Hello everyone, here’s hoping you have all recovered from Christmas and New Year indulgences! We are well into January and a brand new year, Springtime is a long way off so it’s time for me to start getting creative during these long, cold days of winter. My idea of relaxing heaven is to put on some music and pull up my rolling chair to the kitchen table where my half completed jigsaw patiently awaits me.
My husband has absolutely no interest in jigsaws, I wonder if it is a predominantly female activity/hobby? I only know one male who enjoys challenging jigsaws, the rest are female. Do please leave a comment if you are indeed male and enjoy puzzles. Thanks.
Jigsaws are often thought of as “just a hobby” or aimed primarily at children, or just plain boring! Oh how wrong they are! I and millions of other people LOVE jigsaws. It got me thinking about all the fantastic benefits of doing jigsaws and why we should not be considered nerdy for liking jigsaw puzzles!!
Top Ten Reasons Why being a “Jigsaw Junkie” is not Nerdy!
In no particular order:
1. Brain Stimulation. Jigsawing requires lots of analytical thinking, as you have to decide how the pieces fit together.
They also require the use of several cognitive skills, such as visual perception, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.
Read on to find out what other fabulous benefits there are when completing jigsaws…
2. Prolongs Attention Span – Jigsawing increases your focus, concentration and attention span. Introducing puzzles in early childhood has many benefits, including building fine motor skills.
3. Dexterity – If you have stiff fingers, then jigsawing creates nimble fingers. Think of how many times you dip into the box or pick a piece from the table. Work those fingers!
4. Stress Relieving – I like this one the most. It really is a relaxing activity, sometimes I am transported to the pretty destination in the image….I find myself in my own little jigsawing world! Is that the same for you too?
5.Teaches Patienceand Perseverance – Introduce jigsaws to your children when they are young, it will equip them with the patience and perseverance skills required to ”keep going” and complete a puzzle. We all have had frustrating jigsaws, take a break and return with fresh eyes. It works.
6.Short Term MemoryImprovement – Jigsaw puzzling gives your brain a major memory workout! Solving a puzzle helps increase your short term memory by training your brain to make speedy connections, perhaps a flash of colour reminds you of a different part of the puzzle. This connects the brain cells and improves the mental speed you think.
7. Attention to detail – 100% perfection is required for every piece placed! An excellent eye for detail is the most crucial ability to have when completing a puzzle, particularly if the pieces are similar, think sky or sea!
8.Visual Solving Skills. Toddlers develop their eye-hand coordination through practice with jigsaw puzzles. They see where a piece can go and follow up by moving that specific piece into place. Yet another advantage of starting your child jigsaw puzzleing at an early age. With practice, our eyes become quicker at recognising and remembering puzzle pieces. Brain training.
9.Family Time – Both adults and children often love to do jigsaw puzzles together as a family. Starting a jigsaw puzzle and having it on the coffee table in the living room invites the entire family to join in. It’s also a conversation starter especially if friends suddenly arrive….they always hover and want to pop a piece! Jigsaws have been proven to greatly increase collaboration skills and improve communication skills. A good all round family activity.
10. Accomplishment – When you correctly fit a puzzle piece, there is evidence that your brain produces higher levels of the ‘feel-good’ hormone dopamine, which leads to a feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. Feeling accomplished goes hand in hand with an improved mood, morale booster, and personal satisfaction with every placed piece. Particularly the final one…🧩
I read on the web that as you develop problem solving skills you are likely to improve your IQ. Good thinking skills are strong indicators of an intelligent person.
Researchers have indicated that playing jigsaw puzzles can make you smarter! Food for thought. 😃
My passion for completing jigsaws has somewhat increased since I retired and moved to Hungary. I have the space, the time and a common interest with many other people. I have created a new group on Facebook for lovers of jigsaws….there are lots of us out there. If you have an interest in jigsaw puzzles or would just like to come along and check out the group, you are very welcome 😃
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.
SUMMERWINTER
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!
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!
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!!
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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. ❤
Today is a double special day for us! Six years ago (shockingly passed in a flash) we took the plunge and moved out here to pretty rural Hungary. We have found our feet, found our place in the community and are now excited for the future years.
Of course, it was not all plain sailing, many obstacles stood in our way. But this post is not to dwell on those issues, we tackled each problem…and here we are today… and as Eric, my husband would say we are “Happy as Larry”!! Ohhh yes we are. 🙂
When Haley arrived in our lives she gave us much joy and happiness. She passed away at age 4, she would have been 6 years old today. I want to celebrate her birthday joyfully by sharing photos with a little text about our mischievous Haley.
I thought it would be interesting to share photos of progress, the before and after shots, also a photo tribute to the beautiful very much missed Haley. ❣❤❣
If you would like to see a photo in a larger size, simply click on it to enhance your viewing experience.
After many viewings of affordable properties, we finally settled on this one. Our first viewing of this property gave us the good vibe feelings we needed to purchase abroad!
Not a pretty sight, the end gable was missing! But, it gave us the opportunity to add a laundry room which was something I had never had before. I appreciate it so much now.
Along with a fallen down house, we bought much land with a fantastic opportunity to grow our own fruit and vegetables. We managed to achieve that dream and ate produce we had grown ourselves.
The main entrance needed a serious upgrade.
I felt like I was going back in time walking around our future Hungarian home. I found it difficult to visualise what our dream home would look like with the owners furniture sitting there.
This was the kitchen area, with bottled gas for cooking.
This is our kitchen, we have mains gas. We opened up the inside, knocked down a few walls now we enjoy open-plan living.
During the renovation we had an ENORMOUS amount of rubbish and rubble, the only place to dump it was our garden.
I took this photo yesterday, on a bitterly cold November day. If I had done a little more forward planing I would have taken photos during the summer months.
Another winter photo taken last year. “Our Street”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALEY
A fun play on words and photos.
Hello Haley remember when…
..You forgot you were a husky and supposed to like the snow, not sit there with your eyes closed, you’ll freeze your little toes!
..You wanted to try that yoghurt and really quite enjoyed it.Dad gave you his pot to lick and said, its also good for diets!
..You decided you needed a hole, secretly dug in my beautiful garden.Raff yelled “hurry, come here mum” your not going to give her a pardon!
..I was not best pleased with you but apparently that is what huskies “do”! The bonus was capturing this shotand forgiveness was given to you!
..You often gave dad your outstretched paw, repeatedly hoping and begging for more. Sometimes the treats were often all gone, so you looked like a stern husky with a batman mask on!
Sweet Fruzsi from Hungary painted you a card, a portrait with a Santa hat on, how absurd! You weren’t sure at first, so you gave it a sniff, then agreed it was lovely and a fantastic gift.
..Your eyes at the window are telling me something, you want to come in to have treats or just anything. This frequent sad eye request is not going to win, fresh air and vigorous exercise will get you let in!
..You and buddie Raff, both lounging on my sofa. Out of bounds for doggies and accompanying young loafers. I know you’re plotting what the next step will be, I hope to see you off my sofa so I can go and make the tea.
..Your toys were often scattered round the garden, remember Morgan Bear and Prickly Blue? You loved Prickly Blue, he was never out of your sight, I tried to retrieve him once and you nearly gave me a bite.
..It’s that time of year for grooming, when the annoying brush is produced, to groom your fur to perfection and get your “blow coat” reduced.
..Goodness me, whose legs are these, must be Haley’s with mud up her knees. “Where have you been you naughty girl?” Just roaming and digging, patrolling the garden, it’s dirty work being guard dog, I need another pardon!
..Your love of the sun I found a little strange, a sun loving husky must be the current rage. I thought Husky’s were cold lovers, ice peaks and snow, not our madame Haley which is quite good to know.
We had some snow, it covered your ears, only a light dusting but you looked full of fears. We sat on the veranda and admired the lovely snow, me taking photos and you just ready to go.
..The camera was always there, to record such moments like these, I know I was sometimes annoying, but I only did it to please. You see, now we can look back and smile, at all the memories we have made, particularly the good times, I think we made the grade.
Happy Birthday Haley….Remembering you today and every day.
I zipped the blinds up and saw the neighbouring chickens had escaped again! They were having a sneaky wander in next door’s garden, oblivious to the fact that their owner was looking frantically for them!! I love chickens, these escapees seemed particularly cheerful today. 😀
If you would like to see a photo in a larger size, simply click on it to enhance your viewing experience.
Another “Good Morning” was from one of the many donkeys that live very comfortably on a huge animal farm on the way out of the village.
After a thirty minute drive, we arrived in the village of Ozora.
Lots of traditional Hungarian houses look like this, square like a box with some sort of arty decoration on the outside. I thought it looked rather enchanting.
Some houses have verandas that have been enclosed to make additional living space and draped with three quarter length nets. This property looked like it needed urgent attention!
I am accustomed to British car-boot sales and spent many pleasant hours on a Sunday morning in the UK browsing for bargains.
Hungarians do things slightly differently.
Car-Booting Hungarian Style
In Hungary large canvas tents are erected in front gardens of houses in the little villages dotted all over the country with anything and everything for sale. They are usually held at the weekends whatever the weather and throughout the year. You wander the streets, enter people’s gardens and browse the mountains of goods for sale. Nothing is priced and often goods are in very poor condition. If you have the time and the patience you can pick up some great bargains.
Ozora village has a significant Gypsy population and a Hungarian minority. Ozora is known as one of the car-booting capitals of Hungary!
We had been advised years ago that if we visited Ozora without a Hungarian speaker we would become the easy target for overpriced goods. Living so rural, foreigners do tend to stick out, nothing is priced and bartering is expected, which is quite hard in a foreign language!
This lady was looking through piles of clothes in someone’s front garden in the hope of finding something suitable to buy.
The vast majority of goods for sale were bikes, mowers and skiing equipment in the gardens and “Bric-a-Brac” and everything else in the marques and garages.
Walking through the village I noticed many houses accommodated an array of trinkets, ornaments and statues strategically placed for maximum enjoyment. Frogs!
Ducks!
The roof truly was this colour…with a cockerel strutting his stuff!
I am not sure I find these galloping horses very pleasing, obviously the home owner does!
This was quite a distressing sight, I could not work out if the sheep was there to cut the grass (common sight in Hungary) attached to a tyre by a pathetically short rope or for sale to the public?? Eric wanted to rescue the poor sheep and bring him home but I said, regrettably no! We have had sheep in the past…but that is another blog post!
A rather congested bike house!
Bike take over…same house…more bikes!!
If you need a bike you know where to come!
Wandering past the many bike gardens I reached what appeared to be a popular meeting place for the youth of Ozora. Lions standing to attention!
The bright yellow pillar states in Hungarian, “The Garden Area – Smoking Forbidden!” This guy must have missed that instruction!
“Business finished let’s get going!” I like the guy with the shades and confident step, he’s going places.
A slightly more pleasing lion! Those colours and design are from the flag of Bavaria, Germany.
I rather liked this….especially as it was written in English in a remote rural Hungarian village.
Curiosity took over here. The dark maroon area is a rusty metal fence with a missing panel. Squatting down it was perfect for a framed shot of a rather pleasantly green garden. I liked the rustic look of the fence and the softness of the nature scene beyond. Nice contrasting colours too.
This lovely building was next door, a pretty window caught my eye framed with matching spruce, it is Illyés Gyula Általános Iskola. (Meaning: Illyés Gyula Primary School).
The primary school took the name of Gyula Illyés in 1985. His bust was placed in front of the school on the 90th anniversary of his birth. He had strong connections with the local area. “Gyula Illyés (below) was a three-time Kossuth Prize-winning Hungarian poet, writer, playwright, translator and newspaper editor.
The Roman Catholic church St Istvan King, was built in 1728 Baroque style. Annoyingly, the overground power cables were everywhere obscuring my view. I thought that perhaps as they they were part of the landscape they should be included in my blog.
Street Photography
These next four photos represent my street photography for the day. Each one is taken to make you think about what you are seeing and what your conclusions are.
Hello?
How much?
Keep up Mate!
Self-Explanatory!
I continued to walk through the village, past colourful window boxes filled with plants, they looked very pretty and well maintained by the village Council staff.
Carved for the Millennium 2000.
My intention with this shot was to frame the statue of the fallen man with the yellow leaves of the tree. A combination shot portraying a poignant moment.
An Autumn scene portraying village life in Ozora. I loved the quaint bus shelter with a tiled roof and lantern.
The river was running dry but made a rather interesting “green” shot.
Ozora Autumn display, these colourful displays are a common sight in Hungarian rural villages.
How pretty this display of flowers, visible from the main road welcomes visitors to the village.
Ozora has a 15th century beautiful castle.
Pipo Ozora, King Zsigmond’s patron, began building it in 1416. The Renaissance world was recreated with its renovation, which was completely completed in 2015.
The castle is a wedding venue and they also have rooms to let, fully furnished in the Renaissance style. I believe you can hire the whole castle for an event.
The Ozora Festival, also written O.Z.O.R.A., is an annual open air psychedelic music and arts festival in Ozora, Hungary. It has been held since 2004 and takes place in a giant field, in a valley, just 30 minutes drive from where we live.
The first week in August the whole area becomes very busy, even in our village (15 miles away) with festival goers looking for accommodation for the week long festival.
The spectacular entrance to the annual Ozora Festival.
The autumn leaves are truly spectacular this time of year.
Palinka Apples!
Leaving Ozora in the afternoon sun we whizzed past this little stall. We did not stop but I managed to catch a shot.
These are “Palinka apples”, sold on the village roadsides for the production of Hungary’s national drink… Palinka (similar to brandy). The leftover apples from the recent crops, the bruised or damaged ones are not wasted but sold cheaply to make Hungary’s favorite fiery liquor!
It is considered impolite to refuse a shot of homemade palinka from your neighbour, especially if they have made it themselves. Of course, theirs is the best in the village!😆
This particular Palinka was a lovely gift to us, homemade and given with love.
This is also Palinka, 70% alcohol, VERY strong, deliciously potent and also a gift to us from kind friends.
Witchy fun day at the camel farm!
On our way home we stopped off at the local camel farm to buy some fruit and veg as they have a handy shop on site.
There were several “witches” walking around chatting, preparing for an event at the farm for Halloween. A large inflatable entertained the little ones…I impulsively bought candy floss and hotdogs to take home for Raff and Eric!
We made our way back home, I had thoroughly enjoying myself with my camera cruising around Ozora. I am very lucky to have a willing taxi driver husband who made this trip out possible. Thanks Eric 😎
Raphael was happy we were back too…squinting in the sunshine appreciating his candy floss!
Thanks for reading my post, hope you enjoyed my photography and that the street photography shots made you think? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy your weekend 🙂
*A genre of photography that records everyday life and events in a public place.*
The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge.
What I think makes a good street photograph.
A good street photographer focuses on capturing the lives and emotions of people at a particular moment in everyday life. The subjects of the photos are clearly defined, tell a story, and evoke emotions.
*The photographermakes the viewer pause and ask questions, provoking a deeper thought or emotional response.*
I hope my work incorporates these ideals.
I named this photograph “How Much?”
On the banks of the River Sió, on the northwestern border of Tolna County lies Ozora, Hungary which has a significant Gypsy population and a Hungarian minority.
In the centre of Ozora, situated off the main square, stands the former famous “Dukes Inn”. Within those walls, two famous Hungarian poets/actors visited and performed many years ago. Today it is a tourist information centre, hall and theatre. These boys were sitting on its famous steps!
I was looking around the empty square with my camera eye, searching for something interesting to photograph. I had come to the right village. Several groups of young people stood around chatting, their bikes dumped unceremoniously on the ground none of them taking any notice of me. After all, I looked like any other tourist with my camera slung around my neck.
I spotted this group of boys casually sitting with each other on the steps of this building. The framing was good and there was lots of interest in the shot. The leaves on the ground said it was Autumn, the clothes the boys wore suggested it was relatively warm. A splash of red sweatshirt leads the eye to the edge of the frame. I was happy with the composition.
It wasn’t until I got the photo on the screen at home that I realised what was being suggested right before my eyes. It appeared that the older boy was holding a pair of snazzy looking trainers out to the enthusiastic younger boy, perhaps for sale??? I am just guessing. As “wheeling and dealing” is a common way of life for the gypsy communities in Hungary this is probably not very unusual. It just gave me a bit of a reality check! Street photography certainly throws up some interesting thought provoking shots. Do you agree with my thoughts and observations about this photograph, I would be interested to hear in the comments? Thanks for reading. 😁
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We picked a beautiful day to visit picturesque Dunaföldvár. After just a 40 minute drive, with clear roads, we arrived at this historic riverside town. On the approach road, I could not help but notice this VERY pink coffee shop!
Established in 1988 named Marcipán Cukrászda meaning Marzipan Confectionery.
I have visited here before and ate sumptuous icecream and drank delicious coffee. The outside area is lovely and comfortable perfect for people watching come rain or shine.
In most of the villages and small towns we have travelled through there are these hearts placed in a prominent place on the roadside. I was curious to know why they were there and the purpose of the bottle tops. I discovered that the plastic caps are collected and sold for recycling with the money going to disadvantaged children in Hungary. Excellent idea!
Recently I have noticed that screw caps on plastic bottles are now attached to the bottle… I read this on Google:
“The move to attached caps is an important step in making recycling easier for everyone. The new design ensures that the cap stays connected to the bottle after opening, so that it is less likely to be littered and making it easier to recycle both parts together.“
I think it is a gallant idea to recycle but I worry the disadvantaged children will no longer benefit from the collected caps in the hearts. Just my thoughts!
Leaving the coffee shop we headed towards the castle. The wooden castle gates leading up to the castle area were made in 1994 by the woodcarver István Csepeli. It gives a rather dramatic entrance to the castle.
Looking In!
Looking Out!
I particularly liked the simplicity of this photo. The blue sky made a fabulous backdrop.
Dunaföldvár castle was built during the 14th/15th Century. This map shows what it would have looked like many years ago.
The Dunaföldvár bridge (built 1928–32) pictured below, is the only bridge over the Budapest-Baja section of the Danube. It is called the “Beszédes József” Danube Bridge.
Situated in the castle courtyard is a super restaurant with spectacular views over the Danube. We ate a delicious meal here.
This vintage car was displayed outside the restaurant for everyone to admire.
And this was painted on the outside of the restaurant.
A statue of the famous geographical explorer and African researcher László Magyar is situated in the castle courtyard. He is recognised and remembered because he studied as a scholar in Dunaföldvár.
The Castle of Dunaföldvár built on the banks of the River Danube.
Dunaföldvári Evangélikus Templom – Dunaföldvár Evangelical Church, next to Foldv Art Gallery.
Leaving the castle we decided we wanted to get down to the banks of the Danube. There were pleasure boats taking people out for excursions.
We spotted jet skiers enjoying the river with the water cruisers.
The Danube has been given a number of different names: The British say River Danube, Dunăre in Romanian, Donau in German, Dunaj in Slovakian, Duna in Hungarian and Russian, Dunav in Serbian and Bulgarian.
Looking upriver industrial factories lined the banks. I think the white domed building is a toilet paper maker!
I do enjoy “People Watching”…these two caught my eye with their matching towels and wearing bathrobes? Bear in mind this is a pier….and she was ambling along pointing to the water, the River Danube…perhaps suggesting a quick swim??….he does not look too convinced!
The excellent restaurant “Rakpart” overlooks the River Danube. We sat in the outdoor dining area just chilling and chatting. This was my view from where I was sitting. The boys with the football balance this shot very well. I love the flash of red from the boys’ shirt and the potted geraniums.
I read that this restaurant was under new ownership and was getting great reviews, they have a Facebook page and a website but it is currently under construction.
The outdoor seating area was very pleasant, the service was quick and the food fantastic. I even managed to capture a little dog on his travels!
People watching again….What is this guy so deep in thought about? He has paused his eating…must have been important!! I liked the playground in the background added some needed colour.
My last “People shot”. I rather liked this mans casual stance, looking out over the river, hand on hip, waiting perhaps? The dog has pricked his ears…maybe she’s coming back!
Time to move on crossing more bridges over into another county. I noticed this car and trailer in front with his non matching number plates. I have got used to seeing different sights in Hungary. It is a common sight to see bike riders with no helmets, motorbikes with no number plates and many unroadworthy cars.
The bridge shot in black & white, I love the framing and the lighting, an atmospheric shot.
We made a turning off the road and came across these “Fishy Signs” attached to a tree. When it came to translating them Google was not at its best!
With Google’s strange translation!
I opted for the pier direction and admired the floating fishing piers and numerous boats on the River Danube.
I spotted this man peacefully fishing totally oblivious to me taking photographs.
This stork was foraging for food and we just happened to be driving past the field he was searching in. He had caught a lizard and was presumably on his way back to his hungry babies. Notice the tag on his back leg. This was a sort of tracking device and could identify where the stork lived and how frequently he returned to his mating nest from his long annual migration. After some research and inquiries, it turned out this particular chap had returned seven times to the same spot for mating and nesting. Amazing!
Here he is again taking off with his prize lizard in his beak.
After my excitement of spotting a close-up stork AND getting decent photos, we made our way back through the pretty town driving (or slowly bumping) down the tree lined cobbled streets!
Floral arrangements on front doors gave the area a quaint opulent look.
Finally, as is the case in most towns and villages, decorated bicycles can often be spotted dotted around cheering the place up.
Once again thanks for reading this far, I hope you enjoyed my photos and will return again soon to read more blog posts.
Today’s healthy recipes on our new Mediterranean food journey – 22nd October 2023
Do you own a “George Foreman”? I do and have done for many years. We brought our ancient George Foreman grill over from England to Hungary and found it incredibly useful in the kitchen.
The grill was invented in 1994. George Foreman was not the inventor of the famous lean mean grilling machine but Michael Boehm of Batavia, Illinois. George Foreman (the boxer) invested in the new invention and put his name to it. The grill produced great tasting food while removing excess fat by drawing it away from the cooking surface.
At first, we only made the standard cheese and ham toasties but soon discovered that all sorts of foods could be cooked in the grill.
The Mediterranean lifestyle suggests limiting red meat to once a week but white meat such as chicken is acceptable. Fish and seafood are suggested two or three times a week.
We eat lots of chicken in our house, so I am always looking for different ways to cook it. This was the first time I had cooked Cilantro Lime Chicken, it was so simple and easy to prepare and tasted absolutely divine.
Once it was prepared, marinaded and grilled in the “George Foreman”, I served it with roasted vegetables, sweet potato, carrots and red onions.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
4 chicken fillets washed and dried with kitchen towel
2 squeezed limes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 crushed garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large handfuls of fresh coriander/cilantro leaves chopped
Method
Put the fillets to one side in a dish ready for marinading.
Mix all the marinade ingredients together very well.
Pour over the mixture coating every side evenly.
Cover and marinade for at least 3 hours in the fridge.
Cook for 8 minutes in “George Foreman”. Stick a knife into the side of the fillet to check for tenderness. Cook for longer if necessary.
Serve with a variety of roasted veggies or a mixed colourful salad.
We have just returned from a Croatian fish market with several kilo’s of different sorts of fish and shellfish. Chef Eric was about to prepare us a fishy banquet!
These prawns were selling for 17 Euro a kilo about £15.00.
Chef Eric does not follow recipes like I would do. He is a “taste, smell and look” sort of chef. He never uses scales, just scans the spice shelves and adds a variety of herbs and spices to enhance his dishes. When enquiring what was actually in any of these fish dishes?, he replied “I don’t have a set recipe so I hope you are not going to ask for the ingredients list”! I don’t know how he can cook like that but I have to say he always produces delicious platefuls of food.
Recycled jars with many different herbs and spices
The prawns we bought were all cleaned individually, Eric removed the heads and poop, a labour intensive task taking forever to prepare.
Once nicely cleaned Eric tossed the prawns in a variety of herbs and spices together with olive oil, salt and pepper. He fried the prawns for about 7 – 8 minutes stirring occasionally until they got that distinct pink colour, a sign they were cooked.
Just plain and simple fried prawns, you need to be able to taste the prawn to fully appreciate this dish.
Next, the octopus was prepared for boiling. Sadly I was not quick enough to capture a photo but did manage to snap the end result.
The octopus was served with a zingy lemon dressed salad and irresistible garlic toast (my friend nibbled her toast before I had taken the photo!!)…a hazard when photographing food!
This was the favourite amongst our guests, the mixed seafood stir fry with noodles. As before, Chef Eric, cleaned and prepared calamari, more prawns and more octopus, marinaded in various herbs and spices and cooked until tender in the wok
After boiling a pan of noodles he combined them with the mixed seafood ready to serve.
Another side dish, this time calamari.
Later on in the afternoon, we got the barbecue going to cook and eat the juicy looking seabass.
Barbecuing the fish created huge amounts of smoke……
But once cooked created a mouth watering fish.
The younger guests had their fish filleted and cleaned ready for eating.
Do you like fish? We have fish as often as we can on the menu but it is not easy as Hungary is landlocked with no sea. This means all the seafood is imported and there is not much choice. However there is no shortage of freshwater fish, the Hungarians love their fish dishes. Which fish dishes do you like? Let me know in the comments. Have a lovely day/night and thanks for reading my blog. 😍
Walking around the pretty town of Szentendre I looked about and analysed the different scenes around me. I had a little time to do this, always useful. I spotted a nice variety of colours, a good balance of subjects and good light for this interesting scene. What’s going on here, I thought? What is that woman doing? With the camera on, I took the shot, I was happy with this perplexing picture. Once uploaded onto my PC I eagerly zoomed in on certain areas that interested me.
I named this photo, “What’s Going On?“
My first zoom was to the young lad on the guitar. The expression on his face – to me, he was questioning the woman’s actions? I loved the pastel colours surrounding this bronzed boy, his bare feet, his wayward curls and his fingers positioned on his guitar ready to play added to an almost hippy look from the 1960s.
My second zoom was to the tourist bending over. I was intrigued to know what she was touching and why? I zoomed in and it looks like a car tyre??? I have to say the fact the tourist is bent over makes for a more interesting shot.
Put the photo back together and we have a tepee in the background, a home made seesaw in the foreground and right at the back the sign on the door…a tailors, makes for an interesting composition. We shall never know why the tourist wanted to touch/feel the tyre!!
What ever the reason my interest in Street Photography is increasing.
What is Street Photography?
Definition of Street Photography from Wikipedia: Street photography is photography conducted for art or enquiry that features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents within public places.
Do you like Street Photography? Are you brave enough to take pictures of strangers? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
Such a beautiful day, early morning sunshine convinced me it was time to have a walk around the village. I never know what to expect on my walks, there is always something interesting to look at at any time of year. We have had a lovely warm late summer this year, the flowers are still growing enthusiastically.
This ~Welcome Bicycle~ sits elegantly in front of one of two lakes in the village. It looks rather healthy and no doubt much loved by one or several of the villagers.
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I started my walk from just outside of the village boundary. On the approach into the village there is another “Welcome to Kisszékely” sign, beautifully complemented by the popular red Geraniums.
My initial intention was to walk as far as the busy animal farm a little way out of the village, then make my way back. There are usually many different animals to look at and photograph. Horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, pigs and deer, but none to be seen. Each day the animals are let out into certain fields on certain days. It is a bit of pot-luck if the animals are on the roadside enclosure. Today was not my lucky day…either they were somewhere else (different field) or they had not been let out yet. Undeterred, I walked up a dusty farm track, up the hill to see if I could see “ANY” kind of animal!! Nope not today, instead I took photos of deer tracks and would you believe my shoe print on the way up the track and then on the way down!
After my “no show” of animals I headed back towards the village. I was amazed at how green everything was, the warm weather has delayed Autumn but not for long I am sure. This photo is actually all about the winding road snaking up the hill and around the corner. The canopy of green trees worked perfectly to give a little mystery to my photo.
Traffic jam! Not really….. just a very frequent sight backwards and forwards through the village.
As you can see from the photo below, not all my photos are picture perfect. No doubt, if I was carrying a mobile phone my shot would be way better. The story behind this photo is that this is Henry Heron and he lives on the lake but he is extremely flitty and flies off at the slightest sound. I have been trying for years to photograph him but with little success. So today I was so excited to see my “first animal” and it was Henry! I quickly launched my camera into position, jammed it to my eye and pointed it in the right direction. As you can see my camera kindly autofocused on the foliage in front of my fleeing subject. Very frustrating. I don’t think I have got the patience to be a bird watcher!
Henry had made a hasty retreat and was now circling the lake presumably looking to perch somewhere and observe humans like me!
Here is Henry again as he circled some more.
Black and white Henry, his wing span is huge similar to a stork.
When I uploaded this photo it immediately reminded me of a certain very popular soap opera. If I said Hilda Ogden and Flying Ducks would you know what I was talking about??? I am sure British of a certain age will know!
I found this interesting piece about the flying ducks.
And if you have not guessed already it was Coronation Street.
After the excitement of the heron and ducks, I took a moment to stop and appreciate the October countryside. How very peaceful it was, stood leant up against a tree just listening to Mother Nature.
Walking back towards the village, I always get a feeling of being welcomed when I approach the signs. That is obviously the intention. The Council workers work very hard keeping the village neat and tidy, regardless of the weather! Temperatures get very high in the summer months making outdoor work uncomfortably hot.
This is a recent addition to the welcome sign, you might be wondering what it says? The translation is: Thank you for 800 years of Kisszékely. The village settlement is 800 years old which automatically called for lots of celebrating amongst the villagers.
And the other side: Come back toKisszékely!
Baratok Tava – Meaning Baratok Lake This fishing lake has verified medieval origins which is quite unusual. The lake access is down a steep path winding through the trees until you come to a clearing and there is Baratok Lake.
This was the first thing I photographed when I reached the clearing, “Sunny Gerrie’s” an expression my husband and I use to describe geraniums!!
At first look at the lake I spotted this white, what I thought was a discarded rubbish bag…it was moving slowly, I assumed propelled by the wind…but it got faster and faster until I squinted through my camera some more, extended the zoom and realised that it was a remote controlled boat!
I had not seen boats on the lake before other than an odd rowing boat. This was new to me…then I spotted the men on the opposite bank, remote control in hand looking pleased with themselves.
Normally I encounter this sort of lake activity – fishing! It is not free to fish, apparently you need to buy a pass for a nominal fee to enjoy the fish of this lake. I have never tried fishing, it does appear to be a popular sport in all the rural villages of Hungary.
My first thought when I looked down the length of the lake was Tranquility. I can understand fishermen coming down here for day fishing, it is so peaceful and has such beautiful surroundings.
I love the magnificent Weeping Willows. They bow their lengthy branches almost to the the waters edge, but not quite! I took photos from both sides of the lake.
This is Baratok Lake’s seasonally decorated fishing pavilion. There is a covered veranda to the side if you wish to sit and appreciate the view of the lake. There is an information board with photos of various fish with their species name that live in this lake.
Around the other side of the pavilion is this garden scene where a little imagination is needed! It made me stop, look twice, then laugh!
This is such a welcoming Autumn photo. Those crunchy brown leaves were shouting to be walked upon. I enjoyed the pleasure!
Dotted around the lake are lots of wooden piers and a wide variety of seating arrangements. If I was going to be fishing and sitting for some time (which the majority of fishermen do) I would choose the green wooden bench. I could not contemplate sitting on that very flimsy uncomfortable looking chair in the second photo. However, it did make an interesting thought provoking shot.
This giant Weeping Willow stood silently as I took my first photograph. By the time I had finished walking and turned back the wind had suddenly picked up. It was now blowing, whooshing and whispering to itself. I do like the ‘sounds’ of nature.
Transformed into a Windy Willow!
Late summer colour continues to brighten up the village with gorgeous displays of roses and marigolds at many houses.
Magnificent marigolds brighten the path.
Abundant Berries and huge wood piles are a common sight. Preparations for winter, chopping and stacking wood is underway. Massive deliveries of uncut wood are unloaded by delivery trucks at this time of year, just like this one. Owners can then look forward to having a winter supply of fuel.
BerriesLogs for WinterName tag on a wooden pier
A very pretty stylish hanging basket display worthy of a photo.
This is the other lake in the village, complete with a firepit, benches for picnics and leaning trees. I shall do a lake tour of this lake another time.
Finally, Kisszékely is a walkers paradise with numerous forest walks throughout the area. Each walk is colour coded with information boards at regular intervals. For those who like running there is also an annual village trail race, running through the forests with people competing from all over the county.
I hope you have enjoyed accompanying me on my October walk with my camera. There will be more camera-walks throughout the year. Thanks for reading 🍁🍁🍁
Every now and then I take a photograph that makes me go Wow!! Did I REALLY take that photo? I usually upload my photos onto my PC as soon as is humanly possible! I am always full of excitement, eager to look at how my photographic eye has captured that day’s photoshoot. This particular shot was taken in August, in the quaint little town of Szentendre, Hungary.
In a town full of sunshine and colour, winding through the cobbled streets, the red tablecloths shouted at me to be photographed! What a typically Hungarian sight, love it. The full bloom red geraniums and wooden backed chairs complemented each other perfectly.
I took this photograph just before midday on a particularly bright sunny day. Not the best time to take photos as the light is sometimes just too bright for decent shots. I was still happy that I had got the chance to do a little walking and capture the atmosphere. The majority of people in Hungary eat at 12 midday so I was lucky to capture the empty chairs.
Looking at the different people all doing different things made it interesting to imagine their stories. I just loved the red letterbox perfectly placed next to the man smoking. I noticed the guy cheerily chatting on his mobile phone and the girls trying to decide if they should sit down or not. The couple at the front made me smile, I had accidentally blocked out the man’s face with the menu! The worried looking woman, caught my attention, is she looking out for someone? Who knows.
When I look at this photo again it reflects contentment and serenity, with good balance. The eye takes everything in, including the subjects at the back leading the eye to explore the whole photo. Did you notice the lampshades? At first glance, I noticed them last but then they appeared in the overall picture on a second look. Did you notice them?
This photo would make an EXCELLENT wall photo giving colour to any room in the home, it would also be good for one of those 1000 piece jigsaws!🧩
To me, this is Street Photography perhaps not as good as other seasoned photographers I have looked at but I am proud of this cheerful photo. It gives me pleasure every time I look at it. I hope it gives you some pleasure too.
Making Hungary Home 