! Finally, the tennis court seen Bagdatis  had defeated Monfils. Just a quicky remark here: Bagdatis said at the press gathering, that he had a list of a couple of  things he wished to reach this year, but hadn’t reach any of them … Well, guess he didn’t count in his list of coming,  participating, to achieve, be the winner at the 6th Tennis Classics games. Probably, many may know about Markos Bagdatis as the  4 time  racquet breaker within one minute  in the Tennisville world.  Perhaps will be, if not soon, one day in the book of world champions by this act. Maybe this time he didn’t bring along a bunch of racquets, what a pitty, that’s why we didn’t see that side of him here in Budapest. 

Was around 8 p.m. when the two tennis stars Monfils – Haas came out to beat their semifinal.  The show was marvelous.

The winner of the year’s  6th Tennis Classic tournament was the Cypriot, Markos Bagdatís and most probably by winning this tournament he is mighty glad.

The current leading tennis players battled it out in four tournament format, and the final two players left in the “valley” later in doubles lighted up the evening. Was to see an awesome  presentation between the two “senior”… this was what professionals and show stands for. All of the legendary classics players were on their tops. The show was tricky, funny at times, professional and a surely was a superb catchy exciting match. The audience often kept their breath, probably for some skipped a heartbeat as the sound of the ball hitting the racquets sounded tough and hard. Was a deep reminder of the hard sound of the tennis ball touching the racquet in the legendary British movie the “Blow Up” staring David Hemmings (R.I.P.)!  Even though the show was to end as planned at 8 p.m., but ended  around 10 p.m., but that’s how it goes, can never tell at the tennis court how long will it really take and the audience didn’t mind at all to sit for hours and watch the legendary catchy sporty men’s playing.

Over 6000 people were present, many young ones and  folks of all age came along, buddies, couples, families with small and young kids. Silence filled the air as the ball popped from one side to the other. Probably many in the audience imagined they were also on the tennis court with their own tennis racquets and fitting their own sets. Eyes were wide open. Huge applause burst through the arena and cheering weren’t missing after the marvelous and acrobatics hit. Was amazing to see the kids, the extent they were preoccupied by watching throughout the hours the superb players.  Maybe some of them will pop-up in the future generation, saying they have chosen right now, right here their role model at the Budapest’s Tennis Classics Games. To be present at this live show was also a present for the Hungarians and foreigners staying in Budapest to be at the 6th Tennis Classics tournament. Grand idea of Balázs Taróczy, the organizer to set up this tournament, the Fab. Tennis Classics in Budapest. Whether having a seat at the Arena , or just simply watching the match through the  local TV sporty channels was the highlight not just of the day but  the grand event of the year in Budapest. Needn’t have had to fly over near-or-far to the other side of the Ocean to be at one of the tournaments around the World to see, meet personally, collect autographs from these legendary tennis stars.

Was  just a  special day … not to be forgotten. Hopefully, next year  Balázs Taróczy  will be bringing over more shinning stars!

Now you can already mark your Calendar for the next year’s 7th Tennis Classics,  December, 2014 in Budapest.

Update by Aggie Reiter

2 Dec

6TH TENNIS CLASSICS RACQUETBALL SUPER STARS ARE HERE AGAIN IN BUDAPEST!

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 “Tennis Hot Shots twisting-turning their racquetball at the 6th Tennis Classics in Budapest”

To-day, the Tennis Classics Press Presentation was held at the Kempinszky Hotel Budapest, whereas the six tennis classic of our world were present. Wasn’t an ordinary press call. Mr. Taróczy made a twist on the usual form of an original press kinda meetings. The tennis players all went through two sets of a so-called quizzy Q. … Each star pulled a leaflet from the bowl, whereas a short  professional story  was read out loud and the others had to guess who they talking about …. a superb way of refreshing the „past years” professional tennis history. By-the-way watching the video below, taken on the venue speaks for itself. Funny and enjoyable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2QOlMR49Ro and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfzbFbJ_kl0

As Balázs Taróczy welcomed the media individuals, and called one-by-one the racquet stars. Also added, quote: „Seeing the number of the high attendances already sold out 6000 tickets, the organizers are working hard at last 24Hs in having more available seats at the Papp László Arena Sport Center. So at least 150 more seats will be open to reserve through the Internet www.eventim.hu  and www.tex.hu website.or on the spot at the box office.  Following the short announcement were introduced this years the 6th Tennis Classics Players:

Pat Rafter … from Downunder, earned his nickname “Summer Slam” in ’98 when he won in the same year at the Montreal /Toronto, Cincinnati and at the US Open. He was the only Aussie Mate to have won two straight in New York since Neale Fraser in 1959-60. The Aussie Mate surely has a jolly-good sence of humor answering the Q, raised for to him …Quote: „What did you achieved this year?… A: “I achieved to weight 100 kgs.”, saying it along with a wide smile… „but now here in Budapest I am only 95kgs.” He was happy to say how much he was delighted when the organizer called him to participate at the Tennis Classics in Budapest, knowing the racquet players  calender is full year around and coming oer to participate at the Tennis Classics in Budapest will be highly appreciated just like the other grand players. Rafter’s major titles: singles, 1997-98 and Australian doubles, 1999. He also  played a few reserve grade games for the Bombers based in Sydney at  the Sydney’s Football League, ie.: called the North Shore Bombers.

Marcos Baghdatis … Greek-Cypriot professional tennis player, specialist in breaking racquets! His temper is high or the racquet is weak … who knows! He was one of only two players who won a set from eventual champion Roger Federer and Andre Agassi. A few years ago within the Adidas program he trained with Gil Reyess, who was previously Agassi’s trainer, and as result 130 kgs in the  lying pressure. As he said, he was always a huge fan of Pat Rafter and is delighted he is here also in Budapest and will be int he same court. He received a special dispensation from Cyprus in 2006 … was acquitted from the military service to focus on tennis. Turned pro 2003, right-handed and two-handed backhand, reached 4 career titles, 8th in the best ranking greatest successes: number 1 in the ITF junior world singles rankings in 2000.

Mats Wilander … from Sweden,  former World No. 1 tennis player. Wilander one of only five men along with … Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer … to have won Grand Slam singles titles on grass hard and clay courts. In Genf, to two Swedish guys met on the tennis court in September, 1981., and lost his only career match against Björn Borg at 6:1., 6:1., At the time being Wilander was only 17 years-old.

Gael Monfils … from France, turned pro in : 2004, plays right-handed  and two-handed backhand. In the Grand Slam Singles Australian Open 2009, French Open 2008, Wimbledon 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, US Open 2010. one of the real runner ups!

Tommy Haas … from Germany, turned pro in 1996, plays right-handed and one-handed backhand. As the saying says … “You can’t start early enough” He began playing at age the four with his father, who is Austrian and a former European champion in judo and ex-schoolmate of Hollywood star and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. Grand Slam Singles: Australian Open 1999, 2002, 2007. French Open, Wimbledon 2009. US Open 2004, 2006, 2007. Also played a great slam at the Olympic Games, winning the Silver medal in 2000.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga … from France. France from year-to-year brought classics tennis players to the world. Tsonga was one of them who busted a flame by  his virtue performance in the 2008 at the Australian Open. His nickname is Ali, cause his face resembles to Muhammad Ali. Plays right-handed and two-handed backhand.Grand Slam Singles: Australian Open 2008, French Open 2013, Wimbledon 2011, 2012, US Open 2011 Other Doubles at the Olympic Games, winning the Silver medal in 2012.

Needn’t wish to end this update before not saying a word or two about Balázs Taróczy, who also was a major individual on the tennis courts. Now-a-days a retired tennis player, but one of the game’s premier doubles artists, Balázs and partner Heinz Gunthardt surged from the pack to win the 1985 Wimbledon doubles title. The duo played beautifully on the historic center court at the All-England Club to defeat Pat Cash-John Fitzgerald in four sets … Member of the Hungarian Davis Cup team 1973-85 … Despite playing part-time, still managed to finish in the top 50 doubles at No. 45 in 1989.

Now it is up to tennis lovers to put on their running shoes and head to get the one time ticket for tomorrow’s Grand Tennis Classics Night!

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

29 Nov

ROLLING IN NOSZVAJ … OXIGEN HOTEL AND THE ZEN SPA

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Oxigén Hotel & Zen Spa  on the  Szomolya Road  at Noszvaj!

Noszvaj’s logo … „The best fresh air settlement in Hungary”

Just a short drive away from the nosy Capital, the press individuals were previously invited to participate to-day at the presentation held in the light of introducing the 4star Oxygen ZEN Hotel & Spa, at the settlement at Noszvaj. The hotel opened its door in August, 2012. In deed, we are talking about a hotel, very young at age, yet already have had recently received 3 professional awards. The press members were welcomed by: Dr. Zsolt Nyitrai, parliamentarian, describing within figures of the tourist developments in the region, adding the development of the hotel was built from apart of EU funds. Also the Assistant Secretary of State for Tourism talked about the increasing figures showed by the visitors to have had come to the Oxygen ZEN Hotel & Spa, underlining the increasing number of visitors of domestics, foreigners staying, working in Hungary. Tamás Farkas, managing director of Oxygen & Zen Spa Hotel introduced the professional awards and the Interior designer, Zoltán Varró talked about how an 100 years old cottage was formed into a comfy British style cottage. The company was honored to have the two mayors Péter Fodor of Nostvaj and from the neighbouring settlement István Guczi of Szomolya being present at the event. Within the presentation we were told about the original building, which was built by the Gallassy family in the nineteenhundreds. We learnt the building stood for some time as an empty place, but seeing the green woods around the territory with the gorgeous nature life, the dream for the family owned hotel came true in creating by converting the “haunted” cottage into a family friendly hotel. It was spiced up in-and-out, keeping the outer original walls, building an additional storey, and having the far-east unique Spa touch of ZEN bringing a spiritual world to Noszvaj. Yes, here we are speaking about a very young at age hotel, yet already have had received 3 awards … “The Best New Small Hotel Construction & Design” – International Hotel Award. The country’s most popular hotels in competition which is annually held in Hungary, finished in the third place and received the Real Estate Development Excellence Award. The third award was received as the Best Accommodation of the Year. The English style, designs, furnitures and facilities on the spot testified the planning, design and implementation were in good hands, kept the British elegance. The hotel’s owner also have kept in mind of having to have built accessibility facilities for Disabled Guests. Some figures of the Oxygen ZEN Spa Hotel, as we were told: The hotel has 50 English country-style rooms. Most of them are standard double rooms that can be interconnected, if necessary making it comfy for families arriving with babies and/or children. The hotel has 12 suites. Later built on the top an extra floor having 9 special rooms. These have tubs for two beside the wide windowsill, having a secular view of the landscape, rich in woods, that lays just in front of the guests having reserved at these rooms. In deed, wandering around the premises, corridors, spa center, cosy small chatty premises was as being at one of the cottages in Great Britain. Seen it wasn’t a secret from where the inside design idea came from. The owner of the hotel was as to bring a little British feeling for the locals and of course the foreigners rolling over from UK to feel a bit like being at home, but at the same time enjoying the Hungarian hospitality, food delights and to get to know the regions special wines, which are already pretty known around the world: the Bull’s Blood from Eger. Something new to learn about Noszvaj beside the Oxigen Zen Spa Hotel is the De la Motte castle, the outbuildings of Louis XVI. style, built by John Povolny in 1774 and 1778. Also for many yet unknown is the jummiest „Noszvaj’s purpil plums”, producing pálinka and thick plum jams are from the Fruitville of Noszvaj. As mentioned the hotel stand on the Szomolya Road and regarding to Szomolya, it is a place worthwhile to visit while staying at the hotel. Just a short drive from Noszvaj. The why and what this settlement is famous of can be read at a previous update: https://rollinginbudapest.com/2013/06/10/szomolya-cherryville-festival-as-the-locals-say-we-are-the-cherry-republics-capital/

So we heard, the Oxygen Hotel & Zen Spa filled with pleasure and leisure. unfortunately, the lack of time made our visit short, so we couldn’t see all the goodies hotel holds, but were told about its services during the presentation, as the hotel’s main goal was to form a baby and children-friendly hotel. To-day’s hotel visitors are much looking forward to splash into a pool, therefore, the wellness and cure center was an important fact in developing the hotel. Visited the ZEN Spa, a real spiritual place, has what it takes for mind, body and soul! It is tailored in a spirit of oriental atmosphere, low authentic meditation music, enlightening the atmosphere by bringing over the feeling from Japan with the original Japanese style spa and steam room.

At the ZEN Spa the guest can get acquainted with the Japanese Tea Ceremony which has centuries-old tradition in the Japanese custom. A special way of expressing togetherness. Based on an old tradition, a certain Dzsuko Murata (1423-1502) has drawn up the rules for a tea ceremony, which today is known as “csanoju”.The csanoju played a major role in the cultural and artistic life of the Japanese people. Within keeping this tradition, cleans the soul and show guidance to live together with the nature. The tea ceremony purpose is to have peace in ourselves, to clean the soul and a guidance to live together with the nature.

Many sporty activities in-and-outside just lays in front of the guests. The wintertime holds back a bit being outside the surrounding premises, rolling on a Fairy Tale Road, that can easily be reached by bike, hiking and visiting the cave dwellings as an optional program offered by the hotel’s staff. The staff thought of having two separate Restaurants, one for the couples of all age, the other for families arriving with babies not to disturb the hubby couples. Whether coming from the UK, or any other part of the World, there are rascalities that will definitely catch the eye: darts, sitting in the “dock” of the sauna, relaxing and meditating, dipping the body in the Turkish steam bath, outside with tennis rackets and balls on the tennis ground. Before and after the presentation we were invited to taste the region’s famous, high quality wines, brought by the winemaker from the Cellar Thummerer and the Archbishop Almagyar Vineyards.  The organizers made sure the press individuals not leaving the venue starving, and were welcomed to taste their unique lunch served everyday at the hotel. The chief was marvelous with the delicacies, hardly having words, indescribable the rich in flavors, just like granny’s home-made cooking.

Was a bit envy for those guest who were staying there and while we were present saw, foreigners coming from Slovakian, Germany and of course Hungarian guests upon arrival couples and families with kids as to spend their week-end here at the Oxygen Hotel & Zen Spa … Jolly-Good for them!

Update, snaps by Aggie Reiter

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