Nora's photos

Vigadó Concert Hall

2011-11-26T03:59:00.001-08:00

Vigadó (usually translated as "Place for Merriment") is located on the right-hand side of the Danube in Budapest, Hungary. Although the acoustics of Budapest's second largest concert hall are lacking, the building itself, designed by Frigyes Feszl in 1859 makes a bold impression along the Pest embankment. Built to replace another concert hall on the same site (which was destroyed by fire in the 1848 War of Independence) Feszl's Vigadó was also badly damaged, this time during World War II. The post-war reconstruction, which took some thirty-six years to complete, remains faithful to his original design and continues to attract leading conductors and performers from around the world. The facade of the Vigadó was cleaned and restored in 2006.

(Source: wikipedia)

Little Princess

2011-11-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Sitting on the tram stop railing near to the Vigadó, on the Danube Embankment, the bronze statue of the Little Princess (Kiskirálylány) quickly became popular amongst pedestrians. The work of László Marton was unveiled in 1989.

Buda Castle

2011-11-12T11:17:00.001-08:00

Buda Castle (Hungarian: Budavári Palota) is the historicalcastle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Bdapest, first completed in 1265. In the past, it was also called Royal Palace (Hungrian: Királyi-palota).

Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Castle District (Várnegyed), famous for its Medival, Baroque and 19th century houses, churches and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular.

After the Mongolian conquest in the 13th century, King Béla IV. ordered fortresses from stone to be built. The fortress of Buda was also founded at that time. The castle reached its golden age during the rule of the renaissance king, Matthias. He had it enlarged and transformed to a palace.

Later, during the Turkish occupation of Hungary, it was under Turkish rule for over 150 years. Not even the Habsburgs cared much about it, as the empire was ruled from Vienna. During the second world war it was badly damaged. The Palace was founded around 1247, but the royal seat was in Visegrád until the 15th century. It went under major reconstructions several times.

Firstly, King Matthias converted the fortification to a palace, later Maria Theresa had it rebuilt and enlarged. In the 19th century the famous Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl got the comission to reconstruct it. From the original fittings unfortunately nothing was left. Today the buildings house the National Gallery, the National Library and the Historical Museum. From the panorama terrace there is a magnificent view of the Pest side.The castle is part of the Budapest World Heritage, declared in 1987.

Chain bridge

2011-11-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Hungarian: Lánchíd) is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.

It is anchored on the Pest side of the river to Széchenyi (formerly Roosevelt) Square, adjacent to the Gresham Palace and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and on the Buda side to Adam Clark Square, near the Zero Kilometer Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular, leading to Buda Castle.

The bridge has the name of István Széchenyi, a major supporter of its construction, attached to it, but is most commonly known as the Chain Bridge. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world's engineering wonders. It has asserted an enormous significance in the country's economic, social and cultural life, much as the Brooklyn Bridge has in New York and America.

Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance, have elevated the Chain Bridge to a high stature in Europe. It became a symbol of advancement, national awakening, and the linkage between East and West.

The bridge was designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark in 1839, after Count István Széchenyi's initiative in the same year, with construction supervised locally by Scottish engineer Adam Clark (no relation). It is a larger scale version of William Tierney Clark's earlier Marlow Bridge, across the River Thames in Marlow, England.

It was funded to a considerable extent by the Greek merchant Georgios Sinas who had considerable financial and land interests in the city and whose name is inscribed on the base of the south western foundation of the bridge on the Buda side.

The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. At the time, its center span of 202 metres (663 ft) was one of the largest in the world. The lions at each of the abutments were carved in stone by the sculptor, Marschalko János. They are visibly similar in design to the famous bronze lions of Trafalgar Square by Edwin Henry Landseer with Marochetti (commissioned 1858, installed 1867), but they were earlier - installed 1852. They are also smaller (and appear from below to lack tongues). The bridge was given its current name in 1898.

It was designed in sections and shipped from the United Kingdom to Hungary for final construction. The bridge's cast iron structure was updated and strengthened in 1914. In World War II, the bridge was severely damaged during Siege of Budapest, and was rebuilt and reopened 1949.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Heroes' Square (Hősök tere, Budapest)

2011-11-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hősök tere (meaning "Heroes' Square" in Hungarian is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hugary, rich with historic and political connotationa. Its iconic statue complex, the Millennium Memorial, was completed in 1900, the same year the square was named "Heroes' Square". It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of an extensive World Heritage site), next to City Park.
Hősök tere is surrounded by two important buildings, Museum of Fine Arts on the left and Palace of Art (or more accurately Hall of Art) on the right.

The central site of the hero's square, as well as a landmark of Budapest, is the Millennium Memorial (also known as Millennium Monument or Millenary Monument) with statues of the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in the 9th century and other outstanding figures of Hungarian history (see below). The construction of the memorial was started when the one thousandth anniversary was celebrated (in 1896), but it was finished only in 1900 and the square got its name then.

When the monument was originally constructed, Hungary was a part of the Austrian Empire and thus the last five spaces for statues on the left of the colonnade were reserved for members of the ruling Habsburg dynasty. From left to right these were: Ferdinand I (relief: Defense of the Castle at Eger); Leopold I (relief: Eugene of Savoy defeats the Turks at Zenta), Charles III, Maria Theresa (relief: The Hungarian Diet votes support "vitam et sanguinem") and Franz Joseph (relief: Franz Joseph crowned by Gyula Andrássy) The monument was damaged in World War II and when it was rebuilt the Habsburgs were replaced by the current figures.

On the 16th June 1989 a crowd of 250,000 gathered at the square for the historic reburial of Imre Nagy, who had been executed in June 1958.

It is also a station of the yellow M1 (Millennium Underground) line of the Budapest Metro.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Normafa

2011-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

A spot frequented by denizens of Budapest in the Buda hills, Normafa is known for its panoramic scenery and fresh air. It is located on Svábhegy (Sváb hill) in the XII. district and is in close proximity to János hill, the highest point in Budapest.

The name is derived from the name of a tree, the "Norma tree." Traditionally the beech tree was planted by King Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The name stuck when performers from the Hungarian National Theater visited it, where they performed Vincenzo Bellini's Norma.

Normafa is a popular place for excursions and in winter its a perfect place for skiing, sledging and snowboarding with great view to the city.

PS.
There are few buffets (American hot-dog, mulled wine, hot tea, some grocery stores). And there is my favorite small wooden shade hiding behind the ski-buffet building, it's called "Rétes Büfé" (Strudel Buffet) and you can find there the most delicious strudel, what I've ever eaten it. :)

Elizabeth lookout on Janos Hill, Budapest (Hungary)

2011-11-06T00:27:00.000-07:00

On the top of János Hill, at the highest point of Budapest, stands the Elizabeth Lookout (Erzsébet-kilátó, built in 1908-1910).

The lookout offers a splendid view in all directions and in clear weather it is possible to see as far as the mountain peaks at 77 kilometres.

The neo-Romanesque tower is 23.5 metres-high with a circular base and a terraced layout. A 101-step spiral staircase leads to the top. Frigyes Schulek designed the tower, which was built partly from public donations. The terrace around the tower was built in 1931.

The stone lookout tower we see today replaced an earlier wooden structure. János Hill had already become a popular recreational spot among the inhabitants of the capital by the 19th century. In 1882 Queen Elizabeth (also known as Sisi), wife of the Austrian Emperor and Hungarian King Franz Joseph, made an excursion to the top of János Hill. The lookout was named after Queen Elizabeth.

There are several ways to get to the lookout. If you are planning a longer walk, you may approach it using the Cogwheel Railway (Fogaskerekű vasút) or, if you are only looking for a short walk, it is worth travelling there by the Children's Railway (Gyermekvasút) or the Chairlift (Libegő).

(Source: www.hungarytartshere.com)

Gyémánt Fürdő Tatabánya, Diamond Bath Tatabanya

2011-11-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Tatabánya is a city of 69,988 inhabitants in north-western Hungry, in the Central Transdanubian Region. It is the capital of Komárom-Esztergom Country. The city is located in the valley between the Gerecse and Vértes Mountains, some 55 km (34 mi) from Budapest. By virtue of its location, the city is a railway and road junction. The M1 (also European routes E 60, E75) motorway from Vienna to Budapest passes through the outer city limits, and the Vienna-Budapest railway line also passes through the city.

Tourist sights:

The Turul monument, above the city on the top of Gerecse Mountain, is the largest bird statue in Central Europe.
The Szelim cave and the forest park of Gerecse Mountain are popular tourist attractions.
Nearby mountains (Vértes, Gerecse) and villages are a great place to spend time; neighbouring Tata has a beautiful lake and a medieval castle.

The Gyémánt Fürdő (Diamond Bath) is a great place for the whole family to enjoy in green area, both in summer and winter.

Address: 2800 Tatabánya, Cseri u. 33.
Tel.: 34/309-390
Fax.: 34/309-391
Opening hours: 9:00 - 20:00

Autumn moods

2011-11-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Lake Balaton (Zánka and Balatonfüred)

2011-10-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

It's already autumn with rain and cold weather and I just now realised that I didn't post all of my favorite summer photos previously. Sorry, nowI share these photos with you or with the world:) ...better later than never :)

(Zánka)

Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central-Europe and represents one of the greatest environmental treasures and a unique ecological fortune of Hungary. Its popularity results from the favorable climate, the warm water in summer, and the nice landscape surrounding the lake.
The mountainous region of the northern shore is known both for its historic character and as a major wine region, while the flat southern shore is known for its resort towns.

(Balatonfüred)

Giddy-go-round

2011-09-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hegyestű - Balaton Uplands National Park (Hungary)

2011-08-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hegyestű is a special geological site in Hungary, north from Lake Balaton in the Kali basin. The volcanic area is one of the most spectacular sites, not only in Hungary, but even in Europe. The basaltic monolithic was formed by a volcanic eruption about 3,5-4 millio years ago.

Really a beautiful and interesting place with an amazing view :)

More information about Hegyestű you can find here.

Mill pond (Tapolca, Hungary)

2011-08-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Part of the town which has a very romantic and mediterranic feel is the Mill Pond and its surroundings. The Upper-Pond can be reached from the Main Square through a nice and small backyard.

At the Pond the monument of János Batsányi a local born poet welcomes the visitors. The hot water springs that have their sources here, have been banked up by the ancient Romans and used for the mill. Tapolca has been given its name after these springs.

Throughout the centuries the mill has been rebuilt a several times, now it is used as a hotel. It has been named after Gabriella Baumberg the wife of János Batsányi. The Church-Hill which is located next to the Mill Pond is the historical base of the town, where people have already been settled in the Modern Stone Ages.

Tapolca, Cave Lake (Tavasbarlang)

2011-08-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

Tapolca is a town in Veszprém county, Hungary, Located 12 km's from the Balaton in the basin named after the town itself..

The Cave, which is a unique spectacle in Central-Europe, can be found in the heart of Tapolca. It was discovered in 1902 during a well-digging and ten years later it opened for the visitors.

The liwer chambers and some parts of the upper corridors of the three level cave-taken shape by caristic water- is covered by 19 centigrade degree water. This is a 300 meter long reach which can be travelled around by boat. In the clear water the paths that lead ti the lower chambers also clearly can be seen.

The healing power of of the Cave's special climate have been known for a long time. The extremely clean air, the relatively constant temperature ( 14-16 degree) and the vapour content 100 % is a great help in treatment of the patients suffer from allergy, asthma or respiratory illnesess. In order to be able to do this another branch the Hospital-cave is used. This was discovered in1925.

(Source: www.tapolca.hu)

The official website of the cave you can find here.

My best animal photos

2011-08-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken in Budakeszi Wildlife park.

From Jablanac to Misnjak (Rab Island, Croatia)

2011-08-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

The best, the most comfortable and the most frequently used way of coming to the Rab island in case that you are coming in your own car or by bus is a ferry-boat line Jablanac-Misnjak.

Jablanac is a small town on the mainland, the nearest to the island of Rab, 105 km away from Rijeka, and only 6 km away from the Adriatic tourist road.

Misnjak is a region in the Southeast of Rab.

The car-ferries go every day 10 to 20 times in both directions, and more if there is a need. In summer rides are more frequent, start at 5.30, and finish at 23.30, or later in case of traffic jams.

The ride on this line is about 15 minutes long and the landscape is beautiful and interesting.

You can see the ferry schedule here.

Somewhere on the Rab Island (Croatia)

2011-08-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Adriatic sea, between Lopar and Rab

Paradise Beach, Lopar (Croatia)

2011-08-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Lopar beach is near Lopar, a picturesque tourist place, the furthermost village on the island, situated in a fertile valley approximately 14 km away from the old town of Rab.

Lopar's 2km long sandy Paradise Beach (Rajska plaza) is one of the most famous beaches on the Adriatic. The finest of sand, shallow, crystal clear and warm sea water (up to 28°C in the Summer months), the greenest pine forest which offers protection and shade are surely just some of the reasons why numerous guests are attracted. Due to the shallow sea level, the beach is perfect for inferior swimmers, children and elderly people.

Near the beach there is San Marino hotels village and the biggest camping on the island, as well as many private apartments to rent.

Sandy shallow waters are long and it takes about 500 m until the sea comes half the waist of an adult on this, in summer quite crowded beach. In the vicinity there is a large sports centre containing a variety of playing fields and courts (tennis, football, basketball, volleyball), minigolf, table tennis, water slide and a variety of other water sports activities.

The Lopar beach has restaurants, bars, life-guards, life-saving equipment, first-aid equipment, facilities for the disabled, rental facilities, recycable waste facilities, catering facilities, phones, etc.

The beach has been honored by Blue Flag award.

A short walk from Lopar there are other sandy beaches, some of them used by naturists, with Sahara, Ciganka and Stolac being the most beautiful and popular.

Suha Punta ( Kvarner - Croatia)

2011-07-31T00:43:00.000-07:00

The tourist resort Suha Punta is situated on the Croatian island of Rab. This place has the most beautiful green area of the island. There are two hotels and several holiday houses and apartments. The wonderful beaches are rocky but you can find shingle and sandy beach, as well. The sea water is cristal clear. The distance to the city of Rab is only 5 Km. In this locality it is possible to practice many sports activities, like tennis, minigolf, volleyball, boccia and moreover there is a part of beach, which is ideal for nudist.

Rab town (Croatia)

2011-07-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rab is the main settlement on the island of Rab in Croatia. It is located on a small peninsula on the southwestern side of the island, and had 554 residents as of 2001.

Rab Town dates back to the 12th century when the ancient settlement was fortified. The town was sold to Venice in 1409 and much of the architecture you see was built under Venetian rule. The town is organized around three straight streets that run parallel to the sea, aptly named the Lower Street, Middle Street and Upper Street. Particularly striking are Rab's four famous bell towers. Several of them date back to the 12th century and have survived the collapse of their attached churches.

In addition to sightseeing in Rab's compact and attractive Old Town, Rab Town makes a good base for exploring Rab Island. A number of agencies offer boat tours around the island or you can rent a boat or a scooter and do it on your own.

Oázis Wellness Park

2011-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Oázis Wellness Park, Szigetszentmiklós (Hungary)

Pintér Művek Military Museum and Military Technology Park, Kecel (Hungary)

2011-07-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Pintér Művek Military Museum, Military Technology Park consists of four separated exhibitions.

1. Among the different pistols, rifles, shotguns and machine-guns exhibited in the gun museum you can find most of the small arms used in the Hungarian Army, sport pistols and shotguns of János Kádár (former Prime Minister of Hungary).

2. In the Artillery Museum the equipment and clothing of the Hungarian artillerymen are exhibited.

3. In the Model House miniature copies of hundreds of different tactical equipment can be visited.

4. The most spectacular part of the Museum is the Open-Air Exhibition more than three hectares and the Statue Park surronding the exhibition. Repaired parts of the different military equipment once used in the Hungarian Army can also be seen here. The equipment include T-34 tank, armoured vehicles, rocket launching pads, radars, transport facilities (KRAZ, ZIL, URAL, GAZ), airplanes (MIG-15, MIG-17, MIG-19, MIG-21, MIG-23, SZU-22, L-39) and helicopters.

Adress: Rákoczy F. Street, Kecel, H-6237 Hungary Tel.:+36 (78) 420-199(English) +36 (78) 420-444 (Hungarian)

By the way Kecel is a typical Great Plain wine-growing town, part of the Little Cumania Wine Region. It lies in the western Danube-Tisza area where three historical and ethnographical regions meet: Little Cumania, Bácska and the Sárköz of Kalocsa.

Equina Horse Farm, Ócsa (Hungary)

2011-06-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Equina horse farm is situated in Ócsa, which is a town in Pest county, Budapest metropolitan area and not so far from Gyál (my hometown).

Challengeland (Bókay kert)

2011-06-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Challengeland (Bókay Kert), locally referred to as Kalandpalya, is one of the most notable adventure park in Budapest (Hungary). It is located in district XVIII.
The nature set is ideal for testing the physical endurance of all adventure seekers, regardless of age or experience. As they said, Challengeland welcomes children and adults alike, since its adventure infrastructure has been designed for all categories of age.
Address: Bókay Kert, 1181 Budapest, Szélmalom u. 33.
Web: www.bokaykertkalandpalya.hu

Hurried world - dizzy landscape

2011-06-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Thuesday afternoon ydill, not so far from our house.

Landscape nearby Bajna and Szomor (Hungary)

2011-06-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Bajna is a village in Komárom-Esztergom Country, Hungary.

Bajna has been founded more than thousand years ago in one of the earliest populated areas in Hungary, which is currently Esztergom County. It was inhabited already during the Romans, and in 1087 it was mentioned as a larger catholic settlement.

Because of its advantageous geographical location it is a favorite excursion spot for the lovers of hiking, cycling, riding, fishing and hunting. The settlement itself lies on an elevation, the white tower of the church from the Middle Ages, and the magnificent walls of Sándor-Metternich palace – currently under reconstruction – are calling the visitors already from the far. The landscape protection area only few kilometers away from Bajna shelters very precious flora and fauna. Just to mention a few examples: beautiful oak forests, sweet and horse chestnut groves, various iris types, small games and preying birds such as the Saker Falcon, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle.

Szomor is also a little village in Komárom-Esztergom Country, near Bajna.

Budapest Anno - Budapest Now

2011-06-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Abony Zoo (Hungary)

2011-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Abony is a town in the south-east of Pst Country between the Danube and Tisza rivers. It is 16 km from Cegléd and 85 km from Budapest.

Abony Zoo is the first Hungarian private Zoo.

Park with animals from the savannah of Africa, Asia and Australia as well as original Hungarian animals. There are lions, lamas, deer, zebras, and so on. In most cases, in this zoo animal petting, touch and feeding is allowed. There are also events. There is a playground and you can ride horses.

Zuri, the little lion was born few weeks ago.

Address: 2740 Abony, Bajtárs u. 1.

I miss the sunshine...

2011-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Two months until it is Spring :( brrr... Winter is gloomy and too long, flowers are missing, we spend so much time indoors, it's depresssing..... I hate the cold weather and miss the trips, the sunshine, and of course the colorful photos!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

We wish a Happy New Year to all!

Raba Quelle Spa, Leasure and Thermal Baths, Győr (Hungary)

2010-12-30T01:13:00.000-08:00

The bath is located on the headland at the junction of Mosoni-Danube and Rába rivers, where you can get a marvellous view of historic town center.

Winter and holiday

2010-12-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T03:25:00.000-08:00

Nativity play (Betlehemezés)

2010-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Xmas in the classroom

2010-12-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

Children on the stage

2010-12-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

Surprise performance: The Shivering King

and finally the Santa Claus also has arrived...

My little karate champion :)

2010-12-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

My daughter and the Hawk :)

2010-12-01T13:44:00.001-08:00

My little actress (in the title role)

2010-11-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

2010-11-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

The Halászbástya or Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romansque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, on the Castle hill in Budapest, around Matthias Church. It was designed and built between 1895 and 1902 on the plans of Frigyes Schulek. Between 1947–48, the son of Frigyes Schulek, János Schulek, conducted the other restoration project after its near destruction during World War II.

From the towers and the terrace a panoramic view exists of Danube, Margaret Island, Pest to the east and the Gellért Hill.

Its seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896.

The Bastion takes its name from the guild of fishermen that was responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages. It is a viewing terrace, with many stairs and walking paths.

A bronze statue of Stephen I of Hungary mounted on a horse, erected in 1906, can be seen between the Bastion and the Matthias Church. The pedestal was made by Alajos Stróbl, based on the plans of Frigyes Schulek, in Neo-Romanesque style, with episodes illustrating the King's life.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Szabó Marzipan Museum, Budapest

2010-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

The famous Szabó Marzipán's international pastry exhibition is found at Buda Castle, in the immediate vicinity of Matthias church, and Fischerman"s Bastion, in the halls of Buapest Hilton.

Te numerous countless marzipan showpieces include Queen Sisy's life size statue, Matthias church, Fishrman's Bastion, Kalocsa lace, gobelin furniture, as well as the cactus forest, unique in the world.

The fairy tale scenes of childhood can be admired, along with many other heartwarming and visually pleasing marzipan creations, all prepared with consummate expertise.

In addition to the exhibition, a café and pastry shop offer visitors sandwiches, pastries and ice creams. Of course in the store, the brand-packaged, excellent quality products of Szabó Marzipan available for purchase as well.

Autumn in Reichenau (Austria)

2010-11-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Reichenau an der Rax is a market town in the Austrian state of Lower Austria, situated at the foot of the Rax mountain range on the Schwarza river, a headstream of the Leitha.

Even though the town of Reichenau might seem at small at first glance, as a historically noble spa location of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, it certainly has many historical and cultural sights on offer.

Alpin Garden

2010-11-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Rax Alpengarten is around 1500 metres above sea level. The garden occupies four thousand square metres of alpine meadow and contains examples of over two hundred alpine flowers and plants native to the area. It is here that you can see rare and protected species such as the Edelweiss growing wild and in profusion.

Rax (Alps, Austria)

2010-11-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Rax is a mountain range at the border of the Austrian federal provinces Lower Austria and Styria, situated in the Northern Limestone Alps.

Its highest peak is the Heukuppe at 2007 m. The Rax together with the nearby Schneeberg as a traditional mountaineering resort are called the Wiener Hausberge (Vienna's local mountains). They are separated by the deep Höllental (Hell Valley).

By the Raxseilbahn aerial tramway in Hirschwang at the north-eastern foot of the range, the first in Austria (commencement of construction was 1925), the extensive high plateau of the Rax at about 1,500 m is an easily attainable tour area and a particular favourite with hikers from Lower Austria and Vienna. The steep flanks of the plateau offer climbing tours of various degrees of difficulty. These steige (trails) and the hütten, alpine huts offering basic accommodation, were built and are kept intact by several Austrian Alpine Clubs. They were erected in the late 19th and early 20th century.

(Source: Wikipedia)

"Landhaus Gschaiderhof" (Austria)

2010-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Landhaus Gschaiderhof is located in a magnificent setting in the foothills of Lower Austria's highest mountain the "Schneeberg" The hiking and moutainbike trails start directly at the house, which lies in a very calm and forst-rich environment.

(in fog)

The accomodation was very nice indeed, the owners of the place were very nice and friendly and the price was very correct, too.

Above and between the clouds (Schneeberg, Alps in Austria)

2010-11-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Schneeberg, with its 2076 m-high summit Klosterwappen, is the highest mountain of Lower Austria, and the easternmost 2000 m-high mountain in the Alps. It is a distinctive limestone massif with steep slopes on three sides.

On clear days, Schneeberg can be readily seen from parts of Vienna, some 65 km away (as the crow flies), together with its snow-fields that reach down its northern slopes even in summer and provide a challenge to skiers.

A rack-and-pinion railway, the Schneeberg Railway, now over 100 years old, climbs to a height of 1800 m, reducing the walk to the summit to an hour or two. There are also a number of other routes for walkers, including from the spa resort of Puchberg am Schneeberg to the east, or from the south, in Höllental.

The summit plateau has a number of mountain huts which are visited by thousands of walkers, climbers and even mountain-bikers annually.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Trip by Salamander Cogwheel railway (Austria)

2010-10-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

The 9.8 kilometre long "Schneebergbahn" 1218 metres up into the high alpine region of Schneeberg from Puchberg am Schneeberg. The first section of the cog railway was opened on June 1st 1897 and the line was completed by the end of the following September. During the train’s leisurely ascent, travellers are treated to a marvellous variety of alpine scenery; rich meadows and pine forests are followed by breathtaking mountain panoramas. The journey ends at Austria’s highest train station. The railway operates six steam locomotives and a new diesel train, the Salamander.

Puchberg am Schneeberg (Austria)

2010-10-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

The CLIMATIC HEALTH RESORT PUCHBERG AM SCHNEEBERG is located at the eastern edge of the Alps just 80 km south of Vienna in a romantically secluded, scenic deep circular valley. Puchberg´s major landmark is the Schneeberg, Lower Austria´s highest mountain (2,075m).

Nature has been kind to Puchberg, too, which is famous for its healthy climate. Their number one tourist attraction is the rack railroad onto the Hochschneeberg mountain.

Losenheim Castle (Austria)

2010-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ruins of Losenheim Castle (Burgruine Losenheim) are situated about 5 kilometers from Puchberg am Schneeberg and not so far from the Sebastian Waterfall near the Salamander ski-region Losenheim.

Sebastian Waterfall (Austria)

2010-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a long weekend in Puchberg am Schneeberg (Austria).

This wonderful watrefall ("Sebastian Wasserfall") situated next to Puchberg.

To be honest the views took our breath away and we couldn't stop taking pictures in this amazing place. :)

Here you can just enjoy the waterfalls, take one of the hiking tracks,

or eat at the "Wasserfall wirt". :)

Our new lodger

2010-10-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

Taken by my husband, edited by me.

Lake Naplás and its surrounding (Budapest)

2010-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

10th Cabbage Festival in Vecsés

2010-09-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

Catch the sun

2010-09-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

The photos were taken at Lake Balaton (Hungary).

Nature's tiny details

2010-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wide open

2010-09-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Taken in Sopron

Firewood

2010-09-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

The photo was taken in Fertőrákos.

Sopron (Hungary)

2010-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sopron is a beautiful historical town, situated near the western borders of Hungary, at the foot of the Alps, 60 km from Vienna and 220 km from Budapest.

History: In 1918 (confirmed by the Treaty of Trianon 1920), the western part of the county became part of the new Austrian stateBurgenland. The eastern part stayed in Hugary. In 1921, it was decided by referendum that the city of Sopron would join Hungary instead of Austria.

Sopron is one of the oldest jewelboxes of Hungary. Sopron merges past and present in itself. It creates a bridge between Hungary and its western neighbours, opening a gate for foreign guests visiting Hungary, as it is symbolized by the coat of arms of the city.

The inhabitants of the city are famed for their hospitality and loyalty to their hometown. This is also symbolized by the 'Gate of Faith', which can be found on the southern side of the Firewatch Tower, the symbol of the city, and which was made in memory of the referendum of 1921.

The curative and refreshing air of the natural environment, the hiking routes of the wooded hillsides, the view towers, the mountain springs, and the proximity of Lake Fertő make Sopron one of the most beautiful and most pleasant holiday resorts of Hungary. The Löverek, the hilly area south of the city, is the most fascinating and most distinguished area of the city. It offers calm forests with spruces, oaks and chestnuts, lilies of the valley and cyclamens, hiking paths and lookout towers.
Another attraction of the historic town of Sopron is the excellent wines of the region, so the city is becoming increasingly popular among those who would like to satisfy their thirst with noble wines.

(Source: www.sopron.hu)

Beginning of school (Opening ceremony)

2010-08-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Pan-European Picnic Commemoration Park

2010-08-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

This is a park to commemorate the demolition of the iron curtain.

The Pan-European Picnic was arranged at the Hungarian-Austrian border on 19th of August 1989, as an East-German group appeared here and thanks to the humanity of the border guards who let them through. This historic event was the first step towards German Reunification.

Fertőrákos (Hungary)

2010-08-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

Fertőrákos is a more than 800 year old village which has been a part of the Fertő-Hanság National Park since 2001. It is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Fertőrákos attracts visitors each year with its unique history, culture and recreational offerings.

Village with 2,240 inhabitants 7 km from Sopron at Lake Fertő.

The limestone-quarry offers a quite special sight, like the churches cut in rock in Egypt.

Mining operations in the Lajta limestone begun some 2000 years ago, the acoustics of the halls is excellent, cave-theatre preformances are held every summer.

On the eastern hill of the stone quarry the metal sculpture by Gabriele von Habsburg stands like an exclamation mark.

It is a column made of metal and barbed wire with the date of the Pan-European Picnic and the names of participants. On the ribbon under the board you can read a Latin text:” In neccessariis unitas - in dubiis libertas - in omnibus caritas.” (In need unity - in scepticism freedom - love everywhere.) The memorial symbolizes the iron curtain and recalls forever the memories of the border breakthrough in 1989.

Town wall remains form the 16th century and a pillory (the only one in the country standing on its original place) can be seen.

It stands in the centre of the village. It is the only monument of its kind in Hungary and symbolizes independent judgment. It may have been erected in the 17th century. A new prison under the market place and a tower called the pillory above it were built. The prison was guarded by the leaders of the village. They sentenced the people to imprisonment or to the pillory. Before the pillory was built, convicted persons were fastened to a tree in the market place. On the top of pillory you can see the coat of arms of Fertőrákos.

The fine Baroque Bishop's Palace was built, on medieval foundations, in the 17-18th centuries, now it is a museum.

The tower of the Baroque Roman Catholic church, a listed monument in the village, goes back to medieval origin.

The Chrystal Museum Fertőrákos is an unique museum in the world.

Here you can find an exhibition of a protected amateur collection, 2000 calcite crystals and minerals in different colours and shapes and 500 fossil remains. You can become familiar with the hidden beauty of Hungary. The Museum is excellent for enriching knowledge of the country, geography, petrography and mineralogy.

If you travel to Győr-Msoson-Sopron country you have to visit this wonderful place, too!

(The park of 1989)

(Statue of Fridrich von Kreuzpec)

Stone Quarry (Fertőrákos, Hungary)

2010-08-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Quarry Fertőrákos is excavated limestone quarry in northwest Hungary. Quarry Fertőrákos currently serves as an important cultural center, located in the village of the same name Fertőrákos, about 10 km from Sopron in Hungary near the border with Austria.

Millions of years ago here was the sea. Billions of snails, seashells and small lime-bodied animals formed the Lajta-limestone. The limestone is no longer quarried.

Now here in the cave theatre opera performances and concerts are hold in summer. The “Lajta-limestone” is easily formed and resists changeable weather conditions. A great many houses have been built using this type of limestone. Irregularly formed large halls resembling Egyptian temples and big pillars supporting the limestone ceiling captivate visitors.

Lake Fertő (Hungary)

2010-08-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Lake Fertő (or Lake Neusiedl) is the third largest lake of Central Europe.

The whole lake area, including the Austrian side, has been a World Heritage Site since 2001 for its natural assets and built environment.

Őszintén szólva én most jártam itt először. Amint a képekből is látszik, a hely nagyon szép, a strand kulturált és a kánikula ellenére nem is voltak sokan, de a víz olyan iszapos, hogy azt játszották a gyerekek, hogy lebuknak a víz alá és meg kell keresni egymást, mert a felkavart iszaptól a 80 centis víznél sem lehet lelátni az aljára. Ők nagyon élvezték :)

Familypark Neusiedlersee (Austria)

2010-08-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Austria’s biggest leisure park has been delighting families from home and abroad for over 40 years.

Many people already know and continue to cherish this unique destination from their childhood days. For them it has since become a tradition to return year after year and be reminded of the old as well as to marvel at the new.

Nestling in a wonderful natural and man-made landscape which is second to none, the four themed areas of the “Adventure Castle”, “Fairytale Wood”, “Adventure Island” and “Farm” have something to offer everyone:

Lots of carousels, courses and climbing opportunities are simply waiting to be explored by discoverers both young and old!

While the adventure-seeking part of the family is enjoying itself on the countless attractive rides, some of which even allow tiny tots to go on them, others preferring to take things a little easier or wishing to switch off a bit can relax on a walk through the forest or at the animal park!

On a walk through the Fairytale Forest parents and grandparents can show children what fairytales they know. Both children and grown-ups love singing along to the animated music shows." (Familypark Neusiedlersse)

Click for more phtotos!

Burgenland Landscape (Austria)

2010-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in Burgenland, taken from the car.

Sonnentherme thermal spa (Austria)

2010-08-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg Frankenau is located in Sunland Middle Burgenland, near the Hungarian border, about an hour's drive from Vienna and Graz.

Speedy - hellish speed over 141 meters. From a 23-meter high helter-skelter it's down into the depths (going up is easy with the lift). Twister is not as fast, but at 202 meters one of the longest indoor-slides in Europe!

For those who still haven't had enough there are two more giant slides of 68 and 111 meters to conquer.

Akkor pár szó magyarul: ez itt Lutzmannsburg (magyarul Locsmánd) Ausztria egyik legnépszerűbb élményfürdőbe, itt van Európa leghosszabb fedett élménycsúszdája kétszáz akárhány méteres csúszófelülettel. Lift visz fel a toronyba, ahonnan indul a csúszda és körbe tekeredik jó párszor az épület körül, ugyanebből a törönyból indul egy rövidebb, százvalahány méteres csúszófelületű csúszda is, ami jóval gyorsabb. Ezenkívül van még két másik beltéri óriás csúszda is, és van még nem tudom hány terem medencékkel + kinti strand rész, kint is bent is több medence egy halom egész kicsiknek való csúszdával. Ettől függetlenül (ugye mi nagy wellness és élményfürdő fanok vagyunk), azt kell mondjam, hogy az itthoni élményfürdők (pl. Debrecen, Esztergom, Pápa, Sárvár, Kaposvár) szebbek, (Debrecen kifejezetten jobb is). Nálunk tele teszik az ilyesmit növényekkel, és általában egy fürdőre több élményelem jut. De bőven akadt pár dolog, ami Ausztriában nagyon tetszett, például ahogy beléptünk egy halom babakocsi fogadott (ülő, fekvő, iker.. ) ergo ha lett volna ilyen korú gyerekem nem lett volna gondom. A csúcs pedig, hogy a medencetérben itt is tilos enni, de a család bemehet és megeheti az otthonról hozott elemózsiát is az önkiszolgáló étteremben, ehhez még egy mikró is rendelkezésre áll a melegítésre. (Annyi volt kiírva az étteremre németül és magyarul is, hogy a félreértések elkerülése végett, az otthonról hozott élelmet abban az esetbe ne vidd oda elfogyasztani, ha kapható náluk is... )

Ezenkívül találtam még a komplexumban kimondottan gyerekszaunát és délutáni alvó szobákat, ahol a kicsi gyerkőket altatni lehet... szoptató és etető és bébiétel melegítésére alkalmas helyiséget, nálunk ezek a legtöbb helyről azért még hiányoznak.

A gyerekeim nagyon élvezték.

Rust (Austria)

2010-08-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Rust is a small untouched medieval town in Austria.

It's famous as the town of the storks and noble wines. The picturesque ensemble of cultivated town houses from the 16th to the 19th century is surrounded on one side by the Rust hill country vineyards and by Lake Neusiedl (Lake Fertő) on the other. The decoration on the brightly colored Baroque and Renaissance facades give the town its unmistakable character,

Rust located at the Neusiedler sea (Lake Fertő), near the Hungarian border on the western side of the lake.

The Cathedral of Eger

2010-08-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest churches of Hungary, it was built between 1831 and 36 in classical style, designed by József Hild. The length of the church is 93 metres, the width 53 metres, while the towers arising next to the sanctuary are 54 metres high. A wide staircase is leading to the main entrance of the Cathedral. On both sides there are stone sculptures of Marco Casagrande: St. Stephen and King László, as well as St. Peter and St Paul. The tympanum and the 8 chorinthos column give the character of the entrance and facade. The church is covered by 3 cupolas. The nave and aisles determine a cross ground shape. The picture of the high altar is the work of a wiener painter József Donhauser from 1835 and illustrates the death of St. John as being lugged to the hot caldron. The cathedral houses the biggest organ of Hungary that was built at the end of the XIX. century by Ludwig Moser from Salzburg.

Eger (Hungary)

2010-08-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Eger is one of the most beautiful historical Baroque cities in Hungary.

The centuries-old architectural heritage, the ecclesiastical treasures,

the wine culture,

the thermal baths and numerous cultural events combine to make Eger the most significant tourist centre in Northern Hungary.

According to some hypothesises the town was named after the alder ('éger') trees along the Eger Stream. This assumption is supported by the German Erlau/ Erlen-au (alder grove) name of the town.

How to get there:
By public transport, take a train from Budapest to Eger, if travelling from Miskolc change at Füzesabony. There are Volán coaches available from Budapest and from Miskolc. By car, from Budapest take the M3 motorway, exit at Füzesabony and continue north. On the M3 from Miskolc turn off at Mezőkövesd or travel through the wooded hills of the Bükk from Miskolc or Ózd.

Egerszalók (Hungary)

2010-07-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Egerszalók is a village with a population of almost 2,000 people situated between the Mátra and the Bükk mountains in the valley of the Laskó stream, just 5 km from Eger.

The appeal of the village lies in the natural beauty of the area, which offers tourists countless points of interest. Egerszalók’s main attraction is the thermal source springing from the depths of the earth in the south of the village and the salt hill created by the water flowing down the hillside.

The salt deposits from the 65-68 C◦ medicinal water extremely rich in minerals continuously build the scalloped, white formations, which are such an impressive sight. The calcium-magnesium bicarbonate medicinal water also containing sodium and metasilicic acid has been given one of the best ratings in the category of sulphurous medicinal waters. The water was classified as medicinal by the health ministry in 1992. Over the years the salt hill thanks to its unique characteristics has become the symbol and trademark of the local area. Similar natural formations can only be found in two other places in the world: in the Asian part of Turkey in Pamukkale, and in the Yosemite Park in the USA. In Europe it is unique.

The exclusive medicinal and wellness spa opened in Egerszalók on 13 July, 2007. The building is situated on the hillside with some of the pools lying in the beautiful valley.

The built ground area of the spa is 10,844 m2, and it has a capacity of some 1,000 people at any given time. With a total water surface of 1,900 m2 it boasts a total of 17 outdoor and indoor pools.

Medicinal water sitting pools, cave pool, whirlpool bath, adventure pools, children’s pools, Kneipp and echo pools ensure that both younger and older guests will be in their element. World-class wellness and fitness services are available to guests wishing to recuperate and unwind.

(Source)

Sirok Castle Ruins (Hungary)

2010-07-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sirok is located on the northern part of Hungary, on the eastern edge of the Mátra Mountains. The small village of Sirok is famous its medieval castle ruins.

The picturesque castle was built on the top of a 300 meter high rocky plateau in the 13th century. The entire castle was carved out of the rock on which it stands.

It is worth taking the tour up to the castle because of the view over the Mátra Mountains.

As you can see the Sirok Castle is an interesting place to visit. The road is recently rebuilted, so you can climb up to the hilltop easily :)

Adventure Park in Sástó (Hungary)

2010-07-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

The OXYGEN ADRENALIN PARK is away from the noise of the city, yet it can be found close (an hour away) on the southern side of the Matra. They offer entertainment in their 16 hectare park for everyone from the ages of 1 to 99.

In Hungary’s highest adventure park, your breath will not only be taken away by the adventures that raise your adrenalin, but also by the panorama that bursts upon your view. When it is sunny, you can see all the way from Kekes (highest mountain) to Alfold (the great plain).

Ki se próbáltunk mindent, de amit igen, azt a gyerekek nagyon élvezték. Az a gyanúm, hogy bár először, de nem utoljára jártunk arrafelé. A kalandpark és a bobpálya remek és persze a táj is gyönyörű.

Matra Bobsled track in Sasto

2010-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Matra Bobsled track in Sasto is the highest bobsled course in the country. The Matra Bob is 12 kilometers from Gyöngyös, and can be found between Mátrafüred and Mátraháza. The 930-meter length course opened in October 2006. There are 34 two-person bobsled cars that await visitors. Riders can attain a breathtaking 42km/h maximum speed. This will increase your adrenalin! Be careful, it causes addiction! If you desire further excitement, try the other attractions of the adventure park. For further information, visit www.adrenalin-park.hu.

Mátraszentimre

2010-07-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

My children spent a week with my parents in Mátraszentimre, which is the highest community in Hungary situated at 835 m above sea level in the Matra mountains. The last weekend we also spent there.

Interactive fountain in Budapest

2010-07-16T08:44:00.001-07:00

This new interactive public fountain is situated in the downtown of Budapest. It looks like a room with walls of water. You approach the wall, and a small portion of that wall opens (some parts of the jets stop working), you enter the room and the wall closes behind you. The same happens if you want to leave the room, you just approach the wall opens to let you through.

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

2010-07-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

"The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is not only a place where you can see animals from Hungary and from far away, but also a place for education and entertainment. The garden has been a protected area since 1986.

The Zoo is home to numerous strictly protected plant and animal species. Beside this, the protection of the biodiversity of the Carpathian basin is fundamental to its mission. Several hundred mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and water creatures live here.

Some of the buildings of the Zoo and botanical garden which can still be seen today were designed by the famous Transylvanian architect, Károly Kós, and by Dezső Zrumeczky between 1909 and 1912. The main entrance decorated with elephants, the Elephant House, the Small and the Big Cliff, the Palm House, the Monkey House, the Pheasant House, the Deer House, the Rodent House, the Bird House, and the Bambi House were all built at this time.

The building of the Aquarium uses the most advanced technology; the volume of water totals 150,000 litres. More than 150 species of the world's various seas can be seen here.

The palaeontological waxworks is situated under the Palm House, next to the Aquarium. The exhibition shows the extraordinary reptiles and dinosaurs of the Palaeozoic era, as well as the giant animals of the ice age, through dioramas and models.

There is wheelchair access throughout the Zoo and Botanical Garden. Cashiers stop selling tickets one hour, and the animal houses close half an hour before closing time. From March until October the Zoo remains open for an extra half an hour at weekends and on holidays."

(Source: www.hungarystartshere.com)

Address: Állatkerti krt. 6-12, Budapest City Park (Városliget), XIV. district,

Getting there: take the M1 (yellow) metro line, get off at Széchenyi fürdő stop or

trolley bus 72 (Állatkert stop), or 75, 79 ( Állatkerti út stop)

Akkor a hivatalos, az állatkertünk népszerűsítő PR szöveg után jöjjön némi kritika is, de csak magyarul. :)

Az az igazság, hogy legalább 7 éve nem voltam a Budapesti állatkertben és most teljesen ledöbbentem, hogy mennyivel drágább és mennyivel rosszabb, mint a vidéki állatkertek (Jászberény, Debrecen, Veszprém) ahol az utóbbi években jártam. Lehet, hogy itt Pesten vannak nagyobb és olyan állatok, ami pl. Jászberényben nem, de ott viszont nem egy betonrengetegben és építkezések között a vasút robaja alatt, hanem erdei utakon megy az ember. Az állatoknak nagyobb a terük, számukra élhetőbb, a látogatóknak élvezhetőbb az egész, pláne a bemutatókkal, előadásokkal, látványetetésekkel együtt. Ráadásul ott még a látogatókat fontosak is, korrektül tájékoztatják őket mindenről. Ehhez képest itt mikor a látogatás előtti napon felhívtam az állatkerti információt, hogy nyáron és hétközben van-e fóka show (mert a honlapról nem derült ki egyértelműen), akkor egy undok női hang közölte velem, hogy van ám szórólap közvetlenül a bejáratnál onnan megtudhatom. Gondolja ha a bejáratnál állnék telefonon hívogatnám egy ilyen információért.

Ettől függetlenül akadtak jópofa élményeink is. Például a lajhár kimászott a helyéről és a látogatókat nem engedte ki a kijáraton.

Végül láthattunk fókabemutatót is, igaz a nagy melegre tekintettel csak rövidet, de azért élvezhető volt.

A hűsítő vizet nemcsak az állatoknak, de a látogatónak is biztosítják.

Ezek a mindenhova és főleg árnyékba kirakott megmászható fából készült állatkák is jópofák.

Az állatkerti nagy játszótér is nagyon klassz (csak ott elfelejtettem fényképezni)

és ezek a "majomkodásra" alkalmas helyek is nagyon jók.

Our first raspberry

2010-07-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

Nature abstracts

2010-06-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

I took these photos in Szigetbecse.

Szigetbecse

2010-06-24T01:18:00.001-07:00

Szigetbecse is a village in Pest country, Hungary.

The surrounding forests and reed beds and the colony of summerhouses lining the shore of the Danube at Ráckeve make Szigetbecse a remarkably peaceful recreational destination.
A memorial house dedicated to world famous photographer André Kertész is found here.

It's not Johannesbourg :)

2010-06-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

it's just my son and the football club :)

My daughter finished the kidnergarten

2010-06-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

My daughter finished the kindergarten and last week was her "ballagás" (as we call the "farewell party" in Hungarian).

How would you like to see Üllői street ten years later?

2010-06-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

"How would you like to see the Üllői street ten years later?" This was the title of the children's drawing competition in which my daughter participated. And she won the special award again :) (By the way today the Üllői street is one of the must busy street in Budapest.)

Strawberry season is here

2010-06-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Vili!

2010-05-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, I can't belive how fast my children grow. It seems he was born yesterday, but he is already eight years old.

My daughter's second competition

2010-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

They finished 4th and 5th place in their category:)

The little curious girl :)

Football lovers :)

2010-05-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

my son and the football training :)

Rainbow

2010-05-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Rhythmic Gymnastic Competition

2010-05-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

Before the competition / A verseny előtt:

Make-up / Készül a smink:

Warming up /Bemelegítés:

Entry / Bevonulás:

"Shooting" / Szülő össztűz:

Opening Ceremony / Megnyitó:

The first competitor /Az első versenyző :)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálheyi Dániel)

Mistake / Hiba:)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

(fotó: Pálhegyi Dániel)

Waiting for the results / Eredményre várva:

On the dais / A dobogón:

With the medals / Érmekkel boldogan:

She is six

2010-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter!

Mother's Day celebration at the school

2010-05-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Mother's Day celebration at my son's school.
This "costume play" was our special gift from the kids. They were so cute :)

My daughter won the special prize :)

2010-05-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter participated in a children's drawing comeptition for the Week of Birth Festival and she won the special prize :)

Have a look at her drawing!

Az egyik kerületi közösségi ház gyermekrajz pályázatot hirdetett a 2010. évi Születés Hete Fesztivál alkalmából. A pályázat témája Mutz Péter "Család születik" című meséjéhez, illetve "Egy kinccsel teli világ" című verséhez készített illusztráció.
A 3 tagú zsűri kortárs festőművészekből állt és az óvodás korosztályban a különdíjat a fenti rajzával a kislányom nyerte el:)

Az alábbi képen Mutz Péter kortárs költő, író látható.

A díjátadó ünnepségre a szervezők - a mese, illetve vers szerzőjén kívül - meghívtak egy fotóművészt is, hogy majd a Közösségi ház honlapjára feltehessék az eseményről általa készített fotókat is. A fotós végig vigyorgott rám, azt hittem a fotózás iránti lelkesedésemnek szól, ahogy a nagy mordály gépet "szakszerűen" kezelem, pl. előre kalibráltam fehéregyensúlyt, spéci ecsettel törölgettem az objektívet, stb. Aztán láttam, hogy a fotós inkább a lányomra mosolyog miközben vadul fotózza őt. Majd a díjkiosztó ünnepség után oda is jött hozzám és mondta, hogy szeretettel meghív május 17-én nyíló gyerekfotó kiállítására, mert a kislányomról készített képek biztosan szerepelni fognak a kiállított képei között, mert ez a kisgyerek annyira jó alany és fantasztikusan jó képeket lehet róla készíteni.

Elolvadtam :)

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!

2010-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day in Hungary is the first Sunday of May, hence I got these wonderful roses from my children and my husband today :)

Chairlift (Libegő), Budapest

2010-05-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

The Chair Lift (Libego) is the one of the most interesting sights of the hills of Buda. During your trip you can take delight in the beautiful panorama. It takes you up to the top of the Janos Hill from Zugliget. The track is 1040 metres long and it goes very slow above the gardens of Zugliget around 10-15 minutes.

The 1040 metre-long route spans the 262-metre height differential between the two end stations. It can handle 500 passengers per hour. It was opened in 1970.

Travelling on these "flying chairs" is an amazing expereince, especially if the weather is nice and we can link it with some hiking.
Yesterday afternoon we've tried it out. The children enjoyed it very much. :)

Ahogy a képeken is látható és angolul olvasható tegnap délután kipróbáltuk a libegőt. Zugliget felől mentünk felfelé a János-hegyi állomásig. A gyerekeknek nagyon tetszett. Fent kicsit játszottak a játszótéren, majd gyalog jöttünk lefelé a hegyről.

Én már nem emlékeztem, hogy a lefelé vezető út ennyire kacskaringós és meredek, valamiért csak a libegő alatti lépcsők maradtak meg bennem. Inkább csak sétára készültem, mint túrára, de végül a túrát sem bántuk meg, már csak a szépe erdei utak és a gyönyörű panoráma miatt sem.

Budakeszi Wildlife Park

2010-04-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I went with my daughter's kindergarten class on an excursion to Budakeszi Wildlife Park. It is a great program for families and it is not far at all.

Budakeszi Vadaspark és Vadaskert (Budakeszi Wildlife Park and Wildlife Garden) is part of the forest management company.
The park and the garden have a combined size of 327 hectares. Of this an area of 26 hectares is a wildlife display area (of this, 12 hectares are for the intense display of wildlife). The remaining area of 301 hectares - the wildlife garden - is a public plant area of the Budapest Forest Management Co. Apart from presenting the wildlife of the region in their natural environment.

Sights of the Wildlife Park:
· Native wild animals in Hungary and Europe
· Recreation area and entertainment park with fireplaces
· Elmwood and meadow with a playground
· Environmntal study room training
· Look-out

Csütörtökön "anyák napi" kirándulás címén a Budakeszi Vadasparkba mentem a lányom óvodai csoportjával. Az anyák napi kirándulás azt jelentette, hogy reggel volt egy műsor az óvodában, ahol anyák napja alkalmából a gyerekek énekeltek, szavaltak az anyukák meg meghatódtak rajta. Utána irány a Vadaspark anyukák, gyerekek és óvónénik közösen!

Nem szeretem különösebben, ha az óvoda a megkérdezésem nélkül előre beosztja a szabadságomat, fizetésemet, stb., de jól éreztem magam és a gyerekek is.
Hazafelé a buszban pedig a kis hatévesem aludt rajtam egy jót, ami az egyik legfinomabb érzés egy anyának, főleg hogy utoljára baba korában tett ilyet :)

Lizard

2010-04-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

My husband found and caught this shy lizard when he worked in our garden.

28th Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum

2010-04-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Within the framework of the Budapest Spring Festival the Federation of Hungarian Journalists (MUOSZ) is to present the 28th Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition and its accompanying exhibition entitled The World of Fashion in Pictures – Yesterday and Today at the Hungarian National Museum between 19 March and 2 May 2010.

At the exhibition of the best press photos of the year shocking and thought-provoking pictures can be seen from the venues of the Roma assassinations and of the mourning families (Tatárszentgyörgy, Bódvalenke), the everyday life at the Havadtő orphanage, Formula-1 driver Felipe Massa's serious accident, the fight between extremist groups and the police, the court verdict in the case of the lynching at Olaszliszka, the change at the helm of government, moments from then lives of the civilians and the international military forces stationed in Afghanistan.

The exhibited works also depict the outstanding personalities of contemporary Hungarian literature, the most characteristic moments of the Balaton Sound, the back-stage secrets of body-builders, the 125 year old Budapest Opera House, the 120 year old Budapest Circus, the animals of urban life or the colorful ice-birds.

The accompanying exhibition entitled The World of Fashion in Pictures – Yesterday and Today is a selection of works by Hungarian photographers who have become masters of their profession both in Hungary and abroad from the last century to the present.

Source: Budapest Tourism Office

On Friday afternoon I visited the exhibition and I took some photos about the Hungarian National Museum and the area of the Museum.

Akkor magyarul is: péntek délután megnéztem az idei sajtófotó kiállítást, utána készítettem a Nemzeti Múzeumról és kertjéről a képeket.
A kiállítása idén is tetszett, csakúgy mint tavaly. Az első terem a romák elleni támadásokhoz kapcsolódó fotókkal és a Havadtői árvaházról készített képekkel egészen sokkoló volt, de gondolom ez volt a cél. (A képeken keresztül sem árt formálni a társadalmi tudatot.)

Igazság szerint nem volt kedvem a nehéz tükörreflexes géppel a vállamon végignézni a kiállítást, ezért csak a kompakt gépet vittem magammal, így a rosszabb fényviszonyok mellett készült beltéri képek nem is lettek annyira jók, a külső képeknél meg a nagyobb látószögű objektív hiányzott. Ennek ellenére a kompaktból is próbáltam kihozni amit lehet. A lehetőségekhez mérten igyekeztem a mélységélességgel játszani és kevésbé szokványos témákat és szögeket keresni. Ez a sorozat lett belőle.

Spring scenery

2010-04-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

Vivid spring

2010-04-15T13:30:00.000-07:00