30 Jan

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE HORSE – MILLENEUM CENTER – BUDAPEST, 2014.

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The Chinese Year of the Horse comes galloping into our lives.

On Saturday, the 1st of February, will feature the Asia-Pacific and Hungarian artists, Lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, Kung Fu Cup, calligraphy, oriental gastronomy, musicians ,simultaneous Go, Dr. Chen’s clinic, 1000 Teahouse and Tea ceremony, Chinese medicine, ping-pong, theatrical productions, Korean culture, universities, language games, presentations, acrobats, musicians, athletes, games for kids and adults, prizes, sport activities at each-and-every minute at the four sides of the corner in the Milleneum Center. Get ready for a splendid full day show with outstanding programs for Hungarians and the Chinese staying, living in Hungary. The season of winter can bring folks down, but the warmth of the festival happenings will ensure family and friends to unloose and enjoy the day and evening shows.

The Lunar New Year Festival will take place at the Milleneum Park – Hall B.

The Official Opening Ceremony starting at 11 a.m.

Other programs will be ongoing from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Between 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. the Henan Art Group and the Chinese artists living in Hungary will highlight the evening with their performance at the festival’s great stage.

The leading characteristic that best describes the horse is a spirit of freedom and independence. The Horse is also known for its friendly nature, its strength, its beauty, and its ability to undergo hardship. Most of mankind’s history, the horse has provided transportation of people and commerce for thousands of years. Even today in various parts of the world, the horse remains as a major mode of transportation The horse is cool  but hot-blooded, hard-nosed but humble, impatient but extraordinarily tolerant, but to find out more about the Year of the Horse visitors are more than welcomed  to the Milleneum Park.

Update by Aggie Reiter

30 Jan

ANNIVERSARY EVENTS TO THE 120 YEARS OLD NEW YORK PALACE … THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAFÉ IN THE WORLD

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Connecting programs  in celebrating the most spectacular Café  in the World  …  The New York Palace celebrates this year its 120th anniversary.

The New York Palace, was re-born in the spirit of the  Boscolo family who asked an Italian design company, already known from its former design brilliancy …  designed the legendary Ferrari showroom … to make the family’s dream come true by the reforming the New York Palace’s new wing. Dream came true cause within the walls of the New York Café  lays the Boscolo Hotels, Boscolo Conference  Center and the Boscolo catering.

On January, 27., a  press conference was held at the Boscolo’s even hall, whereas the speakers talked about the former New York café, the well-known place for a meet point of regular Hungarian greatest literary individuals and bloomed the cultural life. It was the home of the greatest formed beside the Western author of the „Pest Diary” and numerous journal editorial, but several critical, actress and artist also spent most of time of the days.

The café, restaurant and five-star luxury hotel is accommodating to-day within the New York Palace building, opened in October, 23.1894.  So this year the cultural calendar marks each program reflecting to the anniversary year. The anniversary interaction goes along with other applications in addition to traditional literary theme. The New York artist Council will hold fortnightly a literary performance, and within this frame a chain of 16 thematic, artistic evenings will be held, involving more than 80 artists. In 2014 most of the programmes focus on the jubilee. For example, January, 27 the poet: János Lackfi, Erika Bárczi and Zsuzsa Hargitay-Nagy fashion designers, Gergely Böszörményi Nagy communication expert, Mihály Dresch saxophone artist and Miklós Lukács cimbalom artist analyzed the topics of tradition and reformation during the night titled „What are the Hungarians like?”.  Beside the lectures, there will be a role in enjoying gastronomy and catering within the birthday celebration within the walls of the eye-catching building. During the series of evenings will be the writer Sandor Marai‘s death commemorated  25th anniversary. In May, on the Women’s Day, the event will be dedicated with the presence of famous creative women, but also dedicated to the occasion of psychology and the relationship between art and artist couples. On the podium the invited guests will be received by Anna Juhász. Since 2011, literary contest was advertised by the cafe house, which this year will be related to the 120-year-old cafe’s past and present publications. Wish to revive the old-time tradition started in the year 2012., with the piano competition, highlighted by Csaba Szabó, the New York café  manager. In January started this year’s contest with measuring nine bar pianist skills by Károly Nyári, Csilla Szentpéteri and Jenő Esze, all of them famous pianists in front of a jury. Until May, 9., four occasions will take place when the audience will be able to listen to the competitors.

The anniversary is also manifested with culinary delights. The first international gastronomy conference was held, and the world most famous confectionaries prepared cake specialities in honor of the famous Budapest café. The jubilee  year’s programs will be crowned with glory in October with a Grand New York Ball.

Supporting the series of the Budapest Fashion Nights, whereas the famous home fashions, Hungarian-quality fashion will be organized as in the previous years at the Boscolo Conference Center. The event will take place at March, 6. 2014. The Bloom Fashion Group event is a social event for over many years that provides an opportunity for the Hungarian fashion culture relaxed individuals to have a casual meeting. In these series of events, also is the platform to other prominent fashion designers to meet and show the current collection within the framework of the high-quality fashion evening.

SEE FOR YOURSELF THE BEAUTY THAT LAYS IN-AND-OUTSIDE OF THE WALLS  AT THE NEW YORK CAFÉ: http://www.newyorkcafe.hu/

Update by Aggie Reiter

20 Jan

PART 2. THE 2014 – ISU EUROPEAN FIGURE SKATING GRAND PRIX BUDAPEST – HUNGARY

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Summary of the Free Skating days at the ISU European Figure Skating Championship – Budapest – 2014.

ICE DANCE  – FREE DANCE … After the short program  Anna Cappellini – Luca Lanotte  – ITA duo won the ice dance competition. The Italian duo Bronze medalist last year came up with their sophisticated productions. They received high scored from the judges. They were very close behind second Jelena Ilinyih – Nikita Kacalapov –  RUS  duo.  The British pair, Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland of Great Britain took the bronze medal after their short program. The Brits did it again … Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland proudly received their sparkling bronze medals at the end of the ice dancing in Budapest. Indeed, the audience was thrilled, ongoing claps and cheers  filled the air throughout  Penny and Nicholas superb performance.  For many they were the favorites, the highlight of the night all began cheering as soon as they started dancing when  hearing the Old Big Ben’s clock hitting the hour and recognizing Michael Jackson’s tune. The cream on the cake was when they both copied the famous steps of Jackson to the music of Smooth Criminal … You are not alone … Billy Jean. Well, what can I say … one of the best production of the day at the Syma’s ice rink! The choreography was absolutely out-of-space! Well Done Penny and Nicholas!

Hungary’s young talented ice dance duo finished in the 21st. place. Dóra Turóczi – Balázs Major were extremely happy receiving all the loud cheers which supported them a lot. Wish to say in brief a few words of Hungary’s only ice dancers competing Dóra Turóczi – Balázs Major.  (Rolling back in time … Dóra first pulled on her skates at the age of 6. and at the age of 10 turned to synchronized skating and shortly then after figure skating. Turóczi and Major have been ice dancers since 2006. This is their fourth season as seniors and are very happy to have had already qualified to the World Championships.) Their coach is non less famous in the figure dancing than France’s World and European champion, Olivier Schoenfelder.

LADIES – FREE SKATING  … Carolina Kostner was in the hearts of many in the audience after her “Ave Maria”  performance  in the short program, but that wasn’t a full stop for her. Dancing on ice to the music of  Ravel’s “Bolero” was absolutely fantastic.  Had a nasty fall, but she was quick in continuing her elegant performance. No question, she is a classy lady on ice. This time she didn’t win her 6th European Gold, anyway she kept her kind smiles all along the way … even though winning the Bronze medal. Prehaps, I am not on my own by saying Carolina has something in her style, as a reminder of one of the great lady skater of  the 20th century … Ms. Katherina Witt. Julia Lipnitskaia  aged 15 was the youngest competitor at the ice rink and also became the youngest winner of the event. Lipnitskaia’s performance was to the music of the “Schindler’s List” Just a thought to Lipnitskaia’s outfit. She wore a red dress, evoking to the little girl in the Spielberg’s film, whose red coat was one of the only details of color in the black-and-white movie. Julia, thought wearing a red dress would distract her technique, but discovered that emotions help her a lot in improving her performance. So no wonder not only skates but deep emotions are needed to be an extremely talented skater. Watching her on ice you can think of nothing else than she was born to be on ice. Her performance was like a feather floating above the ice. While she presented her show you could hear the sound of her blade slipping on the ice and the audience held their breath witnessing the ease and confidence as she almost flew on the ice. Julia’s breathtaking performance was greeted by standing ovation. Following the announcement of results, she was questioned how she will be celebrating her golden victory … with a glass of champagne? Julia immediately answered by saying, Quote:  „No, I never drink alcohol and athletics should never-ever drink any alcohol. I will probably be celebrating my victory with having a nice slice of a yummy cake.” Worthwhile to keep an eye on this young lady, the talented skater as she is the ISU European Figure Skate Champion of 2014. Adelina Sotnikova  age 17 stunning ice dance skated to the non less stunning music “Rondo Capriccioso”. Absolutely perfect chose of music and her dance was extra-ordinary. She is also very young, but never-the-less already was the World Junior champion the 2010 and 2011. In 2012 at the Youth Olympics won the silver medal. Here in Budapest at the ISU Europeans Grand Prix she won her first Silver medal. Her performance was like a feather floating on the ice. In Adelina’s free skate we all witness her ease and confidence as she almost flew meters high on top of the ice. Adelina’s breathtaking performance was often greeted by standing ovation. Two Russian Julia Lipnitskaia won Gold, Adelina Sotnikova won Silver and the Italian Carolina Kostner won Bronze medal. Throughout the performances of the ladies’ for a length of time the audiences did not stop their cheers even for a  minute.

MEN FREE SKATING …  The Spaniard, bombastic skater Javier Fernandez won the Gold medal. His victory could have had been already signed, sealed and delivered showing his art on ice within his performance. Javier’s performance was a hell of a good show. He was the best clown on ice to have been seen for long time ago. Five minutes ain’t so long, yet he formed so many in individuals in his free dance show. Following him by the two Russia’s, Sergei Voronov – Silver and Konstantin Menshow – Bronze. For Konstantin Menshov aged 30 this was his first European medal. Soared from 11th place at the short program and  captured the Bronze medal at the Men’s free Skating… have a Hungarian saying: „From the last can be the firsts!” Well, have to keep an eye on Konstantin, he is a real talent and on the road, meaning on the ice rink ice to  onwards follow. Kristóf Forgó, 20 years old athlete, skates from the age of four. In free skating he reached the required score at the beginning of the current seasons. His wish upon a star to come closer to be in the top 10 will have to wait a bit,  at this event he finished in the 30th place.  His coach Zoltán Tóth highlighted Forgó’s summer preparation by saying, Quote: “He participated at a two-week summer training camp in Russia with Alexei Mishin’s team, his choreography has been prepared by another Russian, Alexei Vasilevski.”  A stunning skating was presented by Alexei Bychenko – ISR who accomplished all the figures awaited by the jury and the audience highly appreciated his show with  rolling applauses.

 PAIRS FREE SKATING …  The Russia’s Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Tranykov performance lead them in defending their championship. They both had a couple of loops and falls, but together with their previously earned points at the short program lead them to their victory. The three medalist: Gold – Tatiana Voloszozsar – Maxim – RUS,  Silver Kszenija Sztolbova – Fedor Klimov – RUS,  Bronze – Vera Bazarova -Yuri Larionov RUS.  All the three  pairs were rewarded for their outstanding superb show with minutes-and-minutes of standing ovation by the audience.

Throughout the history in the European Figure Skating Grand Prix, there was  at 14 championships, when the first three medals were won by one nation. One time Germany had the first three stands many-many years ago. Eight-time the former Soviet Union and  five time the current State of Russia. Two years ago these three  pairs at the European Champs in Pairs were on the medal stands, but not in the same order, except for the gold medalist pair, which was won by the same pair as now. All the three Russian skaters are working together with the same coach, and all of them expressed their accomplishment to their coach. Cannot miss saying a word about Tatiana and Maxim performance within the beautiful choreography, bringing alive as actors in the role of Jesus and Maria Magdalena just like as the actors in the Rock Opera. As they said, they have traveled to study the actors play these roles at the Russian Theater. Been to Broadway to see the show. Watched the movie several times to make their production as the best they can. We were carried away for 4 minutes as they were forming their own Rock Opera.  As they mentioned, it wasn’t an easy task for them, but surely did their best as they could.

The ISU Europeans  Figure Skating  Victories  of 2014 in Budapest, ended with the Exhibition Gala. All the medalist  in the top three at each category were present and by all means was a present by them given to the audience … that’s for sure.   Some of the skaters come out in another costume having the same music and some also skated to a different music and outfit. At the Gala, the Hungarian ice dance duo was continuously cheered so loud that their music  was hardly heard by the homeland audience.   All participants were welcomed with cheers, drum beats, gadgets making noise  …  just as being at a footy match.  International flags were floating all around  and slowly the athletics waved  farewell to the audience and to Budapest.  In a month time will be again continuing their breathtaking performances, fighting hard for themselves to step up on the high podium at ice rink  at the World Olympics in Sochi.

Good Luck Europeans in Sochi  … Beat the Rest of the World!

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

 

17 Jan

PART ONE … THE 2014 – ISU EUROPEAN FIGURE SKATING GRAND PRIX BUDAPEST – HUNGARY

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THREE DAYS OUT OF  FIVE  SUMMARY,  STARTING WITH THE SHORT PROGRAMS!

For those who could  not have had made it or was present at the Syma Sport and Event Center and like Figure Skating may wish to recall some of the highlights of the Europeans  in Budapest here is an upcoming report:

Over  now of the official  two days practice and  here comes the competition … the ice rink was ready awaiting for the Europeans to show their best.  OPENING CEREMONY  …   Was rather short, took 30 minutes with the participating countries flags floating around the ice rink, held by the young Hungarian emerging skater generation. At the opening ceremony Lajos Kósa, the president of HNSF said the following, Quote: “Ten months after following the successfully arranged World Short Track Speed Skating Championships at the City Debrecen, we are pleased to welcome for the 7th time the ISU European Figure Skating Grand Prix. The Hungarian National Skating Federation (HNSF) again faces new challenges, but having an experienced staff handling the event, will surely give a helping hand to the organisation and the competitors in many ways. Having to have been chosen the venue this time again is an acknowledgment of our work. Also dedication of our decades for the development of skating within the ISU.”  During the opening ceremony Balázs Havasi composed especially for the opening ceremony music called  “Storm”.  The opening ceremony’s ice show was highly appreciated by the audience. Within the awesome show starred Julia Sebestyén, winner at the last Europeans Figure Skating Grand Prix organized just about ten years ago here in Budapest.  Before getting into the ice rink … absolutely understandable by nature for us Hungarians the pumping heartbeat  minutes  will be at the Hungarian young ones.

LADIES’ SHORT PROGRAM … After the warm-up came the best lady skaters of Europe entering with their sharpened skates into the ice podium. Alena Leonova – RUS skated to a Russian traditional music which perfectly suited her style, she was cool.  Mae Berenice Meite – FRA, Mae even though she has the looks of a athletics, jumped high and her speed and spins were absolutely  awesome as she probably planned. She admitted she was a bit nervous slipping on the ice having to have to skate after Carolina Kostner and after her comes Adelina Sotnikova – RUS, the two grand skaters, but after all she had nothing to worry about at the end earning her 5th place out of 37 competitors. Carolina Kostner – ITA,  overwhelmed the Budapest’s audience by her grace and elegance in skating to the music of “Ave Maria” at her short program. Her dress in shades of blue with loads of sparkling Svarovski crystals was simply awesome.. Adelina Sotnikova – RUS most probably had an eye on her two strongest competitors Julia Lipnitskaia and Carolina Kostner knowing that the two of them are also fighting for the first place.  Julia Lipnitskaia– RUS took her role on ice very seriously with a perfect set of truly complicated jumps. Lipnitskaia, was second behind compatriot Sotnikova after the short program.

ICE DANCE SHORT PROGRAM … After the Ice Dance short program: Gold medal was handed over to Anna Cappellini – Luca Lanotte – ITA, Silver medal won by Elena Ilinyikh – Nikita Kasalapov – RUS. Bronz medal was received by the superb pair Penny Coomes – Nicholas Buckland GBR.

MEN’S SHORT PROGRAM …The men skaters were pretty much expecting to have tough fights on ice with the Spanish defending champion and with the three-time French Championship gold medalist Brian Joubert.  Joubert won his first title in Budapest ten years ago. Groups of fans especially came to see and cheer for Brian Joubert. The audience greeted by loud cheers to Tomas Verner – CZE as he rolled on ice and throughout his show.  The audience held their breath as Javier Fernandez held his short program. You could even hear the sizzling blade on ice when the cheers were kept for a second. The Spaniard was trying to defend his European title. All-in-all, Javier seemed determined to keep his European Crown for another year. It’s not a question of the other superb men skaters as:  Brian Joubert, Florent Amodio, Maxim Kovtun, Michal Brezina and so forth, who absolutely wish to fight for their own Victory on ice. Yakov Godrozha‘s from Ukraine short program show was something to have not to be missed. His blades were excellently smoothing on and above the ice. Kristóf Forgó – HUN, 20 years old athlete, skates from the age of four. In free skating he reached the required score at the beginning of the current seasons. His wish upon a star is to be here in Budapest within one the 24 athletes. but this time he  gained the 30th place. His coach Zoltán Tóth highlighted Forgó’s summer preparation by saying, Quote: “He participated at a two-week summer training camp in Russia with Alexei Mishin’s team, his choreography has been prepared by another Russian, Alexei Vasilevski.” At the Men’s short program  three winners were  1st. Javier Fernández – ESP, 2nd Sergei Voronov – RUS, 3rd. Tomas Verner – CZE.

PAIRS  SHORT PROGRAM … Aliona Savchenko – Robin Szolkowy – GER stood in the second place at the Short Program, but unfortunately Savchenko’s flu held them back in continuing the competition. Israeli’s Andrea Davidovich and Evgeni Krasnopolski skated into the ice rink as the tenth competitors. They we the audience favorites, loudly cheering at their perfect show. Andrea and Evgeni held their  first place within three quarters of skaters already on ice after their short program. Then came on ice the  4th quarter in the row of the extra talented skaters and by the end of the short program they finished at the 11th place. What a extra-ordinary show this was!

… To be continued …

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

17 Jan

FED CUP BY BNP PARIBAS… ITF’S INTERNATIONAL TEAM COMPETITION FOR WOMEN

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Participated at the recent press conference  held  by the Hungarian tennis Association, whereas the following were said to spread the news. Dr. István Simicskó, the responsibility of the Ministry of Human Resources Youth and Sports, Minister of State, Dr. Lajos Szucs, President  – Hungarian Tennis Association (HTA),   Attila Richter  – Secretary General Hungarian Tennis Association (HTA) and  Agi Szávay participation took place at the Fed Cup first press conference today in the House of Hungarian Sports. The Minister of State said, Quote: “The Hungarian government’s aim to have a growing up healthy generations.  The tool  to target is by sport activities. This requires athletes, physical education and the daily work of the associations.” At the  Hungarian Tennis Association there are meaningful objectives, the sport’s developments were succesful and thought about in promoting the sport. Therefore, after six years, our country will be the ground to organize the Fed Cup again. The Hungarian government supported the event by twenty million Hungarian Forint and its aim is to put  back ont he map the Hungarian tennis  to where it belongs. ”Lajos Szűcs said that for the Hungarian Tennis Association (HTA) it was very important  to receive the flag to organize  the event and regarding to the Fed Tennis Cup, sincere promises are made to bring to the tennis ground grand names, as the Victoria Azarenka and Olympic champion Laura Robson. The President of the Hungarian Tennis Association said, Quote: „”Tennis is one of the most popular and most watched sport event in the world, therefore its a special pleasure for me to not only have TV summary of the event, but also the it will be available to catch-up with the event through the internet all over the world.” Attila Richter Secretary-General also shared a few technical details. First emphasized, this is the year’s biggest domestic tennis event. Also said, Quote: “Tunisia canceled their participation, so total of 16 countries  are to come and play the battle game. The draw  already happened. The Hungary’s group will be facing a not so easy group … playing with Romania the Great Britain and Latvia tennis players. The objective is to stay in the group, where they will hopefully be. However, having very young tennis players the target is the long-term goal of entering the World Group. In the Hungarian team: Timi Babos, Réka Jani and Ágnes Bukta, the identity of the fourth lady tennis player is still uncertain.” The Sec. Gen. also mentioned, the Tennis Association highly welcomes volunteers to join for the  coming 6 days grand tennis events with hungarian and foreign language knowledge. Agi Szávay  spoke about the Hungary Tennis Day, Quote: “Several times I played in the Fed Cup, but the most fun was when I played for six years on the home ground. Now, I believe that this young team can give a big boost. Sixteen teams are scheduled to compete for the two places in the World Group II Play-offs. This will be the euro zone’s largest banks to reignite domestic and cross-border tennis athletics.” On Saturday, February, 8. Hungary’s Tennis Day, the children can get acquainted with the tennis, the Play & Stay method, whereas the basic can be easily and effectively learnt. The highlight of the day, children may hit the ball together with the successful tennis players of our past: Andrea Temesvári and Balázs Taróczy. At the tennis ground worldwide known Monica Szeles, one of the legend in women’s tennis will be there playing with the children. In addition, cardio tennis will held by Norbert Schobert and also a demo will be in the program of Special Olympics.

 Update and snaps: Aggie Reiter

14 Jan

BUDAPEST 2014 – ISU EUROPEAN FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP

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 The Europe’s best skaters will be descending in Budapest.

Hungary is in full swing.

The ISU European championships being held in Budapest for the seventh time starting on January, 13.- 19. 2014.

The XXII Olympic Winter Games, Sochi 2014 is just around the corner, but before the road leads to that corner comes Budapest to host Europe’s classified skaters. Anyway, do not wish to skate ahead, first here comes Budapest with hosting the 2014 years ISU European Figure Skating Championship between January, 13-19. Happy to say, the Hungarian capital opens the Ice Ground to Europe’s growing up, talented, ice skaters whose names will ring the bell in the forthcoming years as the Figure Skating Champions of the early 21st. Century.

A sports event of this caliber is welcomed all around the world not only for the locals, but also draw international attention. Skaters and their groups at the Ice Rink is hosted at the Syma Sport and Event Center in Budapest. During the past years  Syma held major sport and entertainment events. Even though the schedule will be pretty tight, hopefully, the delegations may have a short visit to some of the most spectacular scenes in Budapest which are about 10 minutes ride to reach.

The European Figure Skating Championship was previously held in Budapest six occasion. This will be the first time again after 10 years to have six of the athletics in having triple and a single winning the gold medal. Just mention a couple, the French Brian Joubert who won his first title in here in Budapest. Besides the men’s skaters, the Italian Carolina Kostner the outstanding single world and five times European champion, currently will be defending her championship. Also the European champion in 2008, the Czech Tomas Verner will be competing in Budapest.

Four events  beginning January, 15. with Short Dance, January,16 Free Dance, January, 17 Lady’s Free Skate, January, 18 Men’s Free Skate, January, 19  Pair Dance and “GALA” VICTORY CEREMONY.

Ticket sale will be opened for everyone on the spot at the ticket-box and available at http://www.ticketpro.com

Beside the 170 competitors, from Europe’s 33 countries, a delegation of observers arrived from United States of America, Japan, China. A delegation from Stockholm came to study the championship premises, to gather information to their planning procedures for the next years ISU European Figure Skating Championship to take place in Stockholm, Sweden.

Day 1. and Day 2.  Offical Workout Tuesday and Wednesday, January, 13 and 14., featuring both the men’s and ladies individual specific requirements  must be included in the short programs. These are, with slight variation by gender as the double or triple-axel jump, connecting steps into a triple-jump or for some skaters the possibility of the quadruple-jump for men. The jump combination consisting of at least a double and triple jump, flying spin and a spin combination with a change of foot. The audience had to have a sharp view to follow these attractive combinations.

Also MEN’S practise ice dancing. To be seen Brian Joubert, Florent Amodio – FRA, Maxim Kovtun – RUS, Michal Brezina – CZE, Peter Liebers – GER, Alexei Bychenko – ISR, Tomas  Verner – CZE, Sergei Voronov – RUS, Konstantin Menshov – RUS, Jorik Hendrickx – BEL, Alexander Majorov – SWE and of course Kristóf Forgó – HUN …  and so forth will definitely be fighting for a place on the podium stand or to get close to it here in Budapest.

The LADIES official practice day. The best lady skaters of Europe entered with sharpened skates into the ice podium on their practice day, as: Carolina Kostner – ITA, Mae Berenice Meite – FRA, Julia Lipnitskaia – RUS, Adelina Sotnikova – RUS, Alena Leonova – RUS, Valentina Marchei – ITA, Elena Glebova – EST, Nathalie Weinzierl – GER, Joshi Helgesson – SWE and Danielle MONTALBANO – ISR … just mentioning a couple of princesses on ice. 

The PAIRS official practice day.  Be ready to watch live the performance of their beauty in pair dancing with their enormous talent which surely will  be an extremely delightful evening for many in the audience. On ice will be Andrea Davidovich – Evgeni Krasnopolski – ISR, Stacey Kemp – David King – GBR, Tatiana Volosozhar – Maxim Trankov – RUS, Stefania Berton – Ondrej Hotarek – ITA, Ksenia Stolbova – Fedor Klimov – RUS, Vanessa James – Morgan Cipres – FRA, Vera Bazatova – Yuri Larionov – RUS, Maylin Wende – Daniel Wende – GER, Nicole Della Monica –  Matteo Guarise – ITA.

The ICE DANCE official practise day. One of the gems of the day, breathing the same air with the Europeans awesome free skaters of the year. Hungary will be represented by Dóra Túróczi – Balazs Major, Anna Cappellini – Luca Lanotte – ITA, Elena Ilinykh  – Nikita Katsalapov, – RUS, Penny Coomes – Nicholas Buckland – GBR, Victoria Sinitsina – Ruslan Zhiganshin – RUS, Ekaterina Riazonova – Ilia Tkachenko – RUS, Julia Zlobina – Alexei Sitnikov – AZE, Nelli Zhiganshina – Alexander Gazsi – GER, Charlene Guignard – Marco Fabbri – ITA.

Updated  and snaps by Aggie Reiter

14 Jan

SKATING BACK THEN AND NOW: TOMORROW KICKS OFF THE FIGURE SKATING AND ICE DANCING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2014!

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In a couple of hours the music and dancing on the ice will fill the air at the Budapest’s Figure Skating European Championship.

Before turning onto today’s press call, here is a little preview: Today, January 14, one day before the Budapest’s European Championship Race Day to be held at the Syma Hall (District XIV., 2. Ifjúság Street – Budapest) where throughout the day the athletes are carrying out their “dry workouts,  the media representatives were called to the opening of an exhibition at the Sport Museum introducing the prominent ice-skaters of  Hungary. The highlight at the opening ceremony was as to see  in person the grand ice-stars still being with us. The title of the exhibition is „Skating anno Chapters in the history of figure skating by Hungarians”. The exhibition shows in time and space the grand skaters of Hungary along with the decades ago in use of figure skating outfits, tools and precious relics. The press conference ceremonial welcomed the presence of class players and Hungarian skating defining personals as Zsuzsa Almássy, Julia Sebestyén,  Klári Kozáry,  Krisztina Regőczy, Klári Engi,  Éva Saáry, Lili Krész and György Czakó. The list of the a/m figure skaters would be pretty long, but wish to mention two amazing skaters in Hungary from the time when most of us were not around, yet they gave so much joy to the Nation with their performances. Éva Saáry (born:1926) in  ’46, ’51 and ’52 won the Hungarian championship. In 1948 second in the figure-skating at Saint Moritz. She was nominated as the best Hungarian woman figure skater in 1951. György Czakó (born:1933) the  three times Hungarian Champion figure skater in his career he repeatedly participated in senior European and World Championships, featured in the 1952 Olympics and beyond that the winner of several international competitions.

In addition to the Hungarian excellencies, the French classic and coach of the Túróczi-Major ice-dancing pair former World and European Champion Olivier Schoenfelder was present as well. As he said: Quote: “Since the beginning of the summer in 2013 we have been working together. Our cooperation is going very smoothly. They both are developing very quickly, we have also been accredited to the next World Cup. I see in them a developing opportunity and I hope they will arrive to the next Olympics. Lajos Szabó – Director of the Museum and Krisztina Regőczy Olympic silver medalist, world champion figure skater held a short guided tour for the visitors. Revived reality of the past, when she stood at her former world-class tableau seeing herself and recalling the amazing career standout stations with  András Sallay her pair at world  and olympic championships. Krisztina said: Quote „I have all my outfits which I preformed in our role on figure skating. Only missing one, which will remain as a great sorrow of mine, loving it so deeply … that was the Hungarian folk-art outfit, which was a gorgeous product  by an American designer, I wore it at the figure skating. After the performance I had to leave the outfit in the States. Have no idea where it landed, or even if it is still in one  piece. About the  superb Hungarian pair of all times in figure skating in a nutshell: They won the World Professional Figure Skating Championship two-times in 1980 and 1982.Also earned a degree in coaching at the College of Physical Education in  ’88. Been a remember of the board of directors of the Hungarian Olympic Committee since 2009 and chairman of the Women in Sport Committee. Later she accepted an important position in the International Skating Union, becoming the Sport Director of the figure skating, ice dancing and synchronized skating disciplines in the year 2010. Her pair András Sallay after leaving the ice, became an art dealer, later painted him as well. Never-the-less he still remain in connection with the international figure skating, serving as figure skating expert and the representative in East Europe for IMG, global sport and media business.

Perhaps in a few years on these Wall of Fame at the exhibition, new chapters will increase in the history of Hungarian skating.

This unique exhibition is worthwhile to visit not just for visually interested of to-day ice-skaters but to learn a bit of those  way back  times of the Hungarian individuals of who’s life was all about ice and skating back in the early 20th century.

The exhibition will be open on the dates during the European Championship and also visited free of charge by those person holding their tickets.

György Sallak – MOKSZ and the Executive Director of the European Championship said: Quote: „Everyone is welcome to the Syma Hall and we will do everything in our possibility to avoid having to have to wait for over ten years for Hungary to host a forthcoming European Championship. The sale of tickets is good, 70 to 80 percent are already sold out.” Lajos Kósa – Chair of the Hungarian National Skating Federation (MOKSZ) told us, that there is no medal chance to fall into the hands in the men’s for Kristóf Forgó and for Turóczi Dora – Balázs Major ice dancing pair. At the moment at the Sochi Olympics. István Simicskó – Minister of State for Human Resources of the Ministry of Sports spoke about amount of three billion HUF to be received at the MOKSZ by 2020 within the framework of the state funding for 16 priority sports and that sort of 50-million EUR contribution to the ministry. He did this and has high hopes that the continent fighting will boost into the sport world, which will enable to choose more and more young people. Zsolt Laszló Szabó – Acting CEO of the Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA) reported there will be twelve hundred mins. live broadcasting on the European Championship. Hundred million people may follow the Figure Skating European Championship in HD broadcast worldwide.

The Championship organisers said, the men skaters are expected to have tough fights with the Spanish defending champion Javier Fernandez since winning three former European championships and with the three-time French Championship gold medalist Brian Joubert, who won the first title in Budapest ten years ago. The current participants were present at the previous European Championship in Hungary. As for the rest of the numbers for men, well count on to be an exciting prospect at the competition.

As for tomorrow … „Successful past and a hopefully future, great role models and talented youth. Thus kicks off in figure skating and ice dancing European Championships of 2014 in Budapest. World Stars on Ice, 350 thousand USD prize money, the defending champion and unchallenged and by nature for us Hungarians is probably the most important is our three outstanding young ones to make it their best.

The European Championship has a line up of 170 competitors from over 30 nations. The individual winners will receive 20,000 EUR, while the pair and ice dance gold medalist will receive 30,000 EUR.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

9 Jan

REBORN OF THE LEGENDARY „SZIMPLA KERT – ROMKOCSMA” IN BUDAPEST

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SIMPLE RUINPUB 

Not only the beer taps will be open, but the Simple RuinPub  on the Kertész Street comes back to where it started in 2001 … being on the Beers Street again!

Saturday, January, 11. 2014.

Berlin Craft Beer Bar

District VII., 48 Kertész Street – Budapest.

The Simple Garden – Szimpla Kert ), was one of the first RuinPubs – RomKocsma to be opened at Budapest. The reason why it was named “RuinPub” in the first place, was of its building, being vacant and abandoned. The idea was to open a pub in that venue and that’s where it all started and then after named “Simple RuinPub”. Had large open-air inside garden with many rooms previously  functioned as  housings. During the weekdays worked as a Pub, but on the week-ends the garden was arranged for the thrift hunters and picnic tables for guests to loosen up. The place became pretty soon Budapest’s highlight for hundreds of people to come along, feel-good, having a beer, wine, cocktail and a bite of light food, in other words enjoying company and to dissolve of a weary day.  Was pretty popular by of  its trend-settings, a real cult place for locals and to visit by travelling youngsters to pop by for a pint of delicious home-made cool beer. Also the middle age folks frequently visited the place.

Saturday night the place will be officially re-open, whereas previously a whole generation of young adults grew up and revel in the culture blend of the pub. As time went by … on the first hand, it became one of the main tourist attractions of Budapest. On the second-hand, the place became the birth of the venue of gastronomic and beer delights.

The Simple was once again forefront with new trends and when teamed up with the members of the FőzdeFesztivál – BreweryFestival together exported the Hungarian revolution brewing to Berlin. The Hungarian home-made beer in Berlin is known as „Braufest Berlin”. In couple of days, the Braufest experience will be brought to Hungry, introducing the Hungarian and German relations by hosting beer lovers this coming Saturday, January, 11., at the Berlin Craft Beer Bar …at  the old Simple Garden venue … District VII., 48 Kertész Street- Budapest.

Upon the re-opening there is going to be a list of delicious tap and bottle beers, special beer menus. The newly reconstructed Simple RuinPub has six new original taps of which cool ongoing national and international craft beers will be served.  Also small ala carte delicacies imported from Italy will be available, but needn’t have to be disappointed from missing the Hungarian food known from the old days … Simple hadn’t forgotten them and  still can go for them.

The highlight of the evening will be unveiling the modern Hungarian painter Gáspár Gombos epoch-making work  titled: “Beer Revolution in Pest-Buda”.

The Simple RuinPub sends a call out to locals, foreigners staying in Budapest to be their guest for a glass of Hopfanatic “Campania Cervisia”  … Beer champagne on the night at the reborn Simple RuinPub!

Update by Aggie Reiter

8 Jan

10TH INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL 2014 BUDAPEST!

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Hope all had a splendid season holiday and are back on the track to their daily lives.

…

There is so much time, many occasions for your small ones to stay small by visiting the Grand land of Circus!

January 9 and 13. 2014.

Venue: District XIV., 12/a Állatkerti Blvd.  Budapest

Purchasing tickets on the spot or through: http://www.fnc.hu/eng/index.php/buying-tickets

“World-renowned artists, winning international productions and the cream of the circus world are hosted at the Grand Circus of Budapest. The event is not only looking forward with great interest by the public, but the professional individuals  as these shows are often visited personally by directors, managers from the world’s most famous circus. The professionals may see and measure the direction in developing  the circus as performing arts. Also, out of competition will be the Swiss Kris Kremo, the festival’s guest of honor, one of the best known “gentleman” juggler for the first time arriving to Hungary.” … these were the opening thoughts by Zsigmond Kriza – Director of the Hungarian Circus and Variety at the press call on Tuesday, January, 7. 2014.

The Budapest’s Circus Festival has reached its 10th anniversary and today it is considered to be in the well deserved place of the world of Circus Festivals. It stands within the 5th place in the row of the top Monte Carlo Circus Festival, which is seen as the world’s most prestigious festival venue. The Capital’s Circus has become a real Hungarian cultural festival brand which is held every second year with great success. The anniversary year offers superb programs than ever. Finest artist’s representing nearly 20 countries who will fill the arena with 30 productions, arriving from Australia, United States of America, Spain, Russia, Italy, Canada, China, Cuba, Ukrainian …  just mentioning a few. The 4 day show brings all the protean style circus genre, the group numbers and spectacular artistic acrobatic figures, animal figures and comic productions which will keep eyes wide open and holding back the happy tears of the audience no matter of age.

The 30 performances is divided into two different shows, presented throughout six shows. The audience may choose to visit the “A” or “B” show or both as well. “A” goes on Thursday, January 9. at 7 p.m. and Sunday, January, 12. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. “B” goes on Friday, January, 10 at 7  p.m. and Saturday, January, 11 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Foreigners at the International Festival …  Twelve youngsters from Chine, the Qingdao acrobat group bringing more than 4000 years alive of the Chinese circus arts. They have had set up an eye-catching, superb foot juggling show and previously won  several prizes not only in Chine but at other foreigner countries. The Duo Azelle ladies on trapeze from Canada, the Lisandra Sanchez Cross aerialists from Cuba, the Merrylu Casselly, René Casselly Jr. fantastic elephant show coming from Germany. Seen a short demo of the Acrobatic Comical Act by 4 members of the Ukrainian group, balancing and throwing acrobatic acts. Time for one more to mention performing at the „B” show … The Messoudis, performing in the hand-to-hand act arriving from Downunder.

Sure, not on my own by saying a the perfect day at the circus cannot be achieved without the main stars … the CLOWNS, who are favorites of all „All age”. As it was long ago said by Charlie Chaplin …”A day without laughter is a day wasted”. During and after the press gathering, Tom Dougherty from USA and Pepe Silva from Spain entertained the press individuals, but they were not alone „Lucy” aged 6 was with them. At first thought received  the name after „Lucy in the sky with dimonds”… naa wasn’t right, cause as Tom told me actually named after „Lucy Ball”. Many may know and remember the greatest classy lady clown in the world casting “I Love Lucy”! To know more about „Lucy” have to go and see her! As it is said … a bit differently …”Beside a successful male, there is always a „female”.  In brief  Tom and Pepe met each other in the States at the Ringling Circus in 2010. Since forming the duo clown act they have won a silver award at the Intern’l Circus Festival in Hanoi. Tom was awarded the Felix Adler prize for the Best Solo Clown Act in 2007.

Hungarians at the International  Festival … At the jubilee festival contemporary and classical circus trends greatest Hungarian representatives compete for the festival’s brightest shining prize. So far, at these festivals has never won a Hungarian artist, but for right now … keeping fingers crossed …  there is every chance out for  László Simet with his unique giant high wire … death wheel – semaphore show. He is the star in the Cirque du Soleil, also held an awesome performance at the London Olympics closing ceremony. He performed several major festivals winning awards in China’s Wuhan and Grenoble. Another artist team to be watched carefully is the Hungarian Richter group from Hungary. Jr. József Richter, the youngest circus director of the world. Surely will fascinate the audience with the group’s horse performance. The equestrian acrobat group showing classical traditions by representing the old star worthy level of the Richter Group. The young Hungarian acrobats will be also among the secret favorites at the festival.

The circus festival of international jury experts will evaluate the performance. So according to tradition, the international jury watch the production as a contestants, show. The members of the Jury are from the world’s major circus and varietyland: The jury will be chaired by Fredi Knie, Director of the Knie Swiss National Circus,  Franz Czeisler – Circus Tihany Spectacular President/Mexico,  Farzana Khalilov – Rosgoscirk Circus/Russia, Henk van der Meijden – Stardust Circus International/Netherlands, Jeanette Williams – Entertainment and Circus Agency/USA, Helmuth Grosscurth – Managing Director, ECA/Germany, Vinicio Murillo – Feld Entertainment, Inc Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey/United States, Francesco Bouglione – Cirque d’hiver Bouglione Paris/ France, Hou Quang – Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe/China, Gábor Donner – circus artist/Hungary.  The Festival will hold a spectacular gala program at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with its traditional gala awards ceremony on January, 13. 2014. The Special Awards awaiting for the Best-of-Bests: The media Special Jury Award, The European Circus Association (ECA) special award, Special Prize of the Hungarian Association of Artists, Special Prize of the German Circus Friends, The Cirque du Soleil special prize. These will be the special award for artists with special talent in the world of Circusville!

The  Hungarian artists would be able to show themselves to the world, given its own track, titled

“Dream of a circus.” 

This production will occur only in Hungarian and Hungarian artists.

There would be so many artists and groups to list at this update, but would take pretty much time to have them listed. So better to go see for personally. Purchase a ticket or two … „A” or „B” show … or for both … during the 4 days festival.  Grab a seat to have a splendid time with family, friends, buddies at the Budapest’s 10th International Circus Festival.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

31 Dec

SEE YOU AGAIN ROLLING IN BUDAPEST WITH UPDATES TO WHERE, WHAT, WHEN IN 2014!

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized.

RollingInBudapest2014

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