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

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The first woman in the world whose portrait decorates on a locomotive. It was none other than Queen Elisabeth, the Austrian Empress.

Around midday the press and media representatives where called to Gödöllő to be present at the ceremony.The press gathering was opened by invited V.I.P. guest, who added some thoughts to this unique ceremony.

GYSEV, now has a tradition of keeping up  annually decorating their running locomotives with famous individuals faces. The past 3 years were: Haydn, in 2008, István Széchenyi, in 2009, and Ferenc Liszt, in 2010.

Mr. Zsolt Semjén, Deputy Prime Minister Opened the press conference by saying: “This is the Austrian- Hungarian railway company’s fourth consecutive year. During the past year’s by an excellent choice there were chosen famous Hungarian personalities portrait on these train that were connected to that year’s anniversary.

Mr. Pál Völner, State Secretary for Infrastructure at the National Development Ministry said the following: “The railway company wouldn’t have had found a better person to fit in our latest theme of the locomotives than Queen Elisabeth. The queen spent a lot of time at Gödöllő. She received the castle as a coronation gift and was fond to travel by train. During these times was built the integrated national railways. It isn’t a coincidence that the Queen Elisabeth’s portrait decorates, stands on a modern locomotive and the ceremony is at Gödöllő, in front of the railway station’s royal waiting room.

Grand Duke George Austrian Habsburg, expressed his thanks in the name of his family by saying the known quote of his father: “In these difficult times,  you should rely and be optimistic in the future history. Also thanked to have decorated in memory the locomotive to Sisi, the Hungarian Queen.

Ms.  Ilona Dávid, President and CEO – GYSEV Inc. The thematic locomotives are trademarks of our railway. Our company is proud of the Sisi-locomotive, we would like to pay tribute to our queen that was blessed with an excellent diplomatic sense.

After the opening ceremony came the main attraction,  upon the cut of the national ribbon came pull-off the covering veil by the V.I.P. guests from the Taurus locomotive. The V.I.P.’s received a piece of stripe as a souvenir. By this act the locomotive had been inaugurated and from now on it will be rolling on near and far route.

In Hungary many buildings and institutions are named after Sisi.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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The other day a  joint announcement was made at the press conference, held by the Hungarian National Broadcasting(MTVA) and the Hungarian Television (MTV). The main purpose was to announce “NEED A SONG”  to the forthcoming 2012 year’s Eurovision Song Contest arranged in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

Attending at this press conference was Ms. Kati Wolf, last year’s succesful singer representing Hungary with her song: “What about my Dreams”.  Also one of the young talented singers, Ms. Gabi Tóth was present and said she would be extremely happy to represent Hungary, at the next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Baku.

The Press Conference was held by: Mr. Ferenc L. Gazsó, Deputy Director General for Content Production at MTVA, Mr. Philip Rákay, Intendant of  Channel m1 and m2, Ms. Adrienne Szilágyi, Head of Entertainment, Hungarian Television and Ms. Ágnes Cserháti, spokesman lady of the Media Services and Support Trust Fund.

Deputy Director General for Content Production at MTVA, Mr. Ferenc L. Gazsó stated: “We are proud of taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest, next year. This will be our 12th occasion in participating at  the Eurovision Song Contest. With Kati Wolf’s participation in the year of 2011, we could show that after the integration of the Hungarian public service media, the song contest and its message reached a larger audience than ever before.” Also stated, Hungary is delighted to be a part again in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. Well known that each year more than 100 million spectators are watching  on the spot and through the TV sets. The songs will be selected, decided by a jury and there will be a tele-voting in each semi-final. Winners will be announced after the two semi-finals and will be broadcasted live on the Hungarian television, Channel: m1. The tele-voting will count as a result of one plus jury.

During the press conference the regulations were  announced by Mr. Philip Rákay: “All entries must be received no later than Tuesday, midnight, December, 20. 2011. Judging will be based on the originality, on excellence in songwriting and the composition with its style. The song has to be in a three minutes maximum length. The artists that will be participating on the  26th of May, 2012 Eurovision Song Contest must reach the age of  being already 16 years old. At the Eurovision Song Contest,  the song performed on the stage can only be of six people at a time. No live animal is allowed on the stage. A song call has been opened by MTV for local and foreign composers. All entries have to be absolutely originally new songs, i.e. not to have had been on-air, broadcasted earlier than the 1st of September, 2011. After the selection of the song it will be decided to who will be the singer to represent Hungary with it at the Eurovision Song Contest.”

Entries must include: written form of lyrics, the artist (composer and performers), authors have to supply press photos. Also have to attach the artist(s), the author(s)  biography of the CD in Hungarian and English-language. The CD must be prepared  with audio material and audio files in mp3 format. All the documents and CDs has to be sealed, posted as a registered mail.

Entries must be posted to: MTVA 3rd District, 64, Kunigunda Road – Budapest.

SO, TO ALL WHO WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART  WITH A SONG REPRESENTING HUNGARY AT THE FORTHCOMING  2012  EUROVISION SONG CONTEST:

ON YOUR MARCH, GET READY, SET, GO!

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

Super-fast mobile-net throughout the underground lines Number 2 (red sign) and Number 3 (blue sign) in  Budapest

Today afternoon was present on a demo show of the super-fast mobile Internet provided by the Vodaphone. The demo was on the running train especially brought to the scene at the Stadion Station (underground line number 2). Traveling through 20 minutes with speed from 40 kms up to the maximum of 70 kms/H  with changing underground line to number 2.  was a sophisticated experience. No ordinary travellors have ever had this treat before. The two underground lines are connected with uneven deepth yet only those could have seen the difference who traveled in the last train. Otherwise our sence didn’t feel a thing in the change of levels. We all received a small  pack of  Vodaphone goodies, included with a Santa Claus’s red hat.  That was a kinda distinguishing mark wearing Santa Claus’s red hats. The train didn’t stop at any station to pick up the passangers. We were  like”shooting stars” from station-to-stations. Most probably that evening there were two versions of that afternoon’s  experiences. For the media and press was for the first time to trvavel on this route and the first occasion to click and pick up the super-fast mobil internet while traveling cca. 38meters under the ground. It was working fine. While others  may have told their friends and family they saw a bunch of  happy Santa Claus’s with their red color hat speeding through the underground stations.

Even though December 6, is the day for Santa Claus arrival, but to-day on the 7th of December another kinda Santa Claus was the Vodaphone that brought a “present”  for the Budapest’s travellors  that use the underground as a method of transportation.

The announcement was made by Mr. György Beck, President of the Vodaphone of Hungary: ” In the beginning weeks of 2012 everybody will be able to enjoy the super-fast mobile Internet service. The service won’t only work on the stations, but all along the route of the underground tunnel as well.” He also talk about being in the 21st century and the standards are high. To add the support a 21.6 megabit download speed network ensures to be able to browse and read, write our mails, work a bit in advance or just simply listen to their favorite music back-and-forth through their journey. Spoke about his own experiences traveling on the London’s Underground lines. “There was no connect available, but heard the news that when the time will come for the 2012 Summer Olympics Games in London, the broadband-network will be available throughout the whole Underground routes in London.” Mr. Beck also added with joy, that here in Europe, Hungary is the first to bring alive this kind of Internet connection to people through the Underground transportation.  He was also happy to say there won’t be any extra payments for either of the two lines underground internet service. He has high hopes that many of those who are “addicted” to the Internet world and couldn’t have it in use earlier will now leave their vehicles behind and travel more often by the use of the Underground transportation. So hopefully the roads won’t be so busy as  they are to-day.

Another added information, in New York, the Internet connection only runs at the stations and ain’t any connection through the routes on the underground  tunnels.

Mr. Dávid Vitézy, Chief Executive at the Budapest Transport Center was satisfied with this new development. He expressed, the Internet connection on the underground transportation routes hopefully will be a huge support by making public transport more popular.

The delegate of Huawei Technologies, Mr. Jack Wei  gave a short overview of the company, saying  first their slogan: “To Enrich Life Through Communication”. Huawei is 11 years in Europe  and 5 years in Hungary and is a leading  multinational company that produce mobile, telecommunications  equipments. Huawei is rapidly growing and continuously invests in local markets. The company is based in Chine, but throughout the world is present at 150 countries with 120000 employees. At the end of his speech he wished to add the following: ” I am very happy that we are the first to have had made a joint with the Vodaphone  here in Hungary as to build the 3D service here in its capital, Budapest. Mr. Jack Wei talked about the use  of the super-fast mobil-net in Hong-Kong saying there is an extra “tunnel fee” for the use added to the basic fees called: “tunnel internet”.  The extra payments all goes to the company’s budget for the future’s technical developments.

Update by Aggie Reiter

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Mr. Gábor Talmácsi, the great motorcycle racer, the 2007 GP 125cc World Champion  recalls: “As a kid, I use to place my cleaned, shining leather motorcycle boots in my room’s window before heading to my bed and could hardly wait for the next morning to see what Santa Claus brought me” He deeply cherish these long past memories and never forgotten those days. When he was asked to take part in a surprise as to dress up as Santa Clause for the little patients at the”Pal Heim” Children’s Hospital he didn’t hesitate even for a minute. Thanks to co-operating partners Talma’s bags were filled with traditional Xmas packages and toys.

The Tesco Co. was one of the supplies that had offered the Santa Claus gift packs of chrunchy-munchies  to the little patients at the “Pal Heim” Children’s Hospital.

The major offer of goods came from the  Hungrana Ltd., the manufacturer, who delivered  – monitors, printers, laptops, baby scales, blood pressure meter and equipments to be in use for rehabilitation care.

The Hungrana Ltd. also  decided to give a helping hand by the offered E85 biofuel as to support the operation of the institution.

Talma also said: “It was such a heart-warming feeling to see the kids smiling and they seemed happy as I was spending my  time around them and to see in their bright eyes they had forgotten for the time being their difficulties. It was my pleasure to be a part of a good cause and to cheer up these small patients. A little care means a lot to those kids that live in the land of difficulties.”

Yes, to show and to give love doesn’t cost a thing.

Update by  Aggie Reiter

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OREX NEWLY OPENED A STORE AT ONE OF  THE BEAUTEOUS 

ABSOLUTELY PALACE IN THE WORLD OF WATCHES AND JEWELRY

A little bit of Paris in Budapest! When you roll along at the Andrássy Avenue you would feel your  rolling along on the  Champs-Élysées.  Cafés, luxury specialty shops and is one of the most famous street and one of the most expensive strip of real estate in the world.

So back to Budapest where another luxury store opened, the OREX – watches and jeweller’s by Dorotheum – Austria. This official opening was connected with a reception by invited special guest.

The Raymond Weil (Geneve) watches were out on display and Ms. Veera Collomb-Patton, Area Sales Manager opened the store by introducing  Raymond Weil’s history in the business of watches, saying: Mr. Raymond Weil, is a Swiss family firm. Founded in Geneva, in 1976. He has formed an exclusive position in the world of exclusive watchmaking. His watches are  present  around the world’s market and is constantly growing. Raymond Weil has just marked his 35 years of history  and is celebrating its ruby anniversary. As many may know the ruby, is one of the most precious stones, that represents:victory, love, happiness and most of all the passion for the family.

Like musicians who assemble musical notes into a work of harmony, the four members of the Raymond Weil  “clan” all know how to compose as a team and as individuals. In 1982, Olivier Bernheim, Raymond Weil’s son-in-law, joined the company and became its Managing Director and General Manager in 1996. The family company proudly celebrated  the arrival of the third generation with Elie and Pierre Bernheim. The latest watch is named after Mr. Raymond Weil’s  newly born granddaughter: Noemia.

Music and art are at the centre of the  Raymond Weil’s universe. Mr. Weil’s collection of watches reflects to the names of famous opera  composers: Verdi, Mozart, Don Giovanni, Nabucco etc. Art and Culture had always a special part in his life. His brand has long enjoyed close links with  our planet of music. Raymond Weil is also an active patron of Arts. He is closely involved in promoting young talents. He has the Raymond Weil International Photography Prize. It have had reach already to be the World’s leading photography competition. Not only the offered award, nor the famous partners, but the brands have attracted (Paris Photo, Aperture etc.)  perfectly that embodies Mr. Weil’s desire to provide a long-term support for the young artists”.

During the evening there was no surprise about the invited artists. Two famous opera singers were sharing piece of plays from world-wide know operas. Mr. and Ms. shared a beautiful evening in the house yard area with the charming lights of  Xmas. The event couldn’t have had been better organized with bringing closer the Xmas feeling. The touch of warming the heart (and body) with the excellent  hot-hot mulled wine,  roast pumpkin, roast almonds, sautéed  sugar-coated walnuts, baked apples and some crunchy-munchies. Close to the end there was a raffle along with the touch of Mr.  Raymond Weil’s unequivocal thoughtfulness: two tickets for two to the Hungarian State Opera House and a very special romantic prize: an evening ride on the horse-drawn carriage through the sparkling lights of Xmas decorated trees along on both sides of  the Andrássy Avenue.

The Orex shop is a little palace, not only rich with its watches and jeweller’s but the shop is charming that lies at one of the oldest streets in Budapest’s. Even not intending to do any shopping it is worthwhile to visit.

Opening hours:

10.00 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekdays

10.00 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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THIS EVENT WAS TO BE PRESENT AT THE HUNGARIAN WINES MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONORS AWARD!

The competitors for the nominated five top rated wine-markers were:

Károly Áts– vineyards of Tokaj

Tamás Dúzsi – vineyards of Szekszárd

Éva Dignisz Gálné –  vineyards of Kiskunság

Zoltán Heimann – vineyards of Szekszárd

Péter Vida  –  vineyards of Szekszárd

Around noon time of December, 2 a press conference was called for the announcement of the winner of the year’s wine held by the Hungarian Wine Academy.

From all over the country all styles of wine makers sent their wines to be judged by some wine experts and  8000 on-line voters shared their votes.

The judging panel was looking for the taste of the year. Picking the winners was no easy feat was to find the wine with imagination. The judge committee finally managed to narrow the contenders competition for the best Hungarian wine of the year 2011. The competitions were from significant vineyards growing regions around Hungary.

The winner of this year’s best wine producer was Mr. Péter Vida, the owner of the Family Wine Estates. In 1995, he decided to establish his own company. His main wines are the tastes of Cabernet franc, Merlot, Zweigelt. Mr. Péter Vida series of wines are under the name of  La Vida that has already a  number of international recognition. You don’t survive for more than 16 years without being good, and frankly, this is all you could ever want  to wish from a winemaker.

At the award ceremony beside the invited competitors, the press  and media was present and could go through tasting the selection of wines of the 5 top nominated wines by-the-glass.

The award was not just for a wine of excellent quality, but mainly for the recognition of the winemaker’s outstanding performance by  producing excellent wines in constant quality.

Upon receiving the recognition to be the years’ best wine-marker Mr. Péter Vida said the following: ” The wine can not be compared to anything. It is a divine miracle of our world’s living nature and the victory for all mankind.”

The area of Szekszárd has been one of the most ground-breaking vineyards in the country. Since the  announcement of this year’s award winner reached the city of Szekszárd , the whole city is constantly in the mood of celebrating their wines.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW BY NOW

HERE’S A CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

 DECEMBER, 28.

 AT THE HALL OF SYMA  DISTRICT 7. VERSENY STREET – BUDAPEST

The Magna Cum Laude doesn’t need to be introduced to the Hungarian music lovers.

THEIR FIFTH NEW CD TRACK IS OUT: INTERNAL FLAME

One of the most successful bands in Hungary. Their music is extremely popular. They have sold-out concerts. Many believe the band now has reach their peak.

The band’s new album hit the stores shelves on November, 2. and already many radio stations continuously play by requests their songs. The most famous one is steady on the top: Too Late “Túl Késő.

The new CD has a collection of songs that all reflect on each of the members near past private life. They gathered their own emotional imprints. The lyrics are in Hungarian, but  while listening to the music anyone could tell, feel easily the waves of emotions floating around them.  They sing about everyday’s topics, mainly about their own lives: marriage, death, illness, religion.  Each  and every song has a profound message.  This is a deep “concept album”. Deals with enormous overpowering emotions:  love, regret, loss.

Within their latest pack of CD there is also an attached  DVD that contains one-and-a-half hour selected recording of their last year’s “Magna Xmas” live concert. It was recorded at the Hall of Syma. During this forthcoming concert of December, 28 they will share all their the songs on new CD track and play their  18 songs again from the last year’s live concert. So the traditional goes on with the presence of recoding this year’s concert again.

So as we get closer to the end of the year, it is a great time to be a part at this get-together event and enjoy the awesome music and lyrics of the Magna Cum Laude.

At the end of the press conference  the Magna Cum Laude group invited the eminent colleagues and press participants to join them again, as keeping their previous year’s tradition to celebrate together this year’s success and by asking the press to spread the news of their forthcoming concert of December, 28 at the Hall of Syma. At the end of the press conference there was a blast feast of meat,  spices Hungarian sausages, meat stuffed cabbage and with the tasting of their especially bottled Magna Cum Laude  hot spirit “Pálinka”.

If someone hasn’t heard about them, now is the time to catch-up in purchasing your tickets to the a/m concert.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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The winner takes it all in the domestic final!

Last night the lights shined on two Capitals, one was inside the Moulin Rouge, the “Capital of Entertainment”, the other were the bright lights of Xmas decorations shinning throughout the Avenues, Boulevards and the Streets of Budapest, the “Capital of Hungary.”

Upon the original plans the Moulin Rouge went through a reconstruction and reopened in the year 2000. Since then it is a venue, a complex of Budapest’s special entertainment.

So this evening the Moulin Rouge opened its doors by giving the ground over to elect Hungary’s best Finlandia based vodka mixer. Throughout the evening we have witnessed an exciting competition of Hungary’s best top bartenders.

Now was the time to have the previous competitions winners, the 12 bartenders  to take part in the final competition here in Hungary before selecting the winner  to participate in Helsinki at the XIVth  International Finlandia World Cup of 2012. All the bartenders wished to show their best,  who’s the best in this extremely close race. They all showed their skills in several categories: long drinks, followed by asperities. Each round had a fixed period (7 mins) of timing. Then the rating took place.

The rating was carried out by a technical jury then followed by the present tasting committee. Points had to be gathered by the skills, the art of style, the dexterity, the combination of taste and ingredients were all a  part of the competitors imagination.

This evening Mr. Máté Csatlós (Matthew Csatlós) was the grand mixer of the night. Last year he won the title of being the best bartender in Hungary. He received the ticket to take part and represent Hungary in Helsinki at the scenario in the world’s best top 20 bartenders and a chance to win the title and  holder of the World Cup 2012’s Campion. Along with the World Cup  the award prize is to be 25,000 USD.

Mr. Máté Csatlós (Matthew Csatlós) previously was a history and physical educator, but the past 6 years he stepped out of the classroom  and went to stand behind the bar, as a bartender.

The evening’s second and third prize went out to Mr. Ákos Orosz and  Mr. István Ludányi.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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THE ONE-AND-ONLY  FIRST WINE PALACE IN HUNGARY

VINOPOLIS WINERY

BUDAPEST’S  5TH DISTRICT,  FALK  MIKSA STREET.

Budapest opened the Vinopolis Wine Bar and Wine Gathering Center, whereas the VIP’s, press and media representatives were invited.  The wine center seeks to develop the Hungarian wine culture and the wine-matching by creating an environment to get-together for professionals to seek what’s news on the shelves of wines or for just spending pleasant hours with colleagues in a cosy environment, share a little time with friends or having a family meeting.

At the Vinopolis Winery there is a spread of choice of  1000 wines in the area of 1200 square meters, offering a snip or two on the spot or can be bought to take home or purchase as a gift.  The wine bar also has a scene to visit and taste the choice of a total of hundred entries.

The Vinopolis Winery had come up with a new form in the world of winery. The idea was self tailored to the Hungarians needs, but basically as an inspiration from the existing winery in the United Kingdom. At the press and media opening Mr. Zsolt Szente, Managing Director introduced the scene by saying: “This is basically an adventure tour to gain knowledge while having a glass of wine. The Vinopolis is also a host to the foreigner wine experts with regular based presentations, whereas updates are spread about the latest news on the local and international world of wines. Hopefully the coming visitors will spread the news of the awesome tasty Hungarian wines and be our ambassadors at the international markets. Surely, the only place where all the wine region’s products of Hungary can be seen and tasted. Foreign well-known 15 major producers wines are out on display can also be purchased.” A guided tour was provided through the three-storey venue by Mr. Attila Petzold, Technical Director who showed around the facilities and as we rolled along he invited the guests for having a snip of some  special wines from the Hungarian regions.

The Vinopolis Winery is not only a unique environment  because of its size in measure, but for it’s range of complex services that had been developed to introduce the areas, regions of the best wine growing vineyards of Hungary.

With the establishment of the Budapest’s Vinopolis Winery, the owners wish to raise the standards of Hungary’s wines and at the same time provide a complex range of services.

At the entrance level are the wide-spread of Hungarian wines. At the lower floor is an interactive exhibition introducing several wine growing regions in Hungary. Professional “sommeliers”take you on a tour to the greatest regions of vineyards growing landscapes to introduce the Hungarian wines. Very interesting and worthwhile to take a tour to a real smooth, non shaky journey to the “Finest Vinelands of Hungary”

The owners of the Volipolis Winery has high hopes to shortly become in one of those “must see attraction in Budapest” venues for local and tourist rolling around the sights and sound of Budapest.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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An official opening to Ms. Sára Osgyányi,  artist

and

The premier of  wide collection of the Confetti  jewellery 

November, 24, 2011.

Thursday – 7 p.m.

5th District,  11, Petőfi Sándor Street

Regular opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3p.m.

The Magma Gallery came up with an exclusive  and non-regular exhibition. Upon arrival the invited guests received a card with a special request, as to join an interactive game. The following request was as to name the painting of Ms. Sára Osgyányi and to choose a name for the orange color, glass-head  piece of jewellery from the  Confetti collection. On the back-side of the card there was a space to name the two masterpieces in Hungarian and English language with the name of the denominator.

Ms. Eszter Ónodi, the actress opened the exhibition by adding a couple of thoughts to introduce  one-by-one  Ms. Sára Osgyányi’s  paintings out on display and the brilliant collection of the Confetti jewelleries also seen at the spot.

Later-on the jury on the spot selected the creators of the best two named entries. One person left that evening with the Magma Gallery’s winning named painting and one person with a Confetti bracelet.

The winning name of the painting was: “Lady Gaga’s on the run at 5 p.m.” The winning name of the orange color, glass-head Confetti jeweller was named after a semi-precious stone.

The invited guest eyes not only caught attention to the collection of awesome selection of home art accessories, but also to a small spot whereas a selection of wines were to taste. Another yet not well known excellent wines  from  the “vineyard-fields” of Transdanubia were offered from the winery of Mr. Zoltán Bibók, BWC – Bibók Cellar. Frankly, the Hungarian Bibók’s cellar wines deserve a  big thumbs up.  A set of wines from the Bibók winery  have won the pleasure of care and honor by many at the spot. Personally, I would vote for the full quality of the semi-sweet white wine Velvet Cuvée.  The blend was simply smooth as velvet. Unfortunately, the Bibók cellar’s products might not yet ordinarily be available at all on the wider markets but hopefully they will  shortly break into the flash deals.

The Magma Gallery was a great host with not just its selection of grand arts but with providing  a surprise, a huge boat full of sushi, sweet and salty cakes, soft drinks and the a/m  marvelous selection of wines from the Bibók Cellar.

The Magma Gallery features also a selection of contemporary Hungarian applied art and crafts, glass art, fibre art, metal art, small sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolour paintings, metal art, contemporary jewellery.

Surely worthwhile to pay a visit, especially since to Season’s Holidays are just right outside the corner.