2020 Summer
Tokyo 2020-2021 – Postponed Olympics
Our athletes have won 495 medals – including 176 gold ones – so far at the Summer Olympic Games. They can enrich this glorious collection at the next event of this kind. The forthcoming Olympic Games would have been held this summer in Tokyo, but because of the coronavirus pandemic it has been postponed to July-August, 2021. In our article containing also a historical look back, the author emphasizes that the Olympics were cancelled three times during the first and second world wars but this is the first time in the history of the modern Olympic Games since 1896 that it is postponed. The International Olympic Committee and the Japanese organisers have drawn the conclusion nearly at the last moment that owing to the pandemic it is really impossible to hold the Olympics this summer. This means further financial burden mainly for the Japanese organisers who would like to host memorable Summer Olympic Games after the end of the pandemic.
Handball at academic level in Győr
Nowadays Győri Audi ETO can announce that it has the best women’s handball team of the world and it can boast about the good results of the local cadets having a great past. The city sport academy provides possibility for the local youth to rise. Csaba Bartha, President of the Győr club and at the same time the Executive Director of the handball academy emphasized: by the fact that the Hungarian Government considers sports as a strategic branch, handball can carry out the tasks of educating cadets at a higher level. On 1st January 2020 sport academies started their activity in Hungary in three sports and – as the sport leader in Győr said – they are proud that the Győri Audi ETO Handball Club is one of the six sport academies financed by the state. About a hundred children of over 15 years of age gain training here by excellent specialists.
A devotee of nature and freedom
Lia Pokorny has not lost her improvisation skill well-known from the TV programme „Beugró” (Cutting in) even during the pandemic. She was playing in the series „Segítség, itthon vagyok!” (Help, I am at home!), was reading fairy tales, planting vegetables and renovating her bathroom herself. As conservation is close to her heart, being the ambassador of the movement „Let’s plant ten million trees”, tries to draw attention to the importance of environmental protection. In addition to this, she considers community building significant, too, as she thinks that change – which is needed at present – can be started in our own surroundings, together with partners. She has also said that she likes the teenagers’ way of thinking and completely trusts her son. Lia tells Misi that he can make mistakes, however has to take responsibility and should learn from it. Freedom is important for the actress and she sets its limits.
Let’s go to the waterside!
If speaking about bathing suits, women are fond of everything: they are ready to wear a one-piece, monokini, bikini, trikini, tankini or swimsuit. The big fashion companies improve their designs adjusting to the ladies’ needs. This year the bathing costumes made of antiallergic, microfiber materials and the light transmitting ones will be fashionable. In 2020 the exciting trends provide that one can choose a bathing suit which matches one’s taste the most. The bikini trends show high cut bottoms and extravagant designs of shiny metal colour. We can create a real disco atmosphere of the 80-ies with these costumes. Wearing a stylish tankini a woman looks slim and can feel safe even if she does not have the figure of a model. This bathing suit is comfortable, due to its two parts it is easy to put it on and take it off. Furthermore, its top can be worn as a street top with a nice beach skirt.
Let’s be on holiday at home!
Roland Vezse, the owner and executive director of SpaTrend has experience of several decades regarding home wellness. In their shops – in addition to massage pools and garden grills – all those products are on sale that are necessary for furnishing a comfortable garden and terrace. „The common characteristic features of our furniture are modern style, materials of high quality, elegance, precise construction, practical usage and comfort. The main elements of the offer are dining-room furniture and sitting suites, corner sofas, sofas for several people, sun and deck-chairs” – said the owner-director, adding that they assist their customers to design and choose the products. The main aspects of selection are: where and what purpose they want to use the garden furniture for, how it can harmonise with the home atmosphere.
Gastronomy
The Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel**** Superior is located 25 km from Budapest, in Herceghalom. The hotel’s inspiring atmosphere, innovative environment and uncompromising gastronomical philosophy makes it the ideal place for family vacations, wellness weekends, conferences, business meetings and even weddings. The chef, Ferenc Toth, whose resume boasts with extensive foreign experience, uses simple, local and seasonal ingredients from Zsambek’s basin in his dishes. The majority of the spices he uses are grown in the kitchen’s own garden. Their dishes draw on both international sensibilities as well as the traditional Hungarian sense of taste; all while using modern culinary technology. The combination of gastronomical pleasures with a peaceful, familial atmosphere and modern environment translate into more than half the guests being regulars. Their success was further confirmed when Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel won the title of Best Rural Business and Conference Hotel in Hungary.
Monarchs, princes who gave up their ranks
Nowadays it is not rare that rulers, heirs to the throne get married for love. There are also several examples for chosing a „man/woman on mould”, a person of no rank to become their spouse. However, while a hundred years ago the „stray sheep” of the Royal Families were forced to give up their rank and privileges, in these days they can decide voluntarily, of their own choice to lead a civil life. The biggest sensation among Sovereigns’ Families in 2020 was caused in the British Royal Family when in January Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that in the future they would split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. Most probably the story of Edward VIII is the most-well-known among Royalties abdicating for love. He was the uncle of Elizabeth II and the heir to the throne of United Kingdom. He renounced the throne for the sake of Willis Simpson and married her.
Beyond the Golden Triangle
István Tóth, one of the most famous Hungarian world travellers, who was already included in our magazine, has travelled to 147 countries so far. At the beginning of this year he flew to three countries where he has been earlier, although he visited India, Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands one by one at that time. On this occasion he had the chance to combine it in one journey and his wife accompanied him. According to his opinion during this exotic Asian trip he got a lot of new impressions, far surpassing his expectations. The electric engineer having three diplomas was speaking in flattering terms about what he has seen in West India, not speaking of the Maldives that offers perfect relaxation. As far as he is concerned, he could suggest first of all Sri Lanka for those planning a journey to this region. They set off in Colombo, the capital of former Ceylon to the most unforgettable place for them: the alms-house of the orphaned elephants.
Leavened bread is the best
If we are able to put our everyday bread on the family table which needs only flour, water and salt to be baked, we can be overwhelmed with a truly high emotion. In extraordinary situations many people immediately start to pile up a huge quantity of flour. Of course, on such occasions there is a shortage of yeast in the groceries. However, in case we went in for baking leavened bread, our problem cannot be very serious. It is worth having a stock anyhow to provide the continuous work. Thus, until the moment when the first rush is over and flour is on sale again, the home-made bread is sufficient. On the other hand, we do not need yeast, only our home-made leaven. We can make it with a natural method, so a living material consisting of yeast and lactic acid bacteria is at our disposal to be used any time. On the top of it, leavened bread has a more complex taste.
Take your skewer!
An immediate success can be reached with a slice of beef, a hamburger or sausage by this. However, if someone would like to step forward, it is worth trying to use such materials that need some knowledge, practice and wider perspective. In this way one can gain special experience and also give the chance for it for those who taste these meals. When speaking about barbecue, the meals made on skewers provide such a possibility. Let’s try the shashlik, kebab and yakitori! No matter what we choose according to our taste, knowledge, energy, possibilities and time at our disposal when grilling, it is worth going in for using skewers. If we organise a garden party, we can of course use the opportunity and not grill on skewers ourselves but prepare the food and make the fire well in advance. After that we only give advice to our guests, thus everybody can be a cook of himself/herself.
Where fishing starts
The Geiger family celebrates a great jubilee: their family business, Keleti Horgászbolt (Eastern Fishing Shop) was opened one year short of a quarter of a century ago on the corner of Bethlen and Garay Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the Eastern Railway Station. Viktória Geiger, the owner said they always had homey atmosphere in the shop, they pay great attention to this. This retail shop preserves its popularity thanking to the wide variety of pure fishing baits. Starting from the children’s fishing rods to the most modern ones everything is on sale there. „It was a determining experience for me to go fishing with my father.” – said Viktória who belongs to the fishermen’s community even today. However, according to her she always drops back the fish she has caught. Recommending their shop, Viktória Geiger is right to refer to the slogan of Keleti Horgászbolt: this is the place where fishing starts…
BRINGALAND (BIKELAND)
You are warmly welcome to our bicycle saloon in the heart of Budapest where we introduce the world’s leading bicycle brands on 500 square metres. You have a choice of a few hundred Bianchi, Specialized, Cube and Merida bikes on two floors, with the help of qualified shop assistants. Starting from the amateurs to the professionals, the lovers of nature, road and land biking everybody can find their favourite city or e-bike, touring, road or mountain bike and the necessary accessories. One of our services is the testing of high category bicycles, the fitting of the bicycle bought in our Bike Fit hall and taking part in our regular customer programme. Furthermore, being the first and the only Shimano Service Centre in Hungary we provide services to keep your favourite bike in its best form.
Grill barbecue on skewers
Ever since man has got acquainted with the fire, he uses it when making food. The igniting flames, the bouncing sparks enchant and put him under a spell. The love of making food on open fire may originate from this. „While it is a pleasant recreation for many people, it is a mission for us.” This is the philosophy of the Spa Trend team and I can say that we found the right way with Roland Vezse, the founder and owner of Spa Trend. Roland follows the same principle in connection with barbecues and the massage pools, garden furniture and shading technics: only the highest quality is acceptable.
You will find Spa Trend behind each tasteful meal, successful garden party. We help everybody to choose the broiler which meets their requirements the most, it is either a Broil King gas grill, a Kamado or a Kamado Chef ceramics one. It is important for us that our partners learn perfectly how to use these broilers. H2G grilling school assists us and we can meet there personally.
Genius of facing
János Selettye, one of the masters of flat decoration in Hungary who earned his reputation in facing flats has been involved in his profession for 30 years. In the article written on the occasion of this jubilee the specialist of 48, called the „Genius of Facing” said that he had learnt the basic methods from his father as a child who was a handicraftsman of facing and the boy started to work regularly with him at the age of 12. „I helped him every summer and of course, he paid me well, so persuaded me by this.” He graduated from the secondary school in 1990 and has been involved in this craft since then. He found out and made the website „burkolózseni.hu” (Genius of facing) popular. There is somebody who will continue the family business: his son is already working with him. János Selettye said that he had another “love” for some time: he learnt to build saunas. In addition to facing he would like to engage in this activity more and more.
It would be a pity without it …
According to the golden rule one must sail, the recent wisdom adds that it is advisable to sail in a safe way having an insurance. Csaba Szekeres, considered to be one of the most successful salespeople, also argues for the latter. According to the experience of the young man in his thirties, insurance plays a more important role in sailing and motor-boating. In addition to the damages made by the weather, those caused by the boats and ships to each other have increased – he stated in the article, also mentioning that the different ports suggest to effect liability insurance. Usually the boat or yacht is damaged while berthing or sailing out. In the opinion of Csaba Szekeres more and more clients are expected to have Casco insurance. As these are boats or yachts worth of 5-10-15 million forints, the harm can amount to several hundred thousand or even million forints.
Rush on the screen
In our selection we chose movies and television series in which the car played a significant role. Lieutenant Colombo, Peter Falk who also has a statue in Budapest, is an important person in our selection. In addition to his crumpled balloon coat, he is also recognized for his rare European car. The movie Bullitt’s from 1968 was very popular for car lovers and for Steve McQueen fans. It’s worth looking for and watching the famous scene that changed the car chases in the movies forever.
The Ford v. Ferrari movie could not be missed either, as the Oscar-winning film shows the battle between Ford and Ferrari and of course the legendary 24-hour atmosphere of Le Mans. The Fast Saga has many unrealistic action scenes of movies but the movie is still a huge success. One month ahead of the new episode, the latest Bond film will be featured where you may see the amazing Aston Martin DB5 on the screen.
Ford vis-á-vis Honda
In the summer issue of our magazine we have tested three fashionable Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and a limousine of two brands. Both Honda test cars were equipped with the same type of engine and gearbox. By the turbo engine of 182 bhp, 1,5 L the Japanese SUV which is being introduced on the market, has become a sports car – with some exaggeration. Honda pays great attention to the excellent technical characteristics and the sportiness. It can be seen very well on Civic and HR-V. The brand-new Ford SUVs show the signs of new development. Puma representing the introduction on the market practically serves as the replacement of Fiesta, as the boot of 465 litres and the more practical cabin area are very attractive. Kuga is bigger by one size (4,6 m), so it is extremely spacious, is on sale with a hybrid system of three different types. The rechargeable hybrid car can go 50 km on electricity, so it can easily substitute an electric car in the city or when commuting a shorter distance.
ZEMA
During the recent weeks and months everybody has been forced to miss physical contacts with people close to them but living in a different household and have missed certain objects and places, too. ZEMA is a unique handmade jewellery, the beauty of which expresses that we have a feeling. ZEMA is a porcelain jewellery which speaks about something. It conveys only positive content about art, our traditions and ancestors. The designers and jewellers dreamed to create modern and unique pieces of art using the elements of our traditions. If you already have such a jewellery, you know what I am speaking of. In case you will have it, you will find pleasure in it.
Salma Hayek
She is small, ardent and free-spoken but we like the actress of Mexican origin not only because of these characteristics. Salma Hayek is proud of the lowest décolettage in Hollywood. She loves life, eating, drinking, sometimes smokes a cigar like her role model, Frida Kahlo. She was nominated for the Oscar for playing her role. The balance of the star of „Once upon Mexico” and „Desperado” is owing to the fact that she is engaged in several activities. As a producer, nowadays she devotes her energy to Television series, has her own film-making company Ventanarosa, she has been the face of Revlon for a couple of years, organises charity campaigns, fights for the rights of the illegal Mexican employees. Salma Hayek got acquainted with her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, the French millionaire at the end of her thirties who has transfigured the hot-tempered star to an exemplary wife and mother. She was over forty when she gave birth to her daughter, Valentina Paloma.
Gold and black
Tímea Budai paintress has come up with a new breath-taking collection. Her black and gold paintings attract the attention not only with their elegance but their special perspective. The paintings make even the competent people think, as the three-dimensional abstract forms appearing on the flat canvas go beyond rationality. It is a secret how this three-dimensional image is created. Unlike the tradition, the painter works on black basis, except for a few ones. The gold-ocher and gold-acrylic colours need light to be seen, so natural or artificial light is definitely needed, otherwise the painting loses its magnificence. She creates the depth of colours by mysterious tones, the colours nearly disappear in the darkness of the canvas painted black.
Clint Eastwood, the living legend
The movie legend – who is 90 and still active – is alive in the memories of many of us as the insistent champion of justice and the last silent heroe. Sharp, silent humour, a face with a thousand wrinkles, an ice-cold and at the same time gentle look are the characteristic features of the actor playing the roles of Western heroes, tramps, city cops, lonely fighters. There is no other movie star who has the same great heritage both as a film director and an actor. The jazz fan Clint Eastwood has not been mentioned yet who fascinated the spectators in the Carnegie Hall with his own music. Based on his admiration for his role model, Charlie „Bird” Parker, he made the all-time best jazz biographical movie: „Bird”. Last time at the age of 88 he played in the movie „The Mule” directed by himself where he took on the role of a man who started smuggling in his old age.
