2024 Autumn
Six gold medals
At the Paris Olympics, which concluded on the second Sunday of August, Hungary’s 180-member team stood its ground, ranking 14th out of 206 countries in the overall standings. Our athletes earned a total of 19 medals: six gold, seven silver, and six bronze. As it stands, our overall collection from the Summer Games consists of 188 gold, 163 silver, and 183 bronze medals. In the French capital, our brightest medals were earned in four sports: in swimming, Hubert Kós won the 200m backstroke, Kristóf Milák won the 100m butterfly, and Kristóf Rasovszky won the 10 km open water race; in fencing, the men’s épée team of Gergely Siklósi, Máté Koch, Tibor Andrásfi, and Dávid Nagy triumphed; in taekwondo, Viviana Márton won gold, and in modern pentathlon, Michelle Gulyás claimed victory. With a total of 39 gold medals, fencing continues to lead the list of Hungary’s Olympic successes, ahead of swimming (32) and canoeing (28).
In Olympic Robes
Paris, the city of love and light, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, perhaps due to the fact that it is one of the cities with the most built attractions. Today, it remains one of the world’s leading economic and cultural centers and is among the rare locations that have hosted the modern Summer Olympic Games three times—first in 1900, then in 1924, and now, in 2024.
Most of the Olympic competitions took place at historic and world-famous venues, such as along the banks of the Seine, near the Eiffel Tower, at the Grand Palais, and on the Champs-Élysées. These sites not only provided stunning backdrops for the sporting events but also showcased the cultural richness of the city.
The 2024 Paris Olympics offered a memorable experience. It was not only an opportunity to participate in the biggest event in the world of sports but also to discover the unique charm of Paris.
Sport Bistro
At the popular establishment on Szőnyi Street, Sport Bistro, located next to the BVSC swimming pool, visitors could watch the events of the Paris Olympics live on TV, including the performances of BVSC athletes who were part of the Hungarian team. Thanks to the managing director, Orsolya Romanovics, Sport Bistro, a multiple-time Hungarian champion in culinary arts, has become a favorite spot for sports enthusiasts. She personally joined the guests in celebrating swimmer Hubert Kós’s victory in the 200-meter backstroke, while cheers also erupted for Andrásfi Tibor’s performance on the piste. The BVSC fencer was a member of the gold medal-winning men’s épée team and also finished fourth individually at the Olympics. Nándor Németh narrowly missed the podium in the 100-meter freestyle, and the patrons of Sport Bistro collectively acknowledged that the women’s sabre team, featuring three BVSC athletes—Anna Márton, Luca Szűcs, and Liza Pusztai—finished in sixth place.
Star Footballers
This summer is no exception when it comes to sensational transfers in the international football market. The year’s top contract was signed by France’s World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappé, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join Real Madrid on a five-year deal. The arrival of the 25-year-old star footballer was celebrated by eighty thousand (!) “Realists” at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Mbappé, who received 50 million euros just for his signing gesture in Madrid, is set to earn between 15 and 20 million euros annually at his new club, while he will receive four-fifths of the proceeds from the sale of his jerseys. In our analysis of the transfer market, we also discuss two members of the Hungarian national team, who, despite the team’s early exit from the summer European Championship after two defeats and one victory, managed to increase their market value: defender Bendegúz Bolla continues his career in Vienna with Rapid Wien, and striker Martin Ádám moves on to Greek top-tier club Asteras after his stint in South Korea.
Operating at Full Capacity
Located on the shores of Lake Balaton, the hotel, with its own small peninsula and a multitude of experiences, welcomes those who truly want to relax and recharge. András Csere, the hotel director who took over the management of Hotel Helikon Keszthely in 2022, called the hotel one of the true gems of Lake Balaton, situated in the western basin.
This summer evoked the “golden age” of Balaton, and the hotel operated at full capacity throughout the season, thanks to the impeccable work of the management and staff. Guests were thoroughly satisfied with the rooms, services, and overall experience.
The hotel’s offerings are impressive: the pools at Hotel Helikon, its wellness area, a renovated 45-seat panoramic sauna, restaurants, gastronomic delights, sports facilities, and a six-court tennis center capable of hosting international competitions, all left visitors enchanted.
Double Victory
McLaren achieved a double victory at the Hungaroring, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing in that order. Once again, the Mogyoród race track was at full capacity: over four days, a total of 310,000 people attended the events on-site.
What do Damon Hill, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Heikki Kovalainen, Esteban Ocon, and Oscar Piastri have in common? They all secured their first Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at the Mogyoród track. And the first victory is something one never forgets…
The CEO of Hungaroring Sport Zrt., Zsolt Gyulay, who is also a two-time Olympic champion and the president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, invited Paris Olympians to the Ring. These athletes had the chance to discuss both Formula 1 and the Olympic Games with the president.
Farewell to the Melancholy Samurai
A long list of film classics is associated with his name, and with his striking, rare beauty, he became one of the world’s legendary male icons. Yet, despite all his success and fame, lasting happiness eluded him throughout his life.
In his prime, he was adored and experienced passionate romances, but in his final decades, much like in his childhood, bitter loneliness was his constant companion. The film legend, who lived a life full of twists and turns, did not escape drama even in his final act. In the years leading up to his death at 88, his days were marred not only by loneliness and severe illnesses but also by the bickering of his children. He was laid to rest on his estate in Douchy, beside the chapel he had built for his beloved dogs—who, in his last twenty years, were his main comfort against loneliness.
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It was once called “Footprint,” likely due to its shape. Its coastline stretches for 1,897 kilometers and remains relatively “untouched” compared to other Italian coastlines, making it one of the favorite vacation spots for Italians.
One of the largest Italian islands, Sardinia is located in the heart of the Mediterranean. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage, Sardinia captivates every traveler. Below, we share our experiences from a one-week visit to this enchanting island.
We more or less planned our trip in advance. One week is not enough to fully explore Sardinia, so we focused on the northern part of the island.
As with everything, our one-week stay on the magical island of Sardinia, with its rich historical and cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, eventually came to an end.
Hotel Abacus
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, familiar 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.
Iron Gates Gorge
Dr. István Tóth’s travel account was dated by a relative who, in his youth, frequently sailed the Danube as a riverboat captain and always spoke enthusiastically about how beautiful the Iron Gates are, where the Danube narrows to 150 meters. Unfortunately, over the span of forty years, this natural wonder was destroyed, ruined, and disappeared with the construction of the hydroelectric power plant.
The journey began with the architectural sights of Subotica. This was followed by Belgrade, one of the highlights of the trip. A special detour was made to visit the Orthodox Church of Saint Sava.
Continuing along the banks of the greatly widened Danube, they arrived at the fairy-tale castle, Golubac Fortress, and finally reached the long-awaited destination, the namesake of the journey, the Iron Gates. At this point, they sailed from Serbia into Romania. Timișoara fittingly elevated the trip and was a great finale to the entire journey. Though delayed, they eventually got to know the southern regions of Greater Hungary.
The Paleo Diet
One of the earliest nutritional reform theories of the 21st century, known from America to Europe to Australia, is the Paleolithic diet. This lifestyle, based on the eating habits of our ancestors, attributes numerous common diseases and autoimmune degenerations present in humanity’s daily life to the fact that our everyday eating habits rely on ingredients for which the human body is not prepared. The excessive use and consumption of carbohydrates and sugar lead to the growing prevalence of gluten and lactose intolerance and are fundamental triggers for a type of diabetes. This can result in the development of numerous diseases that dramatically shorten lifespan. The essence of the paleo lifestyle is that it is possible to maintain quality nutrition without harmful ingredients and that cooking and consuming food without sugar and flour can provide hedonistic pleasures.
Paleolithic Grill and BBQ
Nowadays, there are countless diets and nutritional trends, and everyone can find an approach that suits their lifestyle and principles. But what does one of these nutritional trends actually mean? Do you have to give up grilling or BBQ foods? The answer is a clear no, as most diets exclude certain ingredients, not cooking methods.
Let’s take a closer look at the Paleolithic diet and the foods associated with it. What does the Paleo diet entail? The main ingredients that are usually avoided include gluten, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products.
In summary, when we start following a nutritional principle—or diet, to use a less favorable term—we shouldn’t adapt our lives and cooking habits to the diet; instead, we should adapt the diet to our habits.
Orange wine
One of the most exciting old-new trends in recent years is orange wine. This unique beverage has a history spanning millennia, and its essence lies in a special production method.
Orange wine is, of course, not made from oranges. It primarily owes its name to its color, though orange-like notes are often detectable in its aroma as well. However, it is still a drink made from grapes.
The method, originating from Georgia, involves soaking the must of white grapes together with the skins and stems for an extended period after harvest, while fermentation takes place. During this time, many aromas dissolve into the mash, and the wine also acquires its characteristic color.
The Streit-Zagonyi Winery’s 2022 vintage dry orange wine, made from the Hárslevelű grape, was soaked on its skins for 14 days, followed by a few months of barrel aging. The resulting wine has a fruity aroma and flavor, with alternating fresh and aged notes in each sip, accompanied by a slight bitterness.
Dining Culture
Our daily meals are not limited to merely quenching our hunger, thus their community-building function can also be highlighted. Sharing a meal helps foster social connections among people and strengthens existing relationships while enhancing the dining experience, especially when complemented by knowledge and observance of table manners.
In the absence of dining rules, many awkward situations could arise during a communal meal, whether due to the variety of utensils, signals made with utensils, or improper use of napkins.
Whether we invite someone to lunch or dinner as a private individual or within the framework of a business lunch or dinner, the rules of table etiquette remain unchanged.
Whether we invite someone to lunch or dinner as a private individual or within the framework of a business lunch or dinner, the rules of table etiquette remain unchanged.
Multicolor and Minimalist
Every year, ZEMA Hungarian Porcelain and Jewelry House introduces seasonal pieces. These so-called ‘capsule collections’ are eagerly anticipated by both those familiar with the brand and those seeking new or unique items.
While the brand’s summer portfolio was largely dominated by Olympic and Paralympic jewelry, summer and autumn collections are continuously created—either as unique pieces or in limited editions—for those who appreciate something special.
The range is quite extensive, from delicate pastels and whites to statement pieces for evening wear, offering necklaces, earrings, and cocktail rings.
Multicolor or minimalist? Search and find a beautiful ZEMA piece!
Social life
Through our social events column, we want our readers to gain insight into various, in our opinion high level and exclusive events, parties, inaugurations, film, theatre premieres and fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, sports events, etc. The list is endless but the various events have something in common: the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
The list is endless but there is something still common among the various events, the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
In our autumn issue we have been present at a polo event, a birthday party and a wedding ceremony.
Boat Trans For You
Antal Bulyáki is passionate about water, boating, and transportation. He is involved in domestic and international freight and logistics, with his company, Africatrans Ltd., established in 2010. He is proud of the past 15 years, the 20 trucks he owns, and his team. Over time, his love for boating and experience in transportation began to merge. The need arose to use his boats not only in local environments but also in more distant waters. After experiencing this lifestyle on the Danube, Tisza, and Lake Balaton, he extended it to the Croatian or Greek seas. Initially, he only transported his own watercraft, but later he also accepted requests from friends and fellow boaters. Today, he offers a comprehensive range of services, including storage, warehousing, logistics, maintenance operations, transportation, launching, craning, and with the involvement of partners, winterization, spring commissioning, upholstery and canvas repairs, surface treatment, and boat decoration.
Powerful and Elegant
In our autumn issue, we will showcase the following half-dozen cars:
Ford Rangers are legendary for their durability, and among them, the next-generation Raptor is the toughest yet.
The Ford Bronco is defined by its iconic design, excellent off-road performance, and next-generation connectivity, making it the perfect 4×4 SUV for off-road enthusiasts and adventurers.
The BMW iX2 enhances the pleasures of fully electric driving with ample space and strikingly unique, modern design.
The unmistakably graceful and unparalleled new IONIQ 6 outlines a new era in electric mobility.
The new CR-V pairs its bold and imposing appearance with a new level of performance, safety, and comfort. It is the largest premium SUV yet.
With the introduction of the Nissan ARIYA electric SUV, we create a new reality where capability, precision, and style converge.
The Cinema is Always Waiting
Even if the Hollywood screenwriters continue their relentless strike, there’s always cinema. Now that this long, hot summer has come to an end, we’re aiming to compile some enticing previews of potential blockbusters so that you won’t have a moment to lament the end of vacation. Instead, we hope you’ll be eager to sample our selection and be among the first to buy tickets.
UIP-Dunafilm tempts the audience with promising films: the American remake of the Danish horror “The Visit,” titled “Don’t Speak.”
Another of its new releases, already sparking conversations, is the new Gladiator film starring Denzel Washington.
Fórum Hungary also lures the public back to the cinemas this fall with popular stars. One of the big hits is expected to be the Irish-English comedy, The Banshees of Inisherin.
Prorom has brought the action-comedy Borderlands to the Hungarian cinemas.
Contenders for the Throne
A few years ago, we barely heard about them, but now everyone is starting to remember their names. Most of them are not even thirty, yet this new generation of actors has claimed their place on the silver screen, winning over audiences in a heartbeat and dethroning the stars of yesteryear. How did Timothée Chalamet become the latest heartthrob, why is Paul Mescal’s acting so captivating, and what makes Zendaya the number one style icon of Generation Z? What is there to know about Austin Butler, who was so mesmerizing as Elvis Presley, or Anya Taylor-Joy, who has progressed from playing an eccentric chess genius to Furiosa in Mad Max, not to mention Florence Pugh, who also appeared in Oppenheimer? And what is the film, one of today’s unmissable blockbusters, in which several of Hollywood’s new leading names appear together? Our article reveals everything you need to know about the new darlings of the film world.
Madame Tussauds Budapest
Madame Tussauds Budapest opened in 2023, becoming the 24th attraction of its kind in the world. It is located in the heart of the Hungarian capital at the stunning Palazzo Dorottya.
Over the past year, global celebrities have made their way into the collection, with the 55th permanent figure recently unveiled. Each wax figure takes months to create in a specialized workshop near Madame Tussauds London, involving craftsmen, artists, and other professionals. In many cases, the subject themselves collaborates with the team.
Stars with Their Pets
“Love for animals is the only love in which a person is never disappointed,” Mark Twain once said, and there is no shortage of well-known people—celebrities, public figures, writers, poets, painters, or composers—who have shared memorable quotes about our pets.
Indeed, love for animals is almost like mathematics: a universal “language” shared by humanity. Whether you’re a native Portuguese, Hungarian, German, or Australian, you speak to your small or large pet with the same affectionate babble as a Brit or a French person. In this spirit, we’ve decided to delight our readers with an irresistibly cute section, featuring celebrities with their dogs and cats. In the future, we’ll also explore various pet-related topics, from luxury foods and accessories to equipment and toys.
Junior Open Agility
As a seventeen-year-old high school student, Marcell Gellért achieved third place in the World Championships with his dog, Leo. At the Junior Open Agility World Championship in Belgium, they stood on the podium in the U19 medium category.
In dog agility sports, there are obstacles that the four-legged participants must navigate, while their handlers run alongside them and assist with verbal commands and hand signals.
Marcell shared that the approximately 200-meter course can be completed in thirty to forty seconds. In each category, the age of the handler and the size of the dog are important factors.
In this category, Marcell and his four-year-old dog Leo managed to secure third place out of eighty-five competitors, performing well in two rounds among the top competitors.
His future goal is to become a member of the adult national team, compete in the next European Championship, and achieve a podium finish.
