Looking Back at 2023 Surprising, Satisfying, Special, Plan for More in 24!

Please tell me why, my year passed so very quick?
Let me look at my photos, that will surely do the trick!
I’ll pick some great memories to refresh my ageing brain
and write down my thoughts that are running like a train!

The New Year has started, what surprises will she bring?
A new baby, what joy, Nanny Sue once again!
A new job, much needed, for Raphael our youngest son,
seasonal work in Austria, he’s having a ball and so much fun!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HUNGARY

Snippets of 2023 through the eyes of my camera. A fun packed year exploring and enjoying events in our little rural village in Hungary and trips abroad to Ibiza and Croatia.

January 2023

SNOW

My excitement for snow never wanes! Like a little kid, wanting to get wrapped up immediately and venture outside in the crisp snow, crunching underfoot taking photos with my camera. This is the start of the year and I am on the lookout for original and different shots. 

Kisszékely village with the viewpoint in the distance top right.

This is my favourite snow shot of the year. I was just randomly walking around the village and spotted this wheelbarrow. I liked the fact that a mundane piece of equipment is instantly transformed into a pleasing shot when covered in snow. 

February

INQUISITIVE MR FOX

We are fully aware that foxes live in the empty house next door. We hear them at night bumping around and there are droppings evidence during the day of their nightly patrols of our garden. I have never seen any of the fox family during the day until this snowy morning in February. Mr fox sat boldly glaring at me as I crept VERY slowly towards him. He allowed me several shots before nonchalantly turning his back on me and climbing up the barn roof out of sight.

March

Dawn sky with a field of lavender ready to explode into life. I got up very early and slowly walked up the side of the valley. The sky constantly changes creating a gorgeous array of pinks and blues. Just beautiful!

Aren’t these the cutest little piglets? They live on the local farm surrounded by masses of woodland for them to roam and explore. This very healthy pig gave birth to about 10 piglets and will give birth to another litter later on in the year.

April

Road Trip

Eric and I often just jump in the car and pick a random destination to travel to. On this particular day in April, we ended up next to this gently flowing river with a quaint tiny cottage looking pretty in the spring sun.

I was not the only one walking the river bank that day. This handsome water turtle scurried away as quick as he could when I approached…..but not before I took a picture of him!

I am not normally a big fan of snails…a garden pest! I made an exception, this snail looked quite magnificent munching through our greenery. No problem getting down low to take the shot but by gum what a struggle to get back up again!

May

MAY DAY

Our village Maypole is put up every year, decorated with colourful ribbons and balloons. The villagers, adults and children get involved in this traditional event. Traditional songs are sung as the villages link arms and sing enthusiastically whilst circling the Maypole.

I think this shot encompasses Hungarian village life. A villager lovingly tends his tidy garden, appreciating everything growing. The Maypole pops up tall above the trees. Village life is so idyllic. 

SIMONTORYNYA CASTLE DAY

Every year, Simontornya holds a Castle Day which I always enjoy…much colour, noise and excitement. Many interesting people visit from all over the county, it is a real family event. Community spirit is everywhere and is extremely heartwarming.

This is Simontornya Castle Tower built in the 13th Century in the next village very close to us in rural Hungary. The whole event revolves around activities taking place inside and outside the castle. The purpose of this traditional event is to revive the history of Simontornya Castle.

The girls wear traditional dress, but then whip out their modern mobiles to record the moment for their respective Instagram accounts!

My free entertainment was a mock battle with live LOUD canon fire and guns…..I jumped like mad, unwisely I had positioned myself with my camera on the front row!! I quickly retreated to the back row! Lesson learnt for next year!

Would you like to see more of my photos? Click this link

KING CHARLES CORONATION

The Coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom took place on Saturday 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey, London England.

Even though I live in Hungary I have not forgotten my roots, nor my interest in the Royal Family (I am from the Princess Diane era). The good the bad the ugly!

My good Kiwi friend, Jackie, lives in the same village and also follows the British Royal Family with interest. I was excited to be invited to a British High Tea on Coronation Day outside on her patio. What a splendid spread from a great baker and also a very good friend.

The Union Jack cake made a great photo and tasted as delicious as it looked. We drank Earl Grey tea from a china teapot and later, cheese scones lathered in butter and sipped full bodied red wine from decorated glasses.

June

DUNAFOLDVAR

We picked a beautiful day in June to visit picturesque Dunaföldvár. After just a forty minute drive, with clear roads, we arrived at this historic riverside town on the banks of the River Danube. The cobbled streets and pretty houses lined the roads up to the hilltop castle.

This is the impressive bridge over the River Danube viewed from the castle restaurant on top of a hill.

Riverside and The Rakpart restaurant with a beautiful outdoor eating area, perfect for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the mighty Duna!

Would you like to see more of my photos? Click the link

IBIZA BEACH WEDDING

The absolute highlight of my year. Travelling over to Ibiza in Spain to watch my youngest daughter marry on the beach to the love of her life. This photo feels special, romantic, perfect, togetherness. A VERY proud mama, lots of happy tears and happy memories. 💓

The table settings were beautiful. The lilac scarf is not a napkin as I first thought. The Spanish custom at weddings is that as the married couple joins the guests at the reception party, loud music welcomes the dancing bride and groom with every guest waving their scarves energetically above their heads and shouting good wishes…truly memorable!

Our treat to ourselves was to book into a super adults only hotel on the beach. An absolutely beautiful location, enormous breakfasts, gym and spa and very tidy rooms. This photo captures a little bit of everything…direct access to the beach, sun loungers in the forest, crystal clear pools and not too overcrowded for June.

July

HARVEST FESTIVAL

With promising July blue skies, the people of the surrounding villages gathered together in Kisszékely to make preparations for the annual Harvest Festival procession. Certainly a good day to be out with my camera and so convenient on my doorstep.

There were some new additions to the procession this year including a very lively and spirited foal learning the ropes on “how to lead the procession”!

These two horses regularly participate in the village Harvest Procession and are decorated traditionally as are their riders. The horses have a little munch on the grass just before the start!

No Harvest is complete until it has an array of seasonal sunflowers. These arrangements adorned the stage, set up for the traditional dancing later on in the evening.

ANNUAL MOTORBIKE RALLY

Kisszékely is taken over for a weekend in July by the annual motorbike rally biking around the village. All ages take part and everyone has a lot of fun. A campsite is set up next to the swimming pool and a marquee is erected for a variety of foods and refreshments.

Our village is a dead end so the bikers travel around the village, up the hill out of the village and back again. Lots of loud toot tooting can be heard all over this normally peaceful village. As the bikers pass it is clear not everyone has safety in mind!

This image makes me chuckle every time and one of my favourites from the rally, entitled “Three Men on a Bike!”

We are so blessed to have a village swimming pool with camping grounds, open fires and stone ovens. The campers wander around admiring each other’s pristine bikes and I hear lots of Ooooo’s Ahhhhh’s and Wows!!

If you would like to see more of the Motor Bike Rally click here

SPOTTING STORKS

Twice this year I have been fortunate to get decent stork photographs. I am particularly proud of these two. The first was taken in the nearby village of Dég nesting on top of the street lights in the middle of the village green. Every passing motorist can see them as they gaze curiously around them, their beaks slightly open cooling themselves from the burning heat. These storks are nearly big enough to leave their nest, they will soon be ready to take the leap of faith!

In flight and carrying a snack. I could not believe my eyes, camera ready I took a series of shots with his wings in varying positions, he is a graceful bird with a huge wing span. This magnificent bird, it is said, signifies the arrival of Spring in Hungary, I watch out in anticipation for the first sighting every year.

August

SZENTENDRE

My dear husband once again agreed to be my taxi and drive me to Szentendre, a place I have been longing to photograph for some time.

Szentendre is best known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, beautiful Baroque architecture and colourful artwork housed in museums scattered across the town.

It was a hot day and there were people milling about everywhere. I walked up and down the streets looking at the arts and crafts on sale, also admiring and photographing the suspended lampshades… along with many other people!

Lunchtime and the street cafes begin to fill up with tourists, some eating lunch others just stopping for a cooling lavender ice cream.

I walked over the bridge and as I looked over, there was an outdoor art exhibition going on down below, next to a small river. I went to investigate. What an interesting stroll, accompanied by the sounds of 2 talented street musicians. 

BUDAPEST PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

“When in Budapest….Photograph the Parliament Buildings” Another one of my photographic goals was achieved this year. I took many photos of the magnificent Parliament Buildings and several bridges lining the River Danube.

If you would like to see my photos of the beautiful Szentendre, Bridges and Budapest click here

SPOTTING SUNFLOWERS

Living in the Hungarian countryside it is usual to see the fields packed with bobbing sunflowers at this time of year. They brighten the landscape and give the farmers a valuable crop to harvest for sunflower oil. 

I LOVE photographing sunflowers, every year I choose a different location…this field is on the way out of our village. 

Closer to home, this sunflower is in our garden. My photo has had some success in a global photographic competition. 

September

Kisszékely village celebrated a Jubilee Mass at St George’s Roman Catholic Church commemorating the 200th anniversary of its consecration.

Kisszékely village church waiting to celebrate its 200th birthday.

The church was full, overflowing at the back with parishioners and visitors. Music played and sung by the neighbouring village choir was absolutely beautiful to listen to. The congregation then went on to enjoy a full day of celebrations and merriment!

October

RIJEKA, CROATIA

Our English friends flew over to visit us this month for a late Autumn road-trip over the border to neighbouring Croatia.

A very smooth 5 hour journey to an idyllic part of the Croatian coast. We swam, we ate we had fun. The weather was beautifully kind and we managed to cram in plenty of photo opportunities!

We managed to visit the famous Rijeka Fish Market early in the morning, competing with local fishmongers for the best catch. A huge variety of fish stacked and displayed on tables greeted me everywhere I looked! What a choice! 

If you would like to see more photos of our road trip to Rijeka, Croatia click on this link

OZORA

Another village not far away from us, rich in history, famous for weekly car-boot sales and the home of The Ozora Music Festival held in the summer months. Every time we visit there is something different for me to photograph.

This is Ozora Castle, furnished inside in the Renaissance style, you can hire the whole castle for functions and events! How grand would that be?

A typical Hungarian village square, with a sheltered bus stop, pretty pastel houses, changing autumnal trees and a river running through the centre.

OZORA: Home to Castles, Car Booting and Music Festivals!!

If you would like to see more photos from our day out in Ozora click this link

November

The weather is changing as the year comes to a close. The various birds in the garden come searching for food on a daily basis. I have hung a bird feeder up so I can see it from my window. The hanging basket makes a good “waiting perch” before dashing over to the feeder when it becomes vacant.

“Fog on the Water” I love the moodiness of this photo…the mystery, stillness, silence….peaceful. I enjoyed my walk that morning. A different perspective in the fog. 

Winter snow and a struggling rose, not sure whether to wake up…the weather has been surprisingly warm for November then snap, cold with snow! Bizarre!

December

RAPHAEL OFF TO AUSTRIA

Much excitement in our house as our youngest son Raphael takes off to work in The Austria Alps. He travelled cross country on the European train starting his journey in Budapest, Hungary. Here he is, early morning ready to catch his train. A great way to travel Europe. Good luck son 🍺

CHRISTMAS

The outdoor kitchen and seating area on the village green are beautifully decorated in preparation for the local photographer to come and take Christmas photos. 

The village organised an Advent event in the local pub. Temperatures were below freezing at this outdoor event but that did not stop many people coming to enjoy the super entertainment, Hungarian finger food, mulled wine and a generous tombola. We danced to keep warm under the twinkling canopy of fairy lights decorating the open sky. The friendly community spirit was oozing that night, I am glad we braved the cold.

For more photographs and information about the Kisszékely village group responsible for the Advent event, please visit their Facebook page via the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/meseskisszekely

As usual, throughout the year I have taken many, many photographs! I have limited myself to three photos per event for this blog post, it was so hard to choose so, in the end, I selected my significant favourites. I have added a link to the blog posts for more of my photography.  Please do go and take a look and see why I LOVE photographing my adopted country Hungary so much.

I have had an excellent year blessed with good health, lots of fun, interesting outings, good friends and great photo opps! I am expecting more of the same next year. As this year finishes, the page turns, we start anew, what does 2024 have in store? I shall record the memories to look back on and enjoy. I wish you all the best for 2024 and thank you for your continued support on my blog, it means a lot. ❤