Exploring the pretty rural village of Sáregres, Hungary

Yesterday my ever patient driver, my husband, took us for a cruise around the villages of rural Hungary. I never know what’s going to be around the next corner, so my hand is always on my camera ready to take that next memorable shot.

It is sunflower and sweetcorn season in Hungary with fields and fields of brightly coloured yellow heads bobbing in the wind. The sweetcorn stands erect and solid lining the roadsides not quite ripe yet but will be soon bulging with tasty corn.

Our route took us past many of the roadside sellers with stalls overflowing with different melons. The area is called Cece and is famous for its excellent growing conditions, low lying ground and plenty of rain. The melons known in Hungarian as Dinnye are sweet and delicious so we regularly stop like many others to buy them. I particularly like the Galia melons.

Entering the village of Sáregres we were greeted with these super storks. They perch on top of telegraph poles in most villages in Hungary. Soon these youngsters will fly the nest and return again next spring to nest and raise their young.

The immaculate church in the village has a 30m high tower in front of the western facade and was built in 1884, last being renovated in 1925. Inside there are 450 seats for worshipers. The 2 church bells cast in 1868 were sadly requisitioned in World War 1. The church now houses 3 bells bought jointly by the villagers of Sáregres.

Around the village rambling roses and geraniums add pockets of cheerful colour.

A little further through the village, we spotted some sheep…..not unusual but what was slightly strange was they were living in a house! Not something you see everyday!

Most rural villages have wells for pulling water. Years ago this was the Hungarian’s only source of water. This is called a counter-balance well in Hungarian Gémes kút. We have a well in our garden but not with the poles. Nowadays most of the wells are filled in and are purely for decoration. Pretty nevertheless.

My next photographic moment came only a few hundred metres later. Eric kindly stopped the car to let me investigate. In the middle of this tiny village was a Potter… in Hungarian Fazekas. I have indulged in pottery myself in England so was keen to see inside the tiny workshop. It appeared to be in the Potter’s house.

Outside there were pots drying everywhere taking advantage of the hot sunshine.

Inside were shelves filled with rows and rows of the potters work.

We chatted with the Potter (in broken Hungarian) and found that he can do commissions, which was useful to know as I am on the lookout for a vase for cut flowers. He might be my man!

We bought some plant pots and this lovely bird bath all just costing pennies. I want to paint this before putting it outside. A lovely addition to our garden.

Leaving the potter we travelled a little further and discovered Rétimajor. Intrigued by the sign we went to have a look at what was there.

The grounds were gorgeous, lined with apple trees, little bridges and colourful flower beds.

This pretty little thatched hut sat on the water’s edge with views over the lakes and canals.

After a little research, I realised this area had been awarded money from the EU to support the extensive fish pond production based on traditional techniques, including the conservation and enhancement of the surrounding countryside. It would appear that global warming has affected the fish and their environment over many years.

For more information and spectacular photos of this amazing fishing area click here. (in Hungarian).

The grounds house a museum showing examples of fishing equipment and fishing techniques used in bygone times. I did not go inside.

One end of the museum had been painted with a fishing scene.

On the site there is a highly regarded restaurant – Golden Carp Fishermans Tavern which we shall certainly visit in the future. The former water tower and blacksmith workshop were converted to create the restaurant, keeping the original wooden ceiling seen here.

Another rather gruesome drawing on an outside wall.

Exhibits of old boats surrounded the museum along with a wonky sign!

Leaving Sáregres and making our way home we stopped on the roadside to enjoy some very delicious yellow plums.

….and once again admired the amazing sunflowers Hungary has to offer.

Hungary has plenty of surprises everytime we go out. We really love this country we call home. We shall be venturing out again very soon to explore the pretty villages of rural Hungary.