Hajós Pincefalu the Wine Cellar!

Hajós Pincefalu, often referred to as the "Wine Cellar Village of Hajós," is a unique and charming wine region in Hungary, located in Bács-Kiskun County, not far from the town of Kalocsa. Here are some highlights about this fascinating place:

1. A Village of Wine Cellars

• Hajós Pincefalu is not a traditional village with residential homes but a settlement of over 1,200 wine cellars, making it one of the largest cellar villages in Europe.

• The cellars are mainly used for winemaking and wine storage, and they feature a picturesque and uniform architectural style. Most are small, whitewashed structures with arched doors, giving the village a quaint and historic atmosphere.

2. Historical Significance

• The origins of Hajós Pincefalu date back to the 18th century, when German settlers (Swabians) were invited to the area to repopulate it after the Ottoman occupation. They brought their wine-growing traditions, which remain central to the region's identity.

• The Swabian influence is visible in the architecture and the culture of the area.

3. Wine Culture

• Hajós Pincefalu is part of the Pannon wine region, known for its excellent white wines, though reds are also produced.

• Common grape varieties include Kadarka, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rizling.

• Many of the wine cellars are owned by small, family-run wineries, offering a personal and authentic experience for visitors.

4. Tourism and Events

• Hajós Pincefalu is a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists seeking a unique cultural experience.

• Wine-tasting events and festivals are held throughout the year, with the Hajós Wine Festival being a major highlight. During these events, cellar doors are open to visitors, and local delicacies are served.

• Some cellars have been converted into guesthouses, offering visitors a chance to stay amidst the vineyards.

5. Architecture and Atmosphere

• The village's architecture is striking, with rows of wine cellars arranged along narrow streets, surrounded by vineyards and countryside. The area exudes tranquility and a sense of timelessness.

• Visitors often comment on the community's warmth and the passion of the local winemakers.

6. Connection to the Swabian Heritage

• Hajós Pincefalu is a living reminder of the Swabian culture that once flourished in Hungary. Many of the cellars are adorned with traditional decorations, and some still host events that reflect this heritage.

7. How to Visit

• Hajós Pincefalu is accessible by car, and it's approximately a 2-hour drive from Budapest. Guided tours are also available, and many cellar owners welcome visitors with tastings and tours.

If you’re interested in Hungarian wine culture, history, or Swabian traditions, Hajós Pincefalu is an excellent place to explore!

Exploring Hungary Beyond Budapest: A Photographer’s Three-Day Adventure

When most people think of Hungary, Budapest instantly comes to mind. While the capital is undoubtedly captivating, Hungary boasts a plethora of hidden gems perfect for a three-day getaway. For photographers and visual arts enthusiasts, these destinations offer a feast for the eyes and lens. Let’s delve into a journey that captures the essence of Hungary beyond Budapest.

Day 1: Eger - A Blend of History and Charm

Morning: Start your adventure in Eger, a charming town nestled in the Bükk Mountains. Eger is renowned for its Baroque architecture, historical significance, and, of course, its wine. Begin with a visit to the Eger Castle, where you can capture panoramic views of the town and its surrounding vineyards. The castle, a pivotal site in Hungary’s history, provides stunning backdrops for photography enthusiasts.

Afternoon: Stroll through the town’s quaint streets to the Basilica of Eger, Hungary's second-largest church, and the Minorite Church, known for their architectural grandeur. Don’t miss the Széchenyi Street, lined with pastel-colored buildings and inviting cafes – perfect for street photography.

Evening: End your day with a visit to the Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy), where you can indulge in wine tasting and capture the essence of Hungarian viticulture. The golden hour here offers magical lighting for vineyard shots.

Day 2: Hortobágy National Park - The Hungarian Puszta

Morning: Dedicate your second day to exploring the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary's largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as the Puszta, this vast steppe is a paradise for wildlife photographers. Early morning is ideal for capturing the misty landscapes and the diverse birdlife, including the majestic cranes.

Afternoon: Visit the Nine-Arch Bridge, the longest stone bridge in Hungary, which offers a unique photographic subject with its striking symmetry against the flat horizon. Nearby, the Hortobágy Shepherd Museum provides insights into traditional pastoral life, with opportunities to photograph traditional Hungarian herdsmen (csikós) and their iconic costumes.

Evening: As the sun sets, head to one of the observation towers scattered throughout the park. The soft, fading light over the expansive plains creates a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for landscape photography.

Day 3: Pécs - A Cultural Haven

Morning: On your final day, travel to Pécs, a city rich in culture and history. Start at the Pécs Cathedral, with its striking towers and intricate details, offering ample opportunities for architectural photography. The nearby Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth exploring for its historical significance and unique visual appeal.

Afternoon: Make your way to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, a vibrant area dedicated to the renowned Zsolnay porcelain. The colorful ceramics and artistic installations here provide a plethora of creative compositions for your camera. Additionally, the street art scattered throughout the quarter adds a modern twist to your photo collection.

Evening: End your day with a visit to the Tettye Ruins, where you can capture the remnants of a 16th-century monastery set against the backdrop of the Mecsek Hills. The ruins are particularly photogenic during sunset, with the warm light casting intriguing shadows and highlighting the textures of the ancient stones.

Bonus Tip: Capture Local Life

Throughout your journey, take the time to engage with locals and capture candid shots of daily life. Hungarian markets, traditional folk events, and serene countryside scenes offer a glimpse into the heart of Hungary’s culture and are perfect subjects for storytelling through photography.

Conclusion

Hungary’s allure extends far beyond Budapest. From the historical charm of Eger and the wild beauty of Hortobágy to the cultural richness of Pécs, this three-day itinerary offers a diverse palette of visual delights. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply a lover of beautiful places, these destinations promise to inspire and enchant.

Pack your camera, embrace the journey, and let Hungary’s hidden gems unfold through your lens.

Lángos: An Hungarian Delight

For many in Hungary, visiting the market hall is as much about savouring lángos as it is about shopping.

The sight of people standing by high-top tables, indulging in this palm-sized, deep-fried flatbread, is a common and cherished scene. Historically, lángos has its roots in the bread-baking traditions of Hungarian homes.

To check the temperature of the wood-fired oven, a small piece of dough would be placed on the oven's surface next to the ashes. Once baked, this piece, known as lángos, was rubbed with garlic, spread with pork fat, and sometimes topped with sour cream, ready to be eaten hot. The name "lángálló," meaning "fireplace," highlights its traditional preparation method.

Evolution of Lángos

Around the turn of the 20th century, deep-frying became the preferred method of preparing lángos, enhancing its texture and flavor. The result is a crispy, golden crust that gives way to a soft, doughy interior. The standard toppings of sour cream and cheese remain popular, but today's vendors offer a wide range of options including cooked cabbage, sausages, red onions, and even Nutella at some modern spots.

Best Places to Enjoy Lángos in Budapest and Beyond

Budapest:

1. Retro Lángos Büfé: Located at Arany János Street, this place is renowned for its generous portions and wide variety of toppings.

2. Lehel Market Hall: A local favorite, offering a more traditional market experience with freshly made lángos.

3. Hold Street Market: Another great spot where you can find some of the best lángos in the city, along with other local delicacies.

Around Hungary:

1. Balaton Lake Area: Many vendors around the lake offer excellent lángos, perfect for enjoying while taking in the scenic views.

2. Debrecen Market: Known for its authentic Hungarian food, the lángos here is a must-try.

3. Szeged: This city has several vendors who have perfected the art of making lángos, with both traditional and innovative toppings.

Making Lángos at Home

If you can't make it to Hungary, you can still enjoy homemade lángos. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g flour

• 25g fresh yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 300ml warm water

• 1 tsp salt

• Oil for frying

• Toppings: sour cream, cheese, garlic, or any preferred additions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix the yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour and salt, then knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let it rise for about an hour.

2. Shape and fry: Divide the dough into small balls, flatten them, and let them rest for a few minutes. Heat oil in a pan, then fry each piece until golden brown on both sides.

3. Serve: Top with garlic, sour cream, cheese, or any other favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Whether you're wandering through Budapest's bustling markets or experimenting in your kitchen, lángos offers a delicious taste of Hungarian tradition

Unveiling Őrség: A Journey Through Portraits and Stories

In the tranquil expanse of Hungary’s Őrség National Park, a tapestry of human stories unfolds. My recent project, "The People of Őrség," aims to capture the essence of this region through the lens of black-and-white photography. This collection is a labor of love, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who call this enchanting area home.

The Heartbeat of Őrség

Őrség, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and quaint villages, is a place where time seems to slow down. Yet, it is the people who truly define its spirit. From elders who have witnessed the changing tides of history to new settlers seeking solace in its serene landscapes, each individual in this series has a unique story to tell.

Through this project, I had the privilege of meeting artisans, farmers, and dreamers. Their faces, etched with the lines of experience and the glow of resilience, tell tales of tradition and transformation. In the portraits, you will find the quiet dignity of a potter’s hands, the determined gaze of a shepherd, and the warm smile of a grandmother sharing her legacy.

Beyond Borders

This journey also extends into the neighboring Slovenian Raab-Goričko region, where the cultural tapestry continues to weave its intricate patterns. Here, too, the stories are abundant and the faces familiar yet distinct, each contributing to a broader narrative of life in this corner of Europe.

The Power of Black and White

Choosing to shoot in black and white was a deliberate decision. This timeless medium strips away distractions, allowing the viewer to focus on the raw emotion and character of each subject. The play of light and shadow brings out the depth of their experiences, creating a powerful connection between the viewer and the person behind the photograph.

A Celebration of Humanity

"The People of Őrség" is more than a collection of images; it celebrates humanity in its purest form. It is about capturing fleeting moments, preserving them for posterity, and honoring the past while looking toward the future. Each portrait is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Őrség community and a reminder of the beauty in every human story.

I invite you to explore this collection and immerse yourself in the world of Őrség. Let the faces and stories inspire you, as they have inspired me.

To view the entire collection and learn more about the remarkable individuals featured in this project, visit The People of Őrség.

Three Days Photography Workshop in Budapest

I am often asked about my two and three days in Budapest so here is a quick breakdown of the tourist sites we will explore. Obviously, there are a lot of hidden or secret corners too!

The tour will focus on locations offering aesthetic beauty and photographic challenges, suitable for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Day 1: Historic Budapest and Iconic Landscapes

Morning

Start at Fisherman's Bastion: Capture the sunrise over the Danube, with stunning views of the Parliament and the city.

Buda Castle: Explore the castle grounds, focusing on architectural photography and historical context.

Midday

Lunch at a local café: A chance to discuss morning shots and techniques.

Walk along the Danube: Photograph the Chain Bridge and the riverside, exploring long exposure photography with the moving water.

Afternoon

St. Stephen's Basilica: Interior and exterior shots, focusing on low light photography and architectural details.

Andrássy Avenue: Street photography, capturing the hustle of the city.

Evening

Heroes' Square: Sunset and twilight photography, playing with the changing light and shadows.

Day 2: Modern Budapest and Hidden Gems

Morning

Jewish Quarter: Start with street and documentary-style photography, capturing the essence of this vibrant area.

Dohány Street Synagogue: Architectural and historical photography.

Midday

Lunch and informal discussion: Share experiences and techniques from the morning session.

City Park (Városliget): Nature and landscape photography, with opportunities for macro shots.

Afternoon

Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Explore environmental portrait photography, respecting the privacy of others.

Margaret Island: Focus on nature, panoramic shots of the city skyline, and possibly some wildlife photography.

Evening

Gellért Hill: Sunset photography with a panoramic view of the city.

Day 3: Discover Budapest outskirts

Rozsi + Ernő

Rozsi lives in a beautiful and rural area of Velemer, surrounded by nature. Since many years she is happily married, and her husband Ernő is the present Mayor of the village.

She tends to their vegetable garden regularly, and she precisely prepares the vegetables. They have many hens, who can roam freely on the street, around the house, and in the neighbouring fields during the afternoon of most days!

They both fondly recall a time when more people were living in the community. You might have come across farmers and workers even further up the village, and there were many sounds.

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Rózsi Velemér egy gyönyörű és falusias részén él, a természettel körülvéve.

Sok éve boldog házasságban él, férje, Ernő, pedig a falu jelenlegi polgármestere.

Rendszeresen gondozza a veteményeskertjüket, és precízen készíti el a zöldségeket.

Sok tyúkjuk van, amelyek szabadon kóborolhatnak az utcán, a ház körül és a szomszédos földeken a legtöbb nap délutánján!

 Mindketten szívesen emlékeznek vissza arra az időre, amikor még többen éltek a településen.

Találkozhattak a falutól feljebb is földművesekkel és munkásokkal, és sok hang is volt.

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Rozsi živi v čudovitem podeželskem kraju Velemer, obkroženem z naravo. Že vrsto let je srečno poročena, njen mož Ernő pa je sedanji župan vasi.

Redno skrbi za njihov zelenjavni vrt in skrbno pripravlja zelenjavo.

Imajo veliko kokoši, ki se večino dni lahko prosto sprehajajo po ulici, okoli hiše in na sosednjih poljih v popoldanskih urah!

Oba se z veseljem spominjata časov, ko je v skupnosti živelo več ljudi. Morda je obiskovalec na kmete in delavce lahko naletel še dlje v vasi, veliko pa je bilo tudi zvokov.

Feri and his vegetable garden

Feri was born and raised in Velemer, where he now lives alone.

In the beginning, Feri and his parents worked together to construct the original house.

The vegetable garden is essential to him, and it not only looks beautiful, but it also produces a large number of veggies, far too much for Feri to consume, but it serves as a reminder of his late mother. She used to take great pleasure in taking care of it. So it is for him a solid and lovely connection with her.

He is reviving the old-fashioned practices that his mother used. For example, to irrigate the field, he needs more than 40 buckets of water, which he then transfers to smaller ones for water not to harm the plant and its roots!

In the olden days, every single household in Velemer, as well as in rural Hungary, used to have a vegetable garden. It was essential to provide food for the family, but it was also a matter of pride to grow the best, richest, and tastiest produce. Some of Feri’s plants, particularly those of the spice Paprika, have been passed around for decades or more!

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Feri Velemérben született és nőtt fel, ahol ma egyedül él.

Kezdetben Feri és szülei együtt dolgoztak az eredeti ház építésén.

Nagyon fontos számára a veteményeskert, amely nemcsak gyönyörűen fest, de rengeteg zöldség is terem ott, túl sok is ahhoz, hogy Feri maga elfogyassza mindet, de ez a néhai édesanyjára is emlékezteti, aki nagy örömmel gondozta a kertet. Számára ez egy erős és kedves kapcsolat vele.

Feleleveníti azokat a régimódi praktikákat, amelyeket az édesanyja alkalmazott. Például a szántóföld öntözéséhez több mint 40 vödör vízre van szüksége, amit aztán kisebb vödrökbe tölt át, hogy a víz ne tegyen kárt a növényben és a gyökereiben!

Régen Velemérben és a vidéki Magyarországon is minden egyes háztartásban volt zöldségeskert, mivel nagyon fontos volt a család élelmezése, de egyben büszkeség kérdése is volt, hogy a legjobb, leggazdagabb és legízletesebb növényeket termésszék. Feri egyes növényei, különösen a fűszerpaprika évtizedekig vagy még tovább is öröklődtek!

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Feri se je rodil in odraščal v Velemerju, kjer sedaj živi sam.

Feri in njegovi starši so skupaj gradili hišo.

Zelenjavni vrt je zanj zelo pomemben. Ne le, da lepo izgleda, ampak daje tudi veliko zelenjave, veliko več kot jo Feri lahko porabi. Gre za spomin na njegovo pokojno mamo, ki je včasih zelo uživala pri tem. Zanj predstavlja močno in ljubečo povezavo z njo.

Oživlja staromodne prakse, ki jih je uporabljala njegova mama. Na primer, za namakanje polja porabi več kot 40 veder vode, ki jih nato pretoči v manjša vedra, da voda ne poškoduje rastline in njenih korenin!

V starih časih je imelo vsako gospodinjstvo v Velemerju, ter na splošno na podeželju na Madžarskem, zelenjavni vrt. Zelo pomembno je bilo zagotoviti hrano za družino, prav tako pa so bili ponosni, da imajo najboljši, najbogatejši, in najbolj okusen pridelek. Nekatere Ferijeve rastline, zlasti začimbne paprike, se prenašajo naokoli že desetletja ali celo dlje!

Check Örsegi page here

Irén in Velemér Orseg

Irén lives in Velemér, where she was born in the early 1930s.

Her parents built the house where she now resides between 1945 and 1956 with a great deal of love, care, and attention. In addition to Irene's love of pastel colours, most details can still be seen today.

During a wedding reception in 1956, she met Sándor, her future husband, for the first time; he had only recently returned to the area after working away in Budapest for several years. As a result of his inability to find work, his friends advised him to relocate away from the neighbourhood.

His family had, in fact, suffered as a result of Communism's repression. They had been evicted from their home and their land during the years of the "kolkhoz," a farming cooperative set up in rural areas of Hungary at the time of Soviet Union occupation.

When they were younger, they farmed their land and kept some animals, including everything from cows to pigs to chickens. Irén has fewer chickens now, but she still has a fantastic vegetable garden, which she lovingly tends to every day.

She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and three generations live nearby.

Not to mention she knows how to brew an excellent coffee!

PS to read more about communism in rural areas I suggest :

Gergely Krisztián Horváth COMMUNIST AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND THE FIRST WAVE OF COLLECTIVISATION IN HUNGARY

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Irén Velemérben él, ahol az 1930-as évek elején született.

A házat, amelyben él, a szülei építették 1945 és 1956 között sok-sok szeretettel, gondossággal és figyelmességgel. Az eredeti kialakítás részletei még ma is láthatók Irén pasztellszínek iránti rajongása mellett. 

1956-ban egy lakodalomban találkozott először Sándorral, a jövőbeli férjével, aki csak nemrégiben tért vissza a környékre, miután éveken át dolgozott Budapesten. A barátai ajánlották neki, hogy költözzön el a környékről, mert itt nem tudott munkát találni.

A családja a kommunista elnyomás áldozata volt. Ki lettek lakoltatva az otthonukból és a birtokukról a „kolhoz” idők alatt. A kolhozok mezőgazdasági szövetkezetek voltak Magyarország vidéki területein az orosz megszállás idejében. 

Amikor fiatalabbak voltak művelték a földjüket és számos állatot tartottak a tehenektől és a disznóktól kezdve a csirkékig. Irénnek már csak néhány csirkéje van, de van egy csodálatos zöldséges kertje, amelyet minden nap szeretettel gondoz. 

A családjának három nemzedéke él a közelben, akiknek anyja, nagyanyja és dédnagyanyja.

Ráadásul kiváló kávét tud főzni! !

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Irén živi v Veleméru, kjer se je rodila v zgodnjih tridesetih letih prejšnjega stoletja.

Hišo, v kateri zdaj prebiva, so njeni starši zgradili med letoma 1945 in 1956 z veliko ljubezni, skrbi in pozornosti. Poleg Iréninega navdušenja nad pastelnimi barvami je še danes mogoče videti detajle prvotnega oblikovanja.

Leta 1956 je na svadbi prvič srečala Sándorja, svojega bodočega moža, ki se je šele pred kratkim vrnil na to okolico, saj je pred tem kar nekaj časa delal v Budimpešti. Prijatelji so mu svetovali, naj se preseli iz soseske, ker ni mogel najti delo.

Njegova družina je bila žrtev komunistične represije. V letih »kolhozov«, kmetijskih proizvajalnih organizacij, ustanovljenih na podeželskih območjih Madžarske v času ruske okupacije, so jih izselili iz njihovega doma in posesti.

Ko sta bila mlajša, sta obdelovala svojo zemljo in gojila številne živali, vse od krav in prašičev pa do kokoši. Irén ima zdaj le manjše število kokoši, ima pa še vedno fantastičen zelenjavni vrt, za katerega z ljubeznijo skrbi vsak dan.

Je mama, babica in prababica, v bližini živijo tri generacije njene družine.

Povrhu vsega zna skuhati odlično kavo!

Check Örsegi page here

Őrségi

With the assistance of a fantastic friend, I embarked on a new photographic endeavour.

While the project will be mainly photographic in style, featuring portraits in black and white and primarily taken using Leica cameras, it will also include video. We will also be collecting stories, anecdotes, memories, ideas, views, experiences, and recipes from locals in our neighbourhood over the next few months, which we will post on this website.

Specifically, we will focus on an "extended" Orseg area that may include the Slovenian Raab-Goricko. We will not necessarily be looking for people born in Orseg but may have relocated here; whether it has been 30 years or 2 months, it does not matter.

We will be looking for interesting folks that are either creating something unique or have a compelling tale to tell.

HU

Belekezdtem egy új fotós projektbe egy fantasztikus barátommal.

Leginkább fotós elemei lesznek fekete-fehér portrékkal, amelyeket elsősorban Leica kamerákkal készítünk, de lesznek benne videók is. Emellett történeteket, anekdotákat, emlékeket, ötleteket, látványokat, tapasztalatokat és recepteket is gyűjteni fogunk a helybéliektől az elkövetkező néhány hónapban, amelyeket megosztunk ezen a weboldalon.

Konkrétan szólva Őrség „kiterjesztett” területére fogunk összpontosítani, amely magában foglalhatja a szlovén Raab-Goričko régiót is. Nem feltétlenül csak olyan embereket fogunk keresni, akik Őrségben születtek, hanem akik át lettek ide telepítve, nem számít, hogy 30 éve vagy 2 hónapja.

Érdekes embereket fogunk keresni és felfedezni, akik vagy valami egyedit alkotnak, vagy pedig van egy lebilincselő történetük.

SLO

S pomočjo fantastičnega prijatelja sem se lotil novega fotografskega projekta.

Čeprav bo projekt v glavnem fotografski s črno-belimi portreti, ki bodo posneti predvsem s fotoaparati Leica, bo zajel tudi video vsebine. Prav tako bomo v naslednjih nekaj mesecih zbirali zgodbe, anekdote, spomine, ideje, razglede, izkušnje in recepte od domačinov v naši soseščini, ki jih bomo objavili na tej spletni strani.

Natančneje se bomo osredotočili na »razširjeno« območje Őrséga, ki bi lahko vključevalo tudi slovensko pokrajino Raab-Goričko. Ne bomo iskali le ljudi, ki so bili rojeni v Őrségu, ampak tudi tiste, ki so bili preseljeni oziroma premeščeni na to območje, ne glede na to, ali je minilo 30 let ali 2 meseca.

Iskali bomo zanimive ljudi, ki bodisi ustvarjajo nekaj edinstvenega ali imajo osupljivo zgodbo.

5 Beginner Tips For Shooting Winter Landscapes

Winter brings out the toughest elements in our climate, with many people putting away their camera bags ëtill early spring. But, if you do put away your camera you are missing out on the raw beauty that this magical season brings.

Here are a few tips to make the trip more enjoyable.

1. Wear the right clothes: Itís very important to wrap up warm when out and shooting winter images. The winter season brings the toughest elements, so if you are planning to spend a few days out and about always be well prepared.

2. Watch the weather: Itís very important to know what the weather is going to be like. You donít want to travel for a couple of hours and then hear a weather report that tells you that: the weather is wet for the next few days. During the winter months the weather can dramatically change in a matter of hours.

It ís always advisable to let someone know where you are going and which route youíre planning to take. If you do get injured or ever caught in a storm someone may be able to help.

3. Carry only what you need: Carry only the essentials. You donít need to upload your camera bag with every piece of equipment you own. If you are going to be out taking pictures all day you are much better off going as light as possible. Carrying a light load will also help preserve energy. You could be climbing icy rocks or crossing snow filled hills; a warm flask would serve you a lot better than a third camera.

4. Look for detail: Snow, ice and frost bring out texture and atmosphere in most subjects. The early frosty morning is an ideal time for close-up photography. The frosty morning also brings out patterns in our landscapes.

Take care where you place your camera: if you are taking pictures early in the morning try placing it at oblique angles to the sun - this will give your images strong shadows. This will also add mood to your landscape images. Once you have found the perfect spot pay extra attention to foreground interest as this will add depth to your image.

5. Expose carefully: Snow and ice are extremely difficult to expose properly. Snow usually confuses your cameras metering system or your hand held light meter. When you take a light reading from snow you will automatically get an underexposed image. The meter will record the snow as grey.

Now is the time to start bracketing your shots. If you bracket your shots add 1 - 2 stops of light to compensate for your light meter reading. Using an 18% grey card, which I described in a previous article, should also give you a perfect light reading.

Reformed Church of Szentgyörgyvölgy

Among the Reformed churches with painted coffered ceilings in Hungary, the church of Szentgyörgyvölgy.

The Reformed people of Szentgyörgyvölgy temporarily built a mud-walled house of worship as early as 1762, then II. Taking advantage of Joseph's leniency decree, the construction of a brick church was also planned.

This - then without a tower - was erected in 1787 in such a hurry that the carpenters were said to have carved the beams from the logs brought from the forest on the cart so that by the time the permit was revoked, they would be ready for everything.

Its tower was erected in 1792-93, until then a small wooden belfry stood next to the building. The church bears the marks of folk baroque style.

The walls and the tower consumed the money of the ecclesia, and it took many years for the materials needed for the interior furnishings and ceilings to be collected. Moreover, in 1805 - to this day it is not known why; probably due to the hasty foundation - the church wall was cracked, the beam holding the choir was broken. Due to lack of funds, the repair took until 1820.

On the south side of the interior of the church rises the crowned pulpit, on the other sides a porch resting on wooden pillars was built. The ceiling was assembled from 88 wooden cassettes.

The rectangular boards are decorated with lamb cloud motifs in the sky. The porch was built on three sides; its parapet consists of 20 cassettes with folk carved slats at the edges. The bottom of the galleries is also cassette-shaped (37 cassettes).

At the bottom of the galleries, we can see blue, white, black floral and star ornaments reminiscent of embroidery patterns (these are less worn and faded than the colours of the parapet and ceiling). Some panels on the parapet are carved, others are adorned with painted geometric patterns. The painting of the wooden columns mimics the pattern of the columns laid out of stone.

The gallery can be reached by a wooden staircase at its eastern and western ends. In the centre of the ceiling, on two panels, is a motif different from the other cassettes: around the flower symbolizing the Sun, the inscription: “This place is none other than the house of God, and the gate of Heaven. (Genesis 28:17). How loving are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. Sat LXXXIV Sold 25 v. ”

The central big star, the biblical quotations are written around it, and the subsequent beaded decoration is surrounded by a wreath of pearl flowers. Ribbon drifts on the wreath.

The inscription on the visible sections of the tape reads: “In 1829, Officer. Scientist István Hajas painted András Patkó in his Preaching ”. At the tower end of the ceiling, in one of the cassettes on the south corner, is the name of the carpenters. Above the two exits, another large star can be seen.

The pulpit contrasts with the simple interior image with its dark brown colour and baroque shape. It consists of two parts: the actual pulpit and the crown are both carved and painted. The lower edge of the crown was sawn out of plank; it hangs bell-like ornaments.

Güssing Castle in Austria

The castle was first documented in 1157 and was built on an extinct volcano. The castle in Güssing is the oldest in Burgenland. After several changing hands of ownership, the castle finally came into the possession of the Hungarian magnate Batthyány family, which has shaped the castle and city substantially.

A trip to the castle is an absolute must to anyone visiting Güssing. A walk through the castle museum is worthwhile and to finish off in the castle wine cellar restaurant which offers a spectacular view of the whole area around Güssing. Another major attraction of Güssing is the Franciscan monastery. In recent years it has become the destination for many pilgrims, especially from Hungary, because the church is the shrine of the Blessed Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattmann.

After a day full of learning about history and admiring the castle walls, head across the Austrian border to Mjus World for some first-class pampering in their spa.

GYÜMÖLCSLEVES - Cold Berries Soup

In Hungary, there are probably more types of soups than days in a year and you will get nicely used.

One of my favourite ones is GYÜMÖLCSLEVES (gyümölcs=fruit, leves=soup). It's served chilled as a starter but if you wish you can have it as desserts. or Cold Berry Soup

it’s very popular, easy to make even thou the recipe changes pretty much in every household. I don`t think I ever had one with the exact same ingredients, so here I`ll just give you a general guide and ideas to how to prepare the soup.

Yes we are talking about a sweet dish, but it’s not a dessert, well it can be, it’s up to you really, ones with the sweet tooth going to fall in love with that`s for sure.

Ingredients 4 people

0,5kg of fresh or frozen fruits, sour cherries, berries..

4 spoons of sugar

pinch of salt

2-3 cinnamon sticks

5 cloves

1 liter of fruit juice from canned fruits – especially from sour cherries

2-2 lemons and oranges cut in half

0,5 liter of dry red wine

0,5 liter of water

For thickening: 3 spoons of white flour, 2 dl of sour creme, of creme fraiche

Put the water, the juices, wine cinnamon, cloves, lemons, oranges, sugar, salt into a pot and bring it to boil. Taste, if you find it a bit tasteless or not sweet enough add some more sugar, or wine or juices. Mix the flour with the sour creme in a separate bowl, mix in a couple of spoons of the hot soup base, and whisk it in the boiling soup to thicken it. Bring it to boil again. Transfer trough a colander into a serving bowl, getting rod of the cinnamon, etc, add the fruits, and let it cool. Keep in fridge until serving!

Drone Photography

Drone photography by international Award Winner photographer Marco Secchi available for assignments in Slovenia, Hungary and the Balkans.

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Ohhhh YES I do love Sunflowers!

5 facts and one photograph

1. Each sunflower is actually thousands of teeny flowers.

The iconic yellow petals and fuzzy brown centers are actually individual flowers themselves. As many as 2,000 can make up the classic sunflower bloom.

2. You should harvest sunflowers in the morning, not the afternoon.

Planning to clip a few to display in a vase? If you wait until the afternoon, they may wilt.

3. Sunflowers are native to the Americas and were domesticated around 1000 B.C.

Even way back when, people saw the value in growing sunflowers, which are still harvested for sunflower seeds (and the oil you can make from them) today. In 2014, 1.7 million acres were planted in the United States, the USDA reports. The majority of those were found in North Dakota.

image

4. A dried sunflower makes a unique, natural bird feeder.

Feathered friends love to snack on sunflower seeds just like you do. To find out how to hang this garden-inspired feeder (no peanut butter required!), get the tutorial at Creative Cain Cabin.

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5. Each sunflower can contain as many as 1,000 to 2,000 seeds.

So there are tons for birdies to munch on! But you can harvest and roast them for yourself, too.

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European Bison in Hungary

The European bison, the largest land mammal on our continent, was severely hunted until it finally became extinct in the wild in 1927. By then, only 54 individuals remained, all in captivity.

Since then many things have been done to bring back the European bison to its ancestral lands by establishing new wild bison populations in several of our rewilding areas, and creating new breeding stations.

The bison is not only endangered and in strong need of more space to roam, it is also what is called a “keystone” species in Europe’s ecosystems. Its grazing and browsing behaviour opens up bush land into open mosaic landscapes and its trampling and manure creates space for hundreds of other species. The bison is simply a biodiversity enforcer that we really need out there.

Choose the return and expansion of the European bison to where they once belonged, like in Hungary,  Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and Slovakia.

I Love Winter!

it is a simple matter of fact that I love winter…it is never too cold. You can always wear another layer of clothes

In Hungary winter is really magic, in the countryside you can smell the wood burning fire, nature is waiting for spring. It is like being on a suspended time frame.

Winter in Orseg, Hungary

If you like my picture you can freely download it from Unsplash

These are 8 reasons I love winter:

• When the first snowfall hits and you’re left gaping at the sky in wonder, captivated by the Earth’s ability to turn water into these icy sprinkles.

• The blast of cold air that washes over you when you open your front door, filling your lungs, and you, with a renewed appreciation for that “fresh air” your mother was always telling you about.

• The moment you step in from the cold and feel your skin tingle with appreciation.

•  The desperation you feel when you’re sprawled out on your porch in nothing but a sweaty loincloth during a summer heat wave, wishing that winter would come early and relieve you of this slow and painful death.

• The happiness you experience from the temporary mass extinction of bees, that allows you to frolic across fields and hang out in your backyard without fear (but with a couple of extra layers).

•  The freedom to wear ugly-yet-comfortable sweaters without shame is enacted every time the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Let those singing reindeer shirts see the light of day, for once.

•  The irrational feeling of success you experience when you cup two handfuls of snow together and feel them crunch into place, creating the perfect snowball.

WOW Hungary

Few reasons to visit Hungary!

English subtitles available.

LOCATIONS:

Galyatető Turistacentrum és Bivak / Tourist Centre and Bivouac at Galyatető

Hortobágyi Halastó Major / Hortobágy Great Fishponds

Csopak, Balaton-part / Shore of Lake Balaton at Csopak

Tihanyi Bencés Apátság / Tihany Benedictine Abbey

Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park / Hortobágy National Park

Lillafüred, Hámori Vízesés / Szinva waterfall in Lillafüred

Hercegkút, Gombos-hegyi Pincesor / Gombos-hegyi Cellars, Hercegkút

Fertőrákos, Fertő tó part / Fertőrákos and the shore of Lake Neusiedl

Balatonföldvár, Balaton part / Shore of Lake Balaton at Balatonföldvár

Sopron Storno Ház / Storno House in Sopron

Fertőd Eszterházi Kastély / Esterháza Palace in Fertőd

Hortobágy Kilenclyukú híd / Nine-holed Bridge at Hortobágy

Lillafüredi Kisvasút állomás / Narrow-gauge train station, Lillafüred

Poroszló, Tisza tavi vízi sétány / Lake Tisza Educational Trail in Poroszló

Balaton-felvidéki tanúhegyek / Buttes of the Balaton Uplands

Hortobágy, Halastavi Kisvasút / Narrow-gauge train at Hortobágy Fishponds

Hollókő / Hollókő

Pécsely Vászoly között félúton / halfway between Pécsey and Vászoly

Lillafüred, Hámori tó / Lake Hámori, Lillafüred

Sopron, belváros / City centre of Sopron

Fonyód, Emberpár szobor / Statue in Fonyód

Poroszló, Tisza tó / Lake Tisza at Poroszló

Kisoroszi szigetcsúcs / Island-tip at Kisoroszi

Mátraszentimre Bagolyirtás / Bagolyirtás at Mátraszentimre

Fertőrákosi Kőfejtő / Quarry of Fertőrákos

Salföldi Major – Balatonfelvidéki Nemzeti Park / Salföld Manor - Balaton Uplands National Park

Debrecen, Békás-tó / Lake Békás, Debrecen

Egri Főszékesegyház / Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle

Szt. István Bazilika / St. Stephen's Basilica

Magyar Bencés Kongregáció Pannonhalmi Főapátság / Pannonhalma Archabbey

Mádi Zsinagóga / Synagogue in Mád

Sárospataki Református Kollégium Tudományos Gyűjteményei Nagykönyvtár / Scientific Collections Of The Reformed College of Sárospatak

Tákos Református Templom / Reformed Church of Tákos

Sarród, Fertő Hanság Nemzeti Park / Fertő-Hanság National Park at Sarród

Nagyhegyes, Tuba Tanya / Tuba Tanya at Nagyhegyes

Debrecen, Ikon Étterem / Ikon Restaurant in Debrecen

Fertőrákos, Ráspi Étterem / Ráspi Restaurant, Fertőrákos

Encs, Anyukám Mondta Étterem / Restaurant Anyukám Mondta, Encs

Lillafüredi Pisztrángtelep és Erdei Halsütöde / Lillafüred Trout Farm and Restaurant

Dobó István Egri Vármúzeum és Vár / Eger Castle and István Dobó Castle Museum

Visegrádi Vár / Visegrád Castle

Boldogkő Vára / Boldogkő Castle

Egri Dobó tér / Dobó Square, Eger

Sopron, Csoszogi Úr Schuszter Műhelye / Mr. Csoszogi's Shoemaker Workshop in Sopron

Sárvár belváros / City centre, Sárvár

Sopron Tűztorony / Fire Tower in Sopron

Balatonfüred, Annagora Aquapark / Annagora Aquapark in Balatonfüred

Sárvár Spirit Hotel / Hotel Spirit, Sárvár

Tarcal, Andrássy Rezidencia / Andrássy Rezidencia in Tarcal

Tapolcai-tavasbarlang / Lake Cave Tapolca

Abádszalók, Tisza-tó / Lake Tisza at Abádszalók

Kis-Balaton, Kányavári-híd / Kányavári Bridge, Lake Balaton Minor

Balatonfüred, Wakeboard Centrum / Wakeboard Centre in Balatonfüred

Badacsony, Laposa Borbirtok / Laposa Winery, Badacsony

Mád, Holdvölgy Borászat és Pincerendszer / Holdvölgy Winery and Cellars

Tarcal, Szt. Teréz Kápolna / St. Teresa Chapel in Tarcal

Fertőrákos és Balf közötti szőlőárusok / Grape vendors between Fertőrákos and Balf

Eger, Gál Tibor Fúzió Pincészet és Borbár / Gál Tibor Winery, Eger

Noszvaj, Lombházak / Treehouses in Noszvaj

Tiszadob, Andrássy Kastély / Andrássy Palace in Tiszadob

Hévízi Tófürdő / Lake Hévíz

Noszvaj, Nomád Hotel és Glamping / Nomad Hotel and Glamping in Noszvaj

Keszthely, Festetics-kastély / Festetics Palace in Keszthely

Balatonfűzfő, Balatoni Bob Szabadidőpark / Balaton Bob Leisure Park, Balatonfűzfő

Gyöngyös, High Tech Sportok Bázisa / High Tech Sports' Centre, Gyöngyös

Budapest, Sziget Fesztivál / Sziget Festival, Budapest

Zamárdi, Balaton Sound / Balaton Sound Festival, Zamárdi

Sopron, Volt Fesztivál / Volt Festival, Sopron

Balatonboglár, Gömbkilátó / Sphere Lookout, Balatonboglár

Balatonfüred, Black Swan Koktélbár / Black Swan Cocktail Bar, Balatonfüred

Dunakanyar / Danube Bend

Why I left Venice for the Countryside!

Sometimes you explore a new place and are surprised to feel so at home. A feeling deep down in your gut that you belong there. And everything just seems to flow together. This is what happened between me and the rural countryside in Hungary, I have not chosen the place but is Orseg that  has finally  chosen me!

Although I lived in Venice and Milan not to mention many years in London and Edinburgh, I spent most of my life living in a home with small/medium/big gardens. I have great memories with friends and family… 

Now I live half time in Ljubljana the pretty capital of Slovenia and in Őrségi Nemzeti Park in Hungary

Like me, you may be someone who spent most of your life in the big city and wondered what it would be like to live in the country. Here are my top 3 reasons why I left Venice and found myself at home in the rural countryside.

#1 Too many people, cars and buildings

Living in Venice was giving me a touch of claustrophobia. Walking stuck in a herd of a hundred people on the sidewalk is a nightmare to me.

Some big cities are much more sprawling, but certain things you can’t escape. I lived in London and you’ll drive for an hour and all housing subdivisions look the same, every neighbourhood has the same Big Chain stores, and the streets get jam-packed during rush hour.

Is that how we’re meant to spend our time? I really don’t think so.

Let me tell you, today I live in the country. When I need to drive into town, I pass acres of farms, foxes, deer, sunflowers fields exploding up from the horizon. 

#2 There’s too much smog in the city

It’s not normal or healthy to be surrounded by smog. This sounds obvious but millions of people choose to do so.

Breathing in dirty, dusty sand is bad enough. But heavy smog from industrial pollution is deadly serious to your health. Respiratory problems, skin conditions, cancer, and other damaging effects are to be expected when you live in a cloud of toxic pollution. Plus, if you are going to spend money to live somewhere – shouldn’t it be pleasing to the eyes?

I found Venice extremely polluted and I could not stay without using my inhalers at least twice a day

And this isn’t a static condition. It’s something that gets worse every single day. 

#3 Where are people going to wish they lived in 5-10 years?

After having lived in Venice for a few years, I greatly appreciate the quiet country life. When people come to visit, you can see the stress melting off them. 

I am more creative, I can think more freely and see the world and what is around me in a better more relaxed way, I am not upset all the time, I love it!

I tend to meet more real people with real problems, Social media is less important but stopping and having a coffee or a Palinka is very much appreciated. You may cue in a small grocery store for 20 min because of chats but quality of life is more relaxed, there is a different perception of time. I appreciate more what I have got and what I really need, I am much more closer to a minimalistic way of life... and I am experimenting again the  100 thing you posses or rule 333. There is no luxury, dress code, fashion, etc you are considered for what you really are and what you do and not for how you "appear".

For these reasons and more, I feel that areas like this will be among the most hotly contested within the next decade. Things are getting weird quick in the big cities. People are getting fed up and they want out.  

Claim a spot while you can!

The Captive Stork (A Rab Gólya)

Since living in the Hungarian countryside I grew very passionate of storks.

Storks do return to their carefully built nests year after year, They bring life to any village!

I recently discovered a great ballad by Hungarian author János Arany titled A Rab Gólya "The Captive Stork,” written in 1847.

By the way  he was a Hungarian journalist, writer, poet, and translator. He is often said to be the "Shakespeare of ballads" – he wrote more than 102 ballads been translated into over 50 languages, as well as the Toldi trilogy, to mention his most famous works. 

The poem or ballad describes a lonely captive stork standing in the middle of a small plot who would love to be free and  fly, all the way to the seas, but can’t because its wings have been chopped.

Árva gólya áll magában
Egy teleknek a lábjában,
Felrepűlne, messze szállna,
Messze messze,
Tengerekre,
Csakhogy el van metszve szárnya.

Tűnődik, féllábon állván,
El-elúnja egyik lábán,
Váltogatja, cserélgeti,
Abban áll a
Múlatsága,
Ha beléun, újrakezdi.

The stork at one point tucks its head under its wing because it is too painful to look at other “free storks flying to a better homeland.” But the stork waits. Perhaps one day “it will fly into the sky where the blue of freedom reigns.” and "Waiting, waiting, always waiting", the end, however, the “lonely stork" realizes that even if its wings grow out, wicked people will cut them once again.

The original Hungarian can be found online. I was unable to find a proper English version I only found this one

There is a great song from Arany ballad and is  by Margaret Island the Budapest band and the great voice of singer Lábas Viki create a magic atmosphere 

Clearly, the stork has a special meaning for Hungarians.