THE BUDAPEST TIMES Volume 10, No. 27 6 July – 12 July 2012 www.bzt.hu HUF 750/EUR 3 Hungary’s English-language weekly.

10 TRAVEL Beauty abounds in Bled 14 SOCIETY Americans celebrate their independence with security checks

idesz’s Gabriella Selmeczi Korózs suggested on Auschwitz concentration camp led following health reviews and victims of the Holocaust. Today Socialist MP accused Socialist Party exec- Wednesday that the government’s him to be known as the Angel of cutting back on disability Korózs managed to insult the Futive committee member Széll Kálmán economic reform Death. allowances had driven dozens of victims.” Zuschlág, now in prison Lajos Korózs of suffering from heat plan should be renamed “Mengele The government’s plans for people to suicide, Korózs claimed. for corruption, resigned from his blasted for stroke after he compared a Plan” because the proposal is saving HUF 217 billion (EUR The Fidesz spokeswoman said: position as MP for the Socialist proposed government review of similar to methods used by Joseph 756.35 million) by bringing “We thought that the Socialists Party after he was caught on tele- disabled people’s health to Mengele, a Nazi officer and doctor 200,000 people on disability learned from János Zuschlag’s vision making jokes about victims Fidesz-Nazi slur concentration camp methods. whose experiments on inmates of pensions back into the labour force tasteless jokes at the expense of of the Holocaust in 2004.

EUR 1 billion programme Sweat Péter to it out Record-breaking pay Pál weather to stay Government aims to boost jobs, he heatwave has been consumption with tax breaks shattering record after record over the past few rime Minister Viktor Orbán unveiled his days. With thermometers government’s billion-euro employment nudgingT beyond 37 Celsius, elec- action plan in Parliament on Monday, tricity consumption soared as air- promising “tax cuts of unprecedented conditioners battled the heat. Sales scale”. The new package of tax benefits is of air-conditioners were up 80 per Taylor BZT/Aaron Paimed at boosting Hungary’s stubbornly poor employ- cent compared to the same period ment figures, and promises benefits to employers and last year, DIY store chain Praktiker small businesses. However banks – or, rather, their said. And the volume of calls to the customers – look set to fill the huge hole in next year’s emergency services continues to Float by the traffic jams budget via a contentious transaction tax. grow, along with the number of traffic accidents. There has been Hiring inducements udapest’s public transport system has gained (Óbuda) and Kopaszi-gát. The stops were partly newly more than the usual number of three new lines. No, not bus, tram or metro constructed and partly modernised at a cost of around HUF drownings, National Ambulance lines but boat lines. As of 1 July passengers 500 million (EUR 1.74 million). The project was 90 per cent The first five items in the ten-point plan outlined by Service reported, as people seek B can make the trip between Újpest (Árpád út) financed from EU subsidies. Orbán involve a reduction in the rate of social security relief from the sweltering heat on and Haller utca (between Petõfi híd (bridge) and The boats, which are 20 to 40 years old, will run every 30 contributions paid by employers, but only on monthly beaches and swimming pools. Rákóczi híd) on the Danube. minutes at peak times and otherwise every 60 minutes. A wages of up to HUF 100,000 (EUR 350). This rate – ticket for one trip cost HUF 400 (EUR 1.40). Passengers currently 27 per cent – will be halved for employees Where and when with day, week, monthly or yearly tickets can use the service Records tumbling for no additional fee, because the new lines are run by under 25, those aged over 55 and for unskilled workers Line D11 stops on weekdays at Újpest-Árpád út, Meder Budapest public transport company BKV. aged 25 to 54. On Sunday morning the tempera- utca, Népfürdõ utca (Árpád híd), Jászai Mari tér (square, Annual operation of the boat lines will cost about HUF Furthermore, contributions will be waived entirely for ture did not fall below 24.3 Celsius in Margit híd), Petõfi tér (Erszébet híd), Boráros tér (Petõfi híd) 200 million (EUR 698,906), according to BKV. The director the first two years after an employer hires someone who Budapest, smashing the record and Haller utca on the Pest side, and at Batthyányi tér, Szent of Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), Dávid Vitézy, told the has been out of work for over a year or a mother Gellért tér and the A38 ship on the Buda side. weekly Heti Válasz that the new service has certain advan- minimum of 23.6 degrees registered Line D2 runs on weekdays between the end stations tages: “Passengers now not only have the opportunity to returning to the workforce after receiving maternity in 1987. Római part (Óbuda) and Kopaszi gát (Rákóczi híd). Boats travel to work by boat but also to drink a coffee while they do benefits, and only half of the full amount will be payable also run at the weekend (line D13) between Római part so and make use of the free WiFi.” in the third year. – Continued on page 4 as ‘A/C’ – Continued on page 3 as ‘Small business’ No more hidden fees: Airlines forced to be upfront with pricing

irlines across Europe have announced on Thursday. chosen rather than when the booking been changed to display the throughout the booking process and maximum booking fee (EUR 6). Other been forced to change their Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet and process is in its final stages, maximum booking fee (HUF 2,200) making it easier to compare the true airlines have followed suit, changing booking systems to make nine other European airlines are according to OFT. when choosing a flight. Even though cost of a flight early on. their pricing and advertising. A “hidden fees” more obvious affected by the decision. It will ensure Wizz Air recently launched a new this will not have a direct impact on Ryanair has gone a different route According to the agreement between to customers during online booking, that the extra booking fees will be and revamped web portal for its the ticket prices, it will give more with its pricing and put a red notice OFT and the airlines, changes will be the UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT) shown up front when the flight is booking and the system has already transparency for the customer next to the flights stating the made to all ads before 1 August. RATES STATS 529 000 3.2 MN 3 215 21.2 MN 1-in-20 yearly euro cost to people in central heat records were abortions were people worldwide Norway if Anders China are suffering broken during the performed this took illicit drugs in 360.03 357.33 287.84 286.95 239.62 238.84 231.62 229.38 Behring Breivik from acute water month of June in year: World Health the last year: World www.takarékbank.hu 28 June 5 July 28 June 5 July 28 June 5 July 28 June 5 July gets prison term. shortage. the United States. Organisation. Drug report. 771785 110000 1 2 0 2 7 02 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 THE BUDAPEST TIMES P

O 1222 Bp. Nagytétényi út 48-50 • Tel: (+36-1) 382-9000 Gov’t tinkers with judicial czar’s powers Fax: (+36-1) 382-9003 • e-mail: [email protected] www.fox-autorent.com • open: 8am-8pm 7 days a week L

I The parliamentary proposal also transfers some of the OBH president’s authorities to the National Judicial

T Concern remains after Fidesz put friend in a high place Council, including the authority to give priority handling to Orbán office to head The National Judicial issues affecting a large part of the public or that are I judicial amendments Office’s president is considered highly important. The OBH will also be intelligence agency C Tünde Handó, wife of required to hold consultations with the OBT’s judges and Fidesz founder gain their approval before transferring cases to another The running of the intelligence-gath-

S court, proposing amendments to the law governing the ering Information Office will be trans- BÉNÉDICTE WILLIAMS member, MEP and co- author of Hungary’s judicial system, and over the office’s annual budget. ferred from the Foreign Ministry to the new Constitution József Prime Minister’s arliament voted on Monday amendments to the Szájer, known to have Two-thirds no guarantee Office under legis- mandate of the National Judicial Office (OBH) close personal ties with lation pushed through by govern- president, the scope of whose authority has the family of Prime The amendment is a halfway success in that it adopts ment lawmakers on come under criticism from the Venice Minister Viktor Orbán. observers’ recommendations towards preserving the inde- P Monday. The Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on pendence of the judiciary, but concerns remain over the Information Office constitutional matters. implementation of the legal guarantees, anti-corruption carries out non- According to the proposal, approved by 249 votes in Judicial Office’s president as a particular source of watchdog Transparency International Hungary Petra Burai military intelligence favour, two against and 77 abstentions, the head of the concern among the Hungarian government’s other judi- told The Budapest Times. The two-thirds majority require- gathering, mainly OBH will not remain in office after the end of his or her cial reforms, expressing “serious doubts about the reform ment in Parliament is no guarantee of the OBH president’s abroad, from what nine-year appointment, even if Parliament fails to elect model chosen, which concentrates these very large independence and impartiality if the votes are provided János Lázár is written about a new head or re-elect the current president. The posi- competences in the hand of one individual person, the entirely by the governing party, Burai said. She noted the Hungary in the foreign press to gathering tion is to be filled by the head of the National Judicial President of the newly established National Judicial absence of an explicit ban on the re-election of the presi- confidential information through espion- Council (OBT), the supervisory body of the central Office”. dent, meaning an 18-year term remains a possibility. age. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán can administration of courts, during the interim period. Additionally, the report noted that the rules for The amendment does not address the question of the now transfer control over the unit to his replacing the office-holder could lead to a situation where judges’ retirement age from 70 to 62, a measure chal- chief of staff János Lázár, who told state Too much in one hand: Venice Commission the head of the OBH would remain in the job for much lenged both by the European Commission – on the basis news agency MTI in May that Orbán had longer than its nine-year mandate, should Parliament not of age discrimination in the workplace – and by internal been “dissatisfied with the Foreign The Venice Commission’s report, dated this March, succeed in electing a new president with the required critics who fear new, government-friendly judges will be Ministry and the efficiency of its staff”. singled out the position of the newly created National two-third majority. brought in. ‘Unworthy’ face

Jobbik cites police Prime Minister Viktor Orbán pension cut arrives in Brussels. over club deaths Parliament voted on Monday to limit the state pensions of people whose “pre- Far-right Jobbik MEP Krisztina Morvai 1990 activities are not compatible with has filed a complaint against the police for democratic values”, a bid to deprive failure to provide assistance in the case of apparatchiks of the former communist the West Balkán nightclub, according to a regime of a comfortable retirement. The statement released on Sunday. bill originated with the far-right party Three women died Jobbik but was sponsored by politicians and a dozen were from the ruling Fidesz-Christian injured when a false Democrat alliance. fire alert at the club Those facing a pension cut include in a disused shop- people who participated in the reasser- ping centre on tion of Soviet-backed rule following the Nyugati tér (square) 1956 Uprising, and those who held led to a stampede in “leading positions” in the Communist January 2011. Party, its youth arm and public adminis-

Four people were Commission European tration. The law holds that such people Krisztina Morvai sentenced to prison are “unworthy” of pensions that reflect terms of two years and eight months by their higher status under the old regime. Pest Central District Court last A list of the unworthy – and their Wednesday on counts of gross negli- spouses, who are also affected – is due gence after allowing up to 3,000 party- No love lost, actually to be compiled by the end of October. goers to attend the Saturday evening Through another amendment passed event, several times more than capacity. government spokesman says Berlusconi,” Grant said. This state of Commission European on Monday, pensions will remain exempt Members of the police were criticised by he will inform Hugh Grant affairs was the opposite extreme from from income tax. Under laws passed in the judges for their slow response to A about the workings of the the “equally terrifying” danger of too 1997 when a second pillar of compulsory emergency calls. Hungarian press after the British actor much state control of the media, the Defiant Orbán private pensions was set up, some Morvai said the criminal responsibility cited Hungary as an example of the actor said. “One has to be equally vigi- pension income would have been liable of the policemen on duty should have perils of state control of the media. lant about that, if you look at Hungary as confronts Brussels to tax as of next year. However, the been examined alongside that of the Grant made the remarks in the an example. So you’ve got two evils.” government last year dismantled the event’s organisers, because they failed to European Parliament while advocating Grant said he was in Brussels to M Viktor Orbán sought to paint second pillar and forced people to take measures despite several people legal limits to media ownership at a “raise the flag” about the former evil. Hungary as a maverick pioneer after transfer their savings back into the state phoning during the evening. She said Pan-European Forum on Media Christian Democrat politician (and the EU summit in Brussels last Friday. system under the threat of losing entitle- Pluralism and New Media. His main former MTV news anchor) István Pálffy P ment to a state pension. calls included requests for help from A new focus on the need to stimulate people in the club saying things were message, however, was that democ- suggested Grant may be suffering from growth vindicated the government’s getting out of hand with fights breaking racy had been undermined in the UK delusions of grandeur. “I think Hugh unorthodox economic policies, he claimed, out, stabbing and several people fainting, by politicians’ fear of large media Grant must be stuck in one of his saying bank taxes and a levy on transac- but police failed to comprehend the seri- organisations. acting roles and still believes he is the tions are now on the European agenda. THE BUDAPEST TIMES “Some people would argue that the British prime minister, whom he played ousness of the situation. It has also become widely accepted that ISSN 1785-1106 same was the case in Italy under in the film Love Actually,” Pálffy said. Transcripts of the phone conversations money raised through such new taxes Published by: BZT Media Kft. heard during the trial included a retort by should be targeted at stimulating the 1037 Budapest, Kunigunda útja 18 a policeman “not to go partying” in order economy, Orbán was quoted as saying by Publisher: Jan Mainka not to be caught in a crowd of partygoers. Subscriptions, sales and editorial offices senior Fidesz politician László Kövér is ence on Tuesday. Jávor was referring to news website index.hu. “We have been Tel: 453-0752, 453-0753 Fax: 240-7583 National Police communications director honorary chairman. Similarly, in the fact that opposition-initiated commit- doing exactly that for two years,” he said. E-mail: [email protected] László Garamvölgyi denied on Tuesday Slovakia’s March general election, Hid- tees have little or no chance to actually Orbán maintained his pose as a hard Internet: www.budapesttimes.hu that there had been professional negli- Most trounced the Fidesz-favoured form. During the current Orbán adminis- negotiator who takes no orders from Managing Editor: Allan Boyko gence or misconduct, saying that the Hungarian Coalition Party on an inter- tration only five investigative committees News Editor: Robert Hodgson Brussels. The government refuses to Writers/editors: Attila Leitner, Christopher sentence had been taken out of context ethnic cooperation ticket. have been set up – all of them at the accept certain recommendations made Maddock, Bénédicte Williams, William Lower, and had continued with the police officer Mary Murphy, Bob Dent, Ines Gruber, Peter Kelemen said Kövér’s “irresponsible” request of the governing majority, with 15 recently by the European Commission, he Bognar saying he was more interested in the wading into the election campaign in minority demands denied by Parliament. said. “The Hungarian government is not Translator: Jacqueline White stabbing that was being reported. Romania, which is home to some 1.5 According to Jávor, this committee prepared to bargain over taxing consump- Photo Editor: Aaron Taylor Garamvölgyi was speaking a day after We welcome letters to the editor, analysis and million ethnic Hungarians, had merely would examine which companies tion and turnover rather than income.” opinion pieces. The views expressed by external National Police chief József Hatala stirred up anti-Hungarian sentiment. “We received public funds from railway devel- In its annual “Country Specific contributors do not necessarily reflect those of ordered an internal inquiry over the police are not at war with the Hungarian govern- opments and whether the reduction of Recommendations” the Commission called this newspaper. actions. ment but it should be understood that lines actually saved money for MÁV. Advertising and Sales: Jan Mainka on Hungary to correct its excessive budget Classifieds & Distribution: Ildikó Varga RMDSZ is backed by 86 per cent [of “Though Fidesz promised that MÁV will deficit in a “durable manner” and reduce its Advertising design: Zsuzsa Urbán Hungarian voters in Romania],” state be a high priority, the past years were “reliance on one-off measures”. As far as Advertising E-mail: [email protected] Romanians seek news agency MTI quoted Kelemen as about unparalleled cutbacks,” he said. payroll taxes were concerned, the docu- On behalf of MAGPRINT KFT. printed by: Magyar Közlöny Lap- és könyvkiadó Kft., Lajosmizse saying. “One cannot devise a nation policy There have been several large invest- ment released on 30 May said Hungary Project Manager /print/: Majláth Zsolt, General Manager voice in Budapest in the Carpathian Basin without the ments landing at Közgép, a company should “make the taxation of labour more Newsstand Distribution: Hungaropress Kft., RMDSZ.” reported to be owned by Lajos Simicska, employment-friendly”. 1097 Budapest, Táblás u. 32 Democratic Union of Hungarians in a former treasurer of Fidesz, Jávor said. Listing Hungary’s policy challenges, the Subscriptions: Romania (RMDSZ), a party representing Call 453-0752 or e-mail [email protected] “Railway lines destined to be closed Commission said Hungary would benefit Price In forints In euros ethnic Hungarians in Romania, wants to LMP fears ‘trick’ to were renovated for tens of billions of from “enhancing the progressive nature of (abroad) field candidates in the Hungarian general forints and it seem that these unneces- the flat income tax scheme”. 6 months 16,000 120 election in 2014, senior members said on 1 year 30,000 210 stifle rail probe sary developments keep being Orbán was asked to explain why he Pdf/1 year 12,000 50 Sunday. RMDSZ leader Hunor Kelemen constructed by the same business circle,” spoke of the need for a “Europe of Nations” The Budapest Times is the partner newspaper of called for ethnic Hungarian parties in Parliament’s smallest opposition party, he said. rather than a “European Empire” although a BUDAPESTER ZEITUNG Slovakia and Serbia to join the initiative to the green-liberal LMP, has successfully Though LMP believes that the govern- state secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Zsolt influence Hungarian policy towards called on the support of Socialist and ment’s two-thirds majority cannot legally Németh, had called just days earlier for Hungarian speakers in neighbouring Jobbik MPs to secure the necessary obstruct the forming of the committee, deeper European integration. countries. amount of signatures for setting up a such has been the case so far thanks to “If differing opinions are voiced within the Fidesz opposes the RMDSZ and THE BUDAPEST TIMES committee to examine the affairs of state different interpretation of House Rules. governing coalition over the future of the is read and archived by backed the more militant Hungarian Civic railway company MÁV. Fidesz MP Gergely Gulyás European Union, that is because opinions Party (MPP) in local council elections on “So unless the government plans to commented on LMP’s initiative: “There is differ,” Orbán was quoted as saying by state 10 June. Despite this, RMDSZ was the use some tricks to avoid the creation of only sense in setting up such committees news agency MTI. “We are in the same clear winner among ethnic Hungarian this committee as well, then work ought to if there is a chance that its findings will in party because we share the same belief Hungary’s largest media monitor parties, with 5.52 per cent of votes begin in the near future,” LMP caucus the future prevent similar issues from about the future of Hungary, while that of 1084 Budapest, Auróra u. 11. compared to 0.41 for the MPP, of which Tel.: 303-4738, Fax: 303-4744 leader Benedek Jávor told a press confer- happening.” the EU is important but only secondary.” www.observer.hu THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 03 P US shares blame for Rogán, Simor differ on transaction tax O

racism: Orbán he National Bank of Hungary point reduction to 4.5 per cent compared L (MNB) could suffer losses for to the current rate on deposits. “If the Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has requested the help of the United States “ not passing on the transaction National Bank wanted to decrease its rates, I T T Congress to eliminate anti-Semitic assis- tax to commercial banks,” Fidesz caucus it would do so on its own,” Simor said. tance coming from America. Orbán was leader Antal Rogán said this week He stressed that in order to

responding to a letter sent in June by 50 in response to MNB governor maintain the current level of I

members of Congress to express their András Simor’s statement about return on deposits as well as C deep concern over “anti-Semitic and not planning to burden banks absorbing the transaction tax

homophobic positions espoused by S members of the Jobbik party”, and with the new tax. “Personally I am would necessitate the 2.5 asking him to take a stand against all not sure that this is the right deci- percentage point fall in the 7 per forms of intolerance. “These positions sion, but the MNB is a sovereign cent benchmark interest rate. have no place in civilised discourse and institution and we do not wish to An amendment proposed to must not be allowed to go unchallenged,” criticise the choice,” Rogán said. the legislation regulating the the letter said. Antal Rogán In his response sent on Tuesday Simor told a press conference transaction tax – affecting Orbán noted that in the past two years on Monday that if the central bank passed deposits, withdrawals and wire transfers – the Hungarian government has unsuc- on the transaction tax to commercial banks would extend the law to include certain cessfully requested American help to it would essentially mean a 2.5 percentage government payments. obstruct the spread of hate messages via the internet, with the latter citing freedom of speech. “The centre of anti- Semitism in Hungary is a news portal, which escaped Hungarian authorities by relocating to the United States,” the Prime Minister said. “I ask you to act in Small business order to put an end to anti-Semitic provo- cation coming from the United States. I turn to you because the US government – Continued from page 1 denied our previous requests.” Though not mentioned specifically, Hungary’s army of self-employed and micro- Orbán was likely referring to the radical business managers (often the same thing in CenBank kuruc.info portal. While no formal request practice) will have the option of a new type of directed at the Obama administration was “flat tax”. As long as annual revenue remains ever published, in the past two years below HUF 6 million (EUR 21,025), they can opt Hungarian cabinet members have to pay a flat monthly contribution of HUF 50,000 expected mentioned the issue at meetings with (EUR 175.20) (those running a business in addi- high-ranking US officials. Press reports tion to holding down a job will only pay half). said the requests were denied because Small businesses employing up to 25 will be freedom of speech can only be restricted able to opt into a new SME tax regime. Instead to fund tax if hate speech actually poses immediate of current corporate tax and other contributions, danger to someone. they will pay 16 per cent on a tax base comprising profit plus payroll costs. breaks Pay VAT after you are paid Government throws Finally, Orbán outlined three measures less directly affecting tax revenue. Firms whose sales another spanner in the revenue is less than EUR 500,000 a year will not have to pay VAT until they have received works after IMF says payment, an exemption from the standard accrual-based accounting practice. Capital it is ready to begin losses due to exchange-rate fluctuations will be disregarded when assessing a firm’s capital bailout negotiations position, and complex rules on accounting for petty cash will be simplified. package of tax breaks for The new measures should be approved by employers, dubbed the “job Parliament at the beginning of the autumn protection plan”, could be session, the group leader of the ruling Fidesz A funded through a contentious party, Antal Rogán, told reporters later in the financial transaction tax that will extend day. Rogán said the HUF 300 billion (EUR 1.05 even to the central bank. Earlier billion) scheme could “pay for itself” in a short announcements suggested a levy of 0.1 time by stimulating job creation, consumption per cent on transactions at commercial and investment. However, next year at least the institutions, even everyday things such as hole in the budget will be filled by broadening of deposits, withdrawals and payment by A March 2010 edition of Jobbik’s party the planned financial transaction tax. standing order. When announcing on newspaper: “Wake up Budapest! Is this Monday a package of planned measures what you want?” – Robert Hodgson aimed at helping vulnerable low-paid workers and the unskilled unemployed, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the HUF Jobbik leader wants 300 billion (EUR 1.05 billion) in lost revenue will be compensated by the “final antisemitism debate form of the financial transaction tax”. Doubts over PM’s National Economy Minister György The leader of the far-right Jobbik party, Matolcsy had announced the previous Gábor Vona, has challenged a leading employment plan week that the tax will be extended in order Hungarian rabbi to a debate on anti- to raise revenue of HUF 380 billion (EUR semitism. Vona told reporters last Friday 1.33 billion) in 2013. The controversial that “we need to clarify why and in whose he government has failed to create plan is to extend it to the Hungarian interests” the idea of anti-Semitism has promised jobs, the leader of the oppo- National Bank (MNB), where a levy could been put on the agenda in Hungary. sition Socialist Party (MSZP) said after be raised on refinancing transactions and “Jobbik has never had and will never have Prime Minister Viktor Orbán unveiled a overnight deposits. any programme point, proposal or idea T package of tax breaks aimed at protecting which discriminates between Hungary’s vulnerable workers. Attila Mesterházy agreed Simor raises the alarm inhabitants on the grounds of ethnicity with the aim of the measures, and called on the and religion,” Vona said. The nationalist government to stimulate the economy by more This put the government once again at politician said he plans to write this week rapidly deploying EU funds, by setting out a road loggerheads with MNB governor András to the 50 US senators who called recently map for joining the eurozone and by setting up Simor, who said the proposal was “illegal, on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to take a an employment council. dangerous and unintelligible” and would stand against manifestations of anti- MSZP spokesman Zsolt Török later called on jeopardise the independence of the bank. Semitism such as Jobbik. the government to reinstate a progressive tax This in turn raised the possibility of Vona was re-elected to another two- system, which has been replaced with a single derailing talks with the International year term as caucus leader on rate of 16 per cent income tax even for high Monetary Fund and EU over a badly Wednesday. earners. The leader of the green-liberal LMP needed EUR 15 billion bailout. party, Benedek Jávor, said Orbán’s announce- Simor said the MNB would not pass on ment was long overdue and amounted to an any cost to its customers – such as Letter to the Editor admission of the failure of economic policy so commercial banks – and warned that the far. central bank faces making a loss of HUF Analysts were unimpressed by the package. 100 billion (EUR 350.22 million) next year Horthy et al “From a PR point of view the package is good... that would ultimately have to be compen- but it is unlikely that many will avail themselves sated by the central budget. Dear Editor, of the age-based tax breaks,” the head of the The group leader of the ruling Fidesz Hungarian Association of Tax Advisers, Iván party, Antal Rogán, disputed Simor’s esti- What is the explanation for Hungarians Vadász, told news website index.hu. mate and said the governor should have memorialising those who allied with A researcher at economic think-tank GKI told calculated where the shortfall might be Hitler and Nazi Germany (“Anti-fascist newspaper HVG that tax breaks had done little recovered before making “this type” of protest”, The Budapest Times, 22-28 to stimulate employment over the years, and the announcement. Rogán suggested that June 2012 and other stories)? There latest plan would do little to reduce the tax speculators should be made to stump up. must be some explanation. Do those burden on employers. When asked how the European Central who love Hungary care what this looks The president of trade union federation Bank – a party to the hoped-for bailout like to the rest of the world? MSZOSZ, Péter Pataky, interpreted the HUF negotiations – might react to the measure, 100,000 (EUR 350) wage limit for the tax breaks Rogán recalled objections to the existing Sincerely, as a signal that the government intends to raise bank tax. “We can count on such argu- Berne Weiss the minimum wage for unskilled workers to this ments this time, too,” he said. level, hir24.hu reported. 04 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 THE BUDAPEST TIMES N Greens protest E A/C sales soar, records fall like dominoes labour law W

– Continued from page 1 increased by 80 per cent from this Some 100 supporters of the opposi- tion green-liberal party LMP held a S same period last year, Praktiker’s “flashmob” protest on Saturday against On Monday another record was marketing chief Krisztina Madari the government’s new Labour Code, shattered as the peak temperature said. Increasing use of cooling units which makes it easier for employers to hit 37.3 degrees in the capital only to has led to a jump in demand for hire and fire workers. “We will not accept be broken again with 37.4 degrees power. The national grid operator the curtailment of workers’ rights and the following day. And temperatures Mavir said consumption peaked at their exploitation,” LMP leader Benedek Jávor said. “We do not want to be a were not expected to drop until after 6,200 megawatts on Monday, the country that produces wage slaves.” He this weekend. The Hungarian highest so far this year. Every called for the government to rewrite the Meteorological Office has forecast degree above 26 Celcius means an labour laws in consultation with workers’ continuing heat with the occasional additional 60-100 megawatt of elec- representatives. thunderstorm, strong winds and tricity demand, mainly due to air- even hailstorms. The level three conditioners, state news agency Parties to pay “code red” heat alert, issued on MTI reported. Sunday by the Chief Medical Officer, in red star case has been extended until next Emergency services busy Monday. Government politicians legislated on More than 1,300 ambulance staff Taylor BZT/Aaron Monday to allow state subsidies for Unseen since 2007 political parties to be diverted to pay a worked over last weekend. Pál fine meted out in April by the European Györfi, spokesman for the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Hungary has not suffered such an Hungarian Ambulance Service, told Keeping cool The court ordered Hungary to pay EUR intense and prolonged heatwave The Budapest Times that almost 2000 6,400 in compensation and costs after finding in favour of a marginal commu- since 2007, says Dr Anna Páldy, emergency calls were coming in During a heatwave, taking the neces- main living room and bedroom to deputy director of the National daily, 10 to 15 per cent higher than nist politician who had sued over a sary precautions is key, according to the keep checking the temperature. conviction for wearing the red star at a Institute of Environmental Health. usual for this time of year. National Institute of Environmental – Seek shade, apply sunscreen, wear a demonstration. The symbol, along with “There was a considerable excess Moreover, with people looking to Health. Deputy director Dr Anna Páldy hat and loose-fitting cotton clothes. the familiar fascist badges, is illegal mortality of more than 1000 escape the heat in lakes and swim- tells readers how best to cope with the – Sprinkle water over the skin or under Hungarian law. Parliament people”, Páldy told this newspaper. ming pools, the number of people sweltering weather. clothing, or wear a damp cloth on the passed a resolution restating its objec- back of the neck. In the majority of cases people seek who need to be saved from Do tion to the court ruling. help due to dehydration, blood-pres- drowning is increasing, Pál Györfi Don’t sure problems and nausea, she said. said. On Sunday morning, – Increase the intake of cool drinks and Microlights spark The epidemiologist warned against Hungarian Lifeguard Services compensate the salt loss with mineral – Consume a lot of alcohol, caffeine or risky behaviour such as intense exer- reported that an 11-year-old Dutch water with at least 50 mg/l sodium hot drinks NATO alert content or with mildly salted food. – Stay out in the sun, especially cise, failing to dress sensibly and boy drowned at Révfülöp, on the – Keep the surrounding environment between 11am and 3 pm keep cool, and neglecting to northern shore of Lake Balaton. A Hungarian air force Gripen fighter cool, with the windows that are – Engage in endurance sport activities, jet was scrambled on Saturday after consume enough fluid and salt. His body was found after a 90- exposed to the sun closed during the unless with long breaks and a suffi- two unidentified microlight aircraft flew minute search by coastguards and a day, and opened at night when the cient fluid and salt supply. into Hungarian airspace. It transpired Run on air-conditioners rescue helicopter, state news agency temperature has dropped. – Leave anyone, especially the elderly that two German pilots were trying to MTI said. – Use electric fans, may provide some and children, in a closed stationary land near Lake Balaton after flying in relief if the temperature is below 35 car because the risk of heatstroke is from Austria without notifying the avia- Air-conditioner sales have Celcius. Place a thermometer in the extremely high. trebled over the past two weeks and – Rafaela Freitas tion authorities. NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples was even alerted of the intrusion before the interception of the microlights. Hungarian police I have launched proceedings against the

N gas and would need modifications on the pilots. Gay pride likely to Romanian side for gas to be pumped in the Audi chooses Gyõr over Gönyõ opposite direction. meet local anger Szijjártó used the planned Nabucco Telephone costs up

B Audi has decided that its new logis- the logistics park would be elsewhere, pipeline as an example, a project that has Budapest’s week-long gay pride festival tics park will be constructed in Gyõr “the whole system would suffer and been a major topic for the last ten years. The cost of telephoning and sending will culminate this Saturday with the annual because the city is more economical that’s not good for anyone”. Nabucco West would run from Turkey text messages rose from 1 July as the

R Budapest Pride parade through the centre for the company, communications His declaration was a response to a through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and government’s latest consumption tax of the capital and if past parades are director Péter Lõre said last week. The February statement by prime ministe- end in Austria. An agreement to push the kicks in. From that date, in addition to

I anything to go by police will line the route to construction tender is planned to be rial commissioner Zsolt Becsey who project forward has been signed by the the EU’s highest rate of VAT at 27 per keep protesters at bay. The events will completed before the end of summer. said the government will provide E leaders of the five countries. However, it is cent, callers will be charged an addi- begin with a large picnic in Budapest City Besides Gyõr – home to the everything for Audi to build its logistics not expected to be completed before 2017. tional HUF 2 per minute. The same Park. This will be followed by a two-hour company’s current factory – nearby centre in the port of Gönyõ, and the

F During the early months of 2012 there sum will be levied on every text and march along Andrássy út, ending with Gönyõ, which is essentially the port of March declaration by Audi Hungária were fresh doubts over the Nabucco MMS message sent. speeches and music in front of the Gyõr, was the other option. Audi CEO Thomas Faustmann that a deci- project due to perceived changes in the Parliament building. announced last year that it will invest sion is yet to be reached but “the political stability of the region. However, last Amnesty International released a state- EUR 1 billion to build a factory with chances of Gönyõ are excellent”. week Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz II consor- City ready if Euro ment on Tuesday in support of the event, 1,800 workers and a daily capacity of National Development Minister tium, led by British Petroleum and Norway’s saying it hopes police will secure the rights 500 cars. The logistics park will serve Zsuzsanna Németh said in April that Statoil, announced it has selected the 2020 expanded of participants to get together and guar- as a storage area and house some of the government is doing everything to Nabucco pipeline as one of two potential antee their right of free speech. This came Audi’s suppliers. avoid having to repay European Union routes to deliver Caspian gas to Western Hungary’s new national football a week after the embassies of 16 countries Mayor Zsolt Borkai noted in April subsidies provided for the develop- Europe. This was seen as a major boost, stadium – to be completed by 2016 – including the UK, US and Canada issued a that as long as the park will be built in ment of the port of Gönyõ, which is and potentially a life saver, for the project. will be in accordance with the strictest statement of support for the event. the city, Gyõr will support the decision. why it suggested that Audi use the Back in 2007 Russian state energy firm Union of European Football Eighteen years of the Budapest Pride “Based on the earlier agreement with area as its external logistics unit. Gazprom announced its rival South Stream Associations (UEFA) regulations, event have seen much controversy. In 2007 Audi, the city spent hundreds of Neither the ministry nor the city of pipeline project, and Hungary is one of meaning that it could welcome teams several hundred anti-gay protesters millions of forints on infrastructural Gönyõ commented on the decision by several transit countries to have since playing in the European chanted obscenities and pelted the development to support the develop- Audi and Borkai only said that the signed up. The pipeline would enable Championships. If the latest idea of marchers with eggs. Police equipped with ment adjacent to the existing industrial logistics park is a success story for Russia to export natural gas to southern UEFA chief Michel Platini becomes a full riot gear had been deployed to protect area of the company,” Borkai said. If Gyõr. Europe, bypassing its troublesome inter- reality, this could happen as soon as the 2,000 or so participants from harm. mediary Ukraine. Construction of the 2020. Just before this year’s European The largest and most violent protest pipeline is expected to begin in December. Championships concluded on Sunday, came in 2008 as right-wing extremists – was sent at 9.10 am and at 2.30 pm had Platini proposed that in future 12 to 13 who had been authorised to hold a yet to arrive at its destination. Orbán backs cities in a number of countries could counter-demonstration on the same day – In reality the same-day transfer actually Croatian minister host matches between the 24 partici- hurled eggs, bottles, rocks and firecrackers means four-hour transfers, so the latter Azerbaijan gas pants. Though the idea will be debated over almost two-metre-high metal security must have been a glitch in the matrix. The avoids jail time before a decision is reached, it was fences that lined the route. Some system basically includes accounting times Hungary will be looking for ways of deliv- welcomed by Hungary’s government protesters ended the day hurling petrol starting at 8.30 am, followed by additional ering Azeri gas to the west through Central Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Radimir commissioner for sports investments bombs in scuffles with police, who times with two-hour gaps. The bank initi- Europe, the state secretary at the Prime Cacic was handed a suspended 22-month László Vígh. “This reassures us that responded with teargas and water cannon ating the transfer is responsible for the Minister’s Office in charge of external rela- prison sentence by a Kaposvar court in the capital has to have a stadium and made 45 arrests. money’s arrival within four hours. The tions said on Saturday during Prime southwestern Hungary last Friday for his appropriate for hosting high-level majority of institutions set acceptance Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Azerbaijan. involvement in a car accident in January games,” Vígh said. Budapest would deadlines at 30 minutes before the Speaking in the capital Baku, Péter 2010. Two Hungarians died in the crash, gladly welcome Europe’s top foot- Quicker transfers accounting time, so if someone wires funds Szijjártó said Orbán believes Hungary and which occurred about 50 kilometres from ballers in 2020, he said. at 9.59 am the money could be in the recip- Europe must diversify their energy the Croatian border on the M7 motorway declared a success ient’s account in less than an hour. supplies. between Nagykanizsa and Budapest. “By now we have completed more than Hungary currently imports 80 per cent of Judge Krisztina Kostyák ruled Cacic OTP scheme to aid Since the first day of July Hungarian 400,000 transactions and the number of its natural gas, most of it from Russia, and was guilty of speeding at up to 145-150 wire transfers in forints appear in the recip- problems was below 0.1 per cent,” Péter wishes to reduce dependence on a single kilometres per hour despite fog and rain EU projects ient’s bank account on the same day if the Legeza, the CEO of system-management source by procuring natural gas from as that made visibility difficult, causing him to order is completed before one of the daily company Giro told a press conference on many sources as possible. Orbán told the crash into a car driving in the same direc- The country’s biggest commercial deadlines of the sending bank. Monday afternoon. “This is completely Crans Montana Forum in Baku that the EU tion ahead of him. Cacic, who was present bank, OTP, has announced the launch The system more or less works. One normal. There can be mistakes here and should develop closer ties with the Caspian in court, plans to appeal the verdict, of a HUF 100 billion (EUR 348.24 employee of The Budapest Times was there but the system works”. region, and Azerbaijan in particular, to arguing that the car ahead was driving too million) lending scheme to assist in wired two amounts on 2 July with one Previously it has been taking a couple of secure the bloc’s energy supplies. slowly and not using its fog lights. financing EU-funded developments. order given before and the other after the banking days for transfers if the sender and He also called for north-south delivery The 63-year-old businessman is head of Corporations can finance 60 per cent last deadline. The first amount arrived the recipient are not at the same bank, to systems to complement the already the Croatian People’s Party-Liberal of their investment and apply for loans shortly past the deadline, and the other the advantage of banks because they existing east-west pipelines built during the Democrats, the second-most important between HUF 50 million (EUR appeared in the bank account minutes could use the funds for overnight lending. communist era. The only operating pipeline party in the ruling coalition. Despite calls for 174,000) and HUF 4 billion (EUR 13.94 after banking hours began on the 3rd. Estimates put the loss resulting from the running south is the one between Szeged his resignation, he has said he will not step million). The minimum of own capital is News portal origo.hu was not as restrictions at HUF 2 billion (EUR 7.02 and Arad in Romania. However, the down until he is given actual time behind 20 per cent. successful. Their HUF 1,000 (EUR 3.50) million) annually. pipeline only supplies Romania with natural bars. THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 05 E Home improvement Shopping by bike Wheat quantity

Negotiator expects C bailout by October foundation shaky Property developer Indotek will build a down, quality up HUF 1.1 billion (EUR 3.83 million), 10,000- O Hungarian home-improvement chains square-metre bicycle shopping centre in The wheat harvested so far this year is Hungary could secure a EUR 15 Matolcsy seeing saw revenue decline 20 per cent in 2011 Budapest’s District XXI by 2014. One-fifth of less but better quality than 12 months ago, billion bailout from the International compared to the pre-global financial crisis the establishment will be covered by bicycle the Association of Cereal Harvesters N Monetary Fund (IMF) and EU by double on economy levels, business daily Napi Gazdaság said. paths, and stores will be housed in one- or announced on Wednesday. The 2012 October, the government’s chief Compared to 2010, OBI, Praktiker, two-story container-like buildings. Indotek wheat harvest is estimated to produce O negotiator, Mihály Varga, said last Hungary can increase its economic bauMax, BricoStore and Bauhaus saw their CEO Dániel Jellinek said the company is 3.4-3.5 million tons, against 4.03 million Friday. All that remains is to “find time output twofold in 10 to 15 years by after-tax losses increase.The biggest losers already negotiating with international and tons last year. M on the calendar and book flights”, he increasing exports to the east, Africa and were bauMax and Bauhaus with doubled domestic sports equipment and bicycle said. the Americas while maintaining business losses, while OBI got through 2011 in the manufacturers. Varga’s upbeat assessment came links in Europe, best shape with losses increasing only 15 Y as the European Central Bank National Economy per cent. approved proposed legislative Minister György One-in-four in / amendments to laws it saw as threat- Matolcsy said on ening the independence of the Monday. Speaking at Banks chop households arrears B Hungarian National Bank. a conference in Chewing over PEZ The European Central Bank Budapest, Matolcsy 94 branches Every fourth Hungarian, around 2.5 Austrian-owned candy manufacturer U viewed the proposals, whose said Hungary must million people, is living in a household in PEZ has asked the city of Jánossomorja passage by the ruling Fidesz party move from a service- The Hungarian affiliates of international arrears in rent, mortgage payments or utility

to increase the area of its industrial park S should be a formality, as “an indica- based economy to banking giants have shut down 94 costs, according to a report released by the so the company can expand its factory. tion that the Hungarian government is one grounded in György Matolcsy branches since the beginning of the year, Habitat for Humanity Hungary Foundation PEZ is planning to move production of I now ready to respect” the indepen- production in order to business daily Világgazdaság said this on Wednesday. gummy candy from Austria, which would dence of its central bank. double GDP to EUR 200 billion. Annual week. The survey included 14 commercial Sociologist Lea Koszeghy told state create 30 to 40 jobs. N Two days earlier, IMF president growth of five to six per cent would be suffi- banks, which had a combined 396 news agency MTI that rising housing costs

Christine Lagarde wrote to the cient to achieve this, he pointed out. branches at the end of the first half of 2012. are causing a headache for many families. E cabinet saying: “Once the proposed Matolcsy noted that Hungary’s competitive- Erste led the way with the closure of 40 The new report echoes the findings of a 50% rise in nuclear amendments are adopted, the Fund ness has increased as unit labour costs units, followed by Unicredit, which axed 12 survey released by research institute Tárki S will be ready to enter into negotiations have fallen by almost a quarter in the past branches. on 20 June that showed 23 per cent of the energy: minister on a joint IMF/EU program together five years. The Hungarian National Bank population struggle to meet household bills. S with our European partners.” predicts that the economy will shrink by Tárki said people over 60 and Nuclear energy will provide 60 per With Hungary’s sovereign debt almost one per cent this year, and most Second win pensioners have the least problems with cent of Hungary’s electric needs by rated as “junk” and the markets analysts expect little or no growth in 2013. payments while those in their 50s in active 2030 compared to the current 40 per demanding interest rates of around in AES dispute employment are affected the worst, with 31 cent, National Development Minister nine per cent, an IMF deal is crucial per cent falling behind. Zsuzsanna Németh told a conference because the government faces the Daimler adding jobs The World Bank’s International Center of diplomats on Monday. “The imminent need to refinance large for Settlement of Investment Disputes tendering process for the expansion chunks of foreign debt. The official German car maker Daimler will maintain (ICSID) has upheld a previous ruling in Country doing well production at its new plant in Kecskemét of the Paks nuclear plant will be open line is that the IMF loan would be favour of Hungary in a long dispute to all companies,” Németh said. The nothing but a “precautionary” over the summer, adding up to 500 new between the country and American energy out of us: Nestlé jobs by the end of the year, the firm’s new blocks would begin operating measure. supplier AES, the National Economy sometime between 2025 and 2030. Any loan deal is likely to come with Hungarian marketing chief, Edina Kozári Ministry said on Wednesday. The original The Hungarian affiliate of Swiss-owned strings attached, just as for Hungary’s Sztipich, told state news agency MTI on ruling was made in September 2010 after foodstuff manufacturer Nestlé has about 2008 bailout of EUR 20 billion. “In our Wednesday. The plant has been producing AES had claimed HUF 7 billion (EUR 24.4 2,000 domestic suppliers that provide it with Explosive results view, Hungary will have to accept a 200 cars a day since production started on million) in damages when Hungary HUF 200 billion (EUR 699.89 million) of full conditionality stand-by arrange- 29 March. Daimler plans to start a second imposed regulated energy prices in 2006. products every year, the company told state Fertiliser manufacturer Nitrogénmûvek ment,” analysts at Barclays Capital production shift in mid-July. The current However, the court ruled that the cap did news agency MTI on Monday. The global quadrupled its after-tax profit to HUF 21.2 told state news agency MTI. workforce of 2,500 could be expanded to not breach the international 1991 Energy chain says it is also a significant customer billion (EUR 74.05 million) in 2011, the Varga said: “We are open to 3,000. Other major car manufacturing Charter Treaty. ICSID said the arbitration of Hungarian small and medium enter- company announced. Part of the money listening to the proposals of our part- plants in Hungary, including Audi and Opel, tribunal had found AES’s claims to be prises, purchasing an average annual came from a EUR 50 million bond issue, ners on the type of the credit line.” will stop production for three to four weeks unfounded, and ordered the firm to cover all amount of HUF 51.2 billion (EUR 179.27 which was used to repay investment and in July and August. legal fees. million) in goods. current asset loans from 2005 and 2009. CLASSIFIEDS

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O The more sites, the greater the reliability Airport asks court to shoot down new tax P Jürgen Grunert, Chief Financial Officer of IT Services Hungary The managing company of Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport has

M asked the Constitutional Court to nullify T Services Hungary Kft.’s two the recently introduced property tax. major sites in Budapest and “We are continuing to expand in Though the legislation does not single out Debrecen were joined in June the firm, its main goal is believed to be A by the expansion in Pécs. The Budapest, especially because getting more funds from the airport. Last month Budapest Airport CEO

N Budapest Times spoke to certain skills are only available Jost Lammers said that they are “unable JürgenI Grunert, Chief Financial in the capital. Despite high to take any more stomach punches,

A Officer of the Hungarian subsidiary of therefore landing fees will have to be T-Systems International about the personnel costs, in many raised, which could lead to an increase

G reasons for the step and the positive areas there is no alternative of ticket prices”. Lammers said that as a effects it will have. result of national airline Malév going bankrupt this year, the company expects

E in Hungary to Budapest. fewer passengers in 2012 than the 8.7 What prompted you to increase the third However, Budapest is not million recorded in 2011. R site? In an interview with business daily our main focus. We want Világgazdaság he noted that the The main reason was our order situa- to expand outside company had been unable so far to lobby for an exemption from the property I tion, which continues to be good. The Budapest in particular. “ tax, which would force the airport to pay N high quality services that we provide HUF 2.25 billion (EUR 7.89 million) extra convinces our customers – that we are this year, more than three times what it very proud of. They trust our IT serv- paid in 2011. Budapest Airport racked up a loss of HUF 8 billion (EUR 28.04

D ices, that is proven continuously by the new big orders we receive. million) last year.

I Presumably you could have also dealt with Car sales good news S the additional orders by expanding further your two sites in Budapest and Debrecen. In June 4,952 new cars were regis- C tered in Hungary, an 18 per cent increase over June 2011, a survey by Yes, we are also doing that in parallel. U automotive researcher Datahouse has However, there are limits to greater revealed. Data from the first six months

S expansion in terms of recruiting staff of the year is also promising: the 27,781 and office space, especially in newly registered cars exceed the first

S Debrecen. In our building complex in the contracts and have just started We will take advantage of that. For skills are only available in the capital. half in 2011 by 19.9 per cent. Debrecen we have the spatial capacity working. By the end of the year we example in Pécs many of our Despite high personnel costs, in many I with the more than 1,200 workplaces plan to have 100 employees in Pécs. colleagues will work with a so-called areas there is no alternative in It’s a wrap, for O almost exploited. Besides, the recruit- virtual desktop infrastructure from the Hungary to Budapest. However, ment of suitable personnel in this Is the workforce supply living up to your Cloud. That means those colleagues Budapest is not our main focus. We McDonald’s: OSI N region is increasingly difficult. The expectations? won’t have PCs and laptops but only want to expand outside Budapest in candidates often do not have the will work with screens, keyboards and particular. Budapest takes over tasks American-owned McDonald’s supplier OSI Food Solutions completed the required level of language skills. Yes, absolutely. Both in terms of ICT headsets. The applications are not that cannot be covered elsewhere. expansion of its poultry-processing plant However the proper workforce supply affinity and German language skills. located on the individual computer We have just extended our contract in Bábolna last week. The HUF 5.5 is bigger, the personnel costs are We are very satisfied. The hiring any more but on the servers that are with IVG Hungary for office space in billion (EUR 19.22 million) development around 25 to 30 per cent higher than process is fully on schedule. located in the fail-safe and monitored the Infopark for an additional five will increase annual capacity from 7,000 in Debrecen or Pécs. data centers of T-Systems. That years. In the new lease contract, we to 22,000 tons. Will there be a division of tasks between the enables us both to increase security have agreed on additional office space Why did you opt for Pécs in particular? three sites? and to reduce costs. of 2,000 sqm in total in Buildings B Blue-chips slip as and C. We also explored thoroughly When we looked for a site in a city There will certainly be a degree of That requires good transmission quality. other options in terms of office space exchange swings beyond Budapest a few years ago and division, but that has not yet been in Budapest. Finally, however, we carried out a precise analysis of the finalised. Currently orders are That is already available, as is the decided for various reasons to stay at The main index of Budapest Stock Exchange closed the second quarter of various alternatives, Pécs finished in assigned to the site where free capacity required buffer capacity of the main Infopark. the year at 17,134 points, 1.4 per cent second place after Debrecen. It was is available. A next step will then be to memories, which are the real bottle- up on the end of 2011 but seven per cent important for us that with Pécs we adjust the activities and to optimise necks. Those are important to ensure How are things in terms of fluctuation? lower than on the last trading day of the have found a city that is located signif- the division of tasks between the sites. the virtually realtime data flow from first quarter. In a quarter-to-quarter icantly far from Debrecen. In Pécs we and to the customer and to allow That is unfortunately a recurring comparison of blue-chips, the shares of can draw on a completely different What changes will the existence of the new volumes to be processed at high topic, especially when it comes to call- telecommunications firm Magyar Telekom fell most (23per cent) followed workforce supply. A convincing argu- site mean for your group? speed. centre work. For young people it is by oil corporate MOL (11 per cent), with ment in favour of Pécs is also the often simply a job that they are quite the index being powered by drug and IT historically close ties to Germany of its We can further improve our service How did you get the go-ahead for Pécs from ready to switch for a better offer. We companies. residents. For us, given that we have a reliability. We have what is called the Germany? try to counteract that by offering lot of German-speaking customers, business continuity plan, or BCP for attractive training opportunities, free Investors getting that is a great advantage. With Mayor short, which involves ensuring that Hungary stands out due to its well language courses, loyalty bonuses, Zsolt Páva and Rector of the our major customers receive fast trained employees and their German career plans, etc. That definitely good advice: agency University of Pécs Dr. József Bódis we service of the appropriate quality. If we skills. The cultural, time and works. In the current climate espe- work closely together and we are plan- have a technical problem at one site, geographical proximity to Germany cially, employees value the security In the past year 200 international ning a similar education model as such as a power cut or our employees also speak for Hungary, though we are that a job with us provides. The posi- investments took place in the country and the Hungarian Investment and Trade with the University of Debrecen. We not being able to get to work for what- always compared to locations in other tive image that Deutsche Telekom Agency (HITA) is working on the prepara- are confident regarding the profes- ever reason like bad weather condi- European countries. In outsourcing enjoys in Hungary helps considerably. tion of 70 projects with an estimated value sional qualifications of the Pécs work- tions, another site must be ready to business in the case of new projects, Soft factors such as the atmosphere in of EUR 3 billion. “These investments force. jump in as quickly as possible. The individual location factors are care- the company and relations between would create 13,000-14,000 jobs,” HITA addition of a third site increases our fully weighed up. T-Systems pays employees and their managers are told business daily Napi Gazdaság. Will you move into a building used solely by availability and thereby the reliability particulary attention to factors such as also very important. Young people are The agency noted that most of the 70 projects are in the automotive, electronics your company like in Debrecen? for our customers that we can fulfil the personnel costs, project times, very active on all kinds of online and communications industries. When service level agreement. Even now employee qualifications, project tran- forums. If we were not described in selecting the location, one of the most Currently we are moving into a there are detailed plans in case of sition and cultural differences. In such positive terms there, we would important aspects is still accessibility. building that was previously used fully emergency: who does what when one general it is advantageous to expand definitely notice that when it comes to Developers examine the existence of by Magyar Telekom. We have rented site goes down, which employees can existing sites than opening entirely human resources. Taking all factors public utilities, proximity to highways and one floor. work from home, etc. With the new ones. into consideration, I can say that we availability of skilled workforce. HITA has launched an “investor- involvement of Pécs in our system we are well positioned in Hungary and do friendly community” programme, which How many employees do you currently have increase the IT-Security and service How will things continue at your Budapest not need to have any great concerns assists municipalities in making them- in Pécs? quality for our customers. site? about the supply of qualified, well selves more attractive for domestic and motivated employees in the future international firms, and how to conduct In April we started with 21 employees. A new site also offers the opportunity to do We are continuing to expand in either. negotiations with potential investors. A further 38 colleagues have signed some things entirely differently… Budapest, especially because certain – Jan Mainka

08 6 JANUARY – 12 JULY 2012 THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JANUARY – 12 JULY 2012 09 C C “How can you get a heterogeneous team of U around 100 highly qualified employees U to work in the same direction? Just T Opening up to a wider public like business leaders, the L L conductor needs to use his T Interview with Stefan Englert, Managing Director of Budapest Festival Orchestra personality and knowledge to U lead the way. In September we U

R What projects have you managed to ative top orchestra worldwide at the a popular cliché with regard to clas- With all due will give a seminar to carry out in your first six months at current time. That opens up many sical music. But the Festival respect to R Budapest Festival Orchestra? new possibilities for us. Orchestra especially is far from young audi- Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) E being antiquated. We are anything ences, to on just that subject. That will be E In the middle of June the orchestra Isn’t there a risk of dumbing down if but dry archivists. We want to make keep your made a strategic change in terms of you let the audience decide what you every evening a celebration and that sponsors a test. We can also imagine ticket sales for individual concerts. play? is also the motto of our orchestra. happy you Earlier it was always rumoured, For example, we recently introduced need an offering such seminars in which was to a great extent true, that I don’t believe there’s such a risk. On a new contemporary music series. audience Hungary. Managers can pick up there were no tickets for the concerts both such evenings pieces by Kodály That is daring in one respect, but it aged of the Festival Orchestra. In fact all and Bartók that are thought of as is also logical because there is between a lot of tips from us. How can our concerts were part of our “difficult” were selected. It wasn’t a barely any other country that has 30 and 50 package for season-ticket holders. case of us having to offer something produced as many important with strong you motivate people to give Only a very limited number of tickets like “The Best of Classics”. On the composers in the 20th century as purchasing their all to a creative process for were available on free sale. We’ve contrary: the audience needs and Hungary. Their music has always power. changed that system because we indeed wants to be challenged. I played a large role in our repertoire the sake of the whole? Of would like to expand our audience for think it would be a huge problem if we and we would like to take that even We are doing so by strategic reasons. We want to didn’t fulfil our duty of introducing our further. We want increasingly to increasing the sale of course that means bringing in continue to offer our season-ticket guests to all kinds of genres, styles provide a platform to contemporary tickets for individual Why do you go to such trouble? less in order. We cannot allow the holders high-quality concerts in the and composers. If we only play composers so that we can show the concerts. After all, these their skill and their own ideas, difference in salaries from those of same way as previously, but we also “Budapest Festival Orchestra has produced the kind of quality level in 30 Mozart and Beethoven, then we are audience: “Look, what is being done are people with limited time rather than being servile. That’s We want to show internationally what musicians in the world’s other top want to create a pool of concerts that years that other orchestras in the world would need 100 years to achieve. not taking our audience seriously. today is the music of our time. And on their hands. That’s why we a wonderful orchestra Hungary has. orchestras to be too great. We need enables us to attract new audiences. That is thanks not least to the visionary strength of Iván Fischer, and of The audience wants more. this music is very good music – if it also need to offer them more the only way to end up with a We see ourselves as something like areto keep very that fortunate gap as thatsmall our as CDpossible. busi- is interpreted well.” than just concerts. We want to course the hard work of the musicians together with him. It is a real miracle a cultural ambassador for Hungary. nessThat is alsofinances one reasonitself, why not we needleast What kind of numbers are we talking But couldn’t that be a problem provide them with concert events result that is more than the sum of that so much could be achieved in that short time.” That is one of the reasons why the becauseto keep onwe improving have anthe excellentfinancial about? customer groups the option and Although these days it’s not so easy precisely when it comes to attracting Can you really attract a wider audi- that they can also use as its parts, and that is what Hungarian government supports us partner,situation Channelof the orchestra. Classics, We which need tois have created different season to get young people fired up about more young people to concerts? ence with contemporary music? communications platforms, for with public funds. Iván Fischer is an veryconvince innovative politicians, in terms as wellof recording as indi- Previously of the 1,600 tickets avail- tickets. We are offering two series classical music... their customers and business makes an excellent official “ambassador of Hungarian technology.viduals and It’sfirms. a pioneer We also inwant multi- to able per performance at the Palace with five concerts each and one I don’t see that as a problem. Young Of course there is the Darmstadt partners. We need to culture”. channelattract more technology. temporary It suits visitors an innov-to the of Arts (MÛPA), on average 150-200 with four concerts. I think we can get ourselves heard by people in particular have a great school, which is very abstract. endeavour to bring concert.” ativecity. orchestra like ours extremely were on free sale. Now there are presenting a high-quality product and affinity with contemporary classical However, there are now also many our high-quality What do your international perfor- well. Each year we produce two CDs. concerts with a similar ratio but also Why has the change come now? finding the right words to appeal to music. There are many popular young composers who are concerts mances bring the orchestra specifi- AtWhy? the beginning of the year we concerts with roughly 1,000 tickets Was it your idea? young people and show them what contemporary composers who have reclaiming tonal music. At the cally? released Sacre du printemps (The on free sale. On average that means classical music is actually about. I had a considerable influence on Mahler Festival in September we will RiteFirst, of we Spring want) by to Igor show Stravinsky.The the world- 500 tickets on free sale per concert No, such a change has been in the think inhibitions are often caused popular music. The founders of the perform a piece by the Hungarian Like every world-class orchestra we secondclass standard release inthat September Budapest will can be this season. air for several years.When I took over simply by the unfamiliar. I have often techno movement have said that composer Levente Gyöngyösy. naturally want to compare ourselves Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 right in the post from my predecessor Tamás experienced very positive reactions Karl-Heinz Stockhausen was the That’s wonderful music that’s not with other orchestras in the most time for the orchestra’s international Isn’t it risky to rely increasingly on Körner there was already a specific when young people come into most influential composer for them. difficult to listen to. There’s also such important concert metropolises of the Mahler festival. free ticket sales in these days? strategic plan aimed at widening our contact with music and see how After all, he was the first to experi- music by Schönberg. You simply world. That’s why New York, London, audience in just such a way. In the much joy music can give to both the ment with electronic music. The need to engage with him differently, offer.Paris “Here and Frankfurtis an orchestra are so thatimpor- is What about new media? No, we continue to have the same last 28 years as music director Iván musicians and the audience. Young boundaries are very fluid today. and move away a little from simply invitedtant to tous. perform We can in only the maintainbest concert our number of season-ticket holders. Fischer has achieved incredible people often like to be creatively Stockhausen experimented to an seeing such pieces in a structural performed in a unique ambience into That’s the only way to end up with a it gives us because of its tight orchestra is not. Of course we have hallshigh levelof the if world.we expose Take advantageourselves toof We aim to make much greater use of That speaks for the quality of the things with Budapest Festival involved. We need to appeal to their incredible extent with different tech- and intellectual way.There are many connection with high-quality compa- result that is more than the sum of its budget situation, but with the stated to fight for our budget each year. I thedirect opportunity competition to see with it in Budapest.other top the internet as part of our strategy of orchestra, especially at a time when Orchestra. Like every organism, individual creativity and initiative. Iván nologies in a special studio in sensual aspects to Schönberg’s nies. I can also envisage special parts, and that is what makes an intention of returning to the previous am anticipating that the proportion Seeorchestras. what Theincredible purpose ispotential not to attracting new audiences. Even now one might rather expect that number however, we need to try to develop Fischer also sets out to achieve such Cologne set up for him by West music. I think it’s not so important sponsor lounges in the medium term. excellent concert. Our orchestra illus- level next year. The Hungarian of privately financed revenues will Hungaryshow that has we’re in betterthe cultural but to field.” see there is the possibility of hearing our to fall. We now have two aims: one is further in an organic way. The creative interaction within Budapest German Broadcasting (WDR). He what school a composer belongs to. There’s no law that business relation- trates all that in an exemplary government has no doubts about continue to rise. Of course we will Second,where we expats stand who and attend to learn concerts from concerts and rehearsals via Live to keep our loyal audiences happy orchestra will face new challenges. Festival Orchestra. The request was one of the greatest influences on What counts is that their music ships need to be forged and strength- fashion. I think that is one of the the high value of our orchestra and also do our best to secure an hereone another.are naturally The excellentreactions interna-of the Stream. That’s a very important with concerts of the quality that they That’s why we need to open up to a concerts, which we have offered Kraftwerk and other pioneers of the aspires to and is capable of ened solely on golf courses, tennis reasons why we are so popular with has declared its readiness to make increase in state financing. What we tionalorganisers, ambassadors the specialist for us. press Third, andthat aspect of our communication. We are used to, and the other is to attract wider public and increasingly to twice, also point in that same direc- techno movement. expressing emotion. Music can courts and other similar venues. The business people. Even now we have up for the shortfall from its own have to offer deserves to be spherethe audience of people are extremely is naturally important also would like as many people as new audiences. Of course, it’s always sponsors. express things that cannot be connection between the business numerous noted company leaders budget. This year we have very supported by the state. The contri- veryindicators important to us. to us in terms of spon- possible to be able to experience the risky if you offer tickets for free sale. expressed with language. But of world and the orchestra is an obvious and business personalities among good prospects of receiving the bution that we make to Hungary’s sorship. artistic process. There are also various new costs, Who are you targeting in particular? course among contemporaries there one because an orchestra is none our regular guests. same subsides as last year, even cultural life has a very high value for What other reasons do you have? such as for transactions and are good and less good composers. other than a well-functioning small though that is not yet 100 per cent society as a whole. What we have Where would you like the orchestra marketing. However, we want to give We definitely want to attract young In 100 years it will be seen what firm. Today there are many training How do you explain the slight rise in certain. here is unique. It mustn’t be put at It’s a question of motivating our musi- to be in five years? What other more people the chance to be part of people. That’s why we’ve launched music of our age has survived. I’m methods whereby orchestras are your number of season-ticket holders risk by unnecessary cost-cutting cians. Of course we want to keep the projects do you have in mind? the life of the orchestra. some new activities. For example, we convinced that will include at least used as a model to illustrate certain in the past year? How is your financing structure? measures. There would be nothing best musicians here with us. An put on one-hour moderated concerts three Hungarians: György Ligeti, principles of company leadership. worse. Sooner or later people would important reason for them to stay is I work for one of the best orchestras Why? at the Millenáris in January and May György Kurtág and Péter Eötvös. There are very many parallels. I think music and art provide intellec- Subsidies account for roughly a third notice, sponsors would jump ship the knowledge that they play for one in the world. It’s hard to get to the top called “Midnight Music”. In order to Hungary has produced music of tual nourishment, as well as hope to of the total budget.That is very little in and so on. Instead we should of the world’s top orchestras, which is but even harder to remain there. We It is based not least on the simple overcome inhibitions further, the unbelievable quality. They are real What kind of parallels? people who desperately need it in comparison to the situation in further develop the uniqueness of invited to play in the world’s most need to work constantly to maintain consideration that typically it is only orchestra plays in casual dress at giants of composition. Péter Eötvös difficult times. Theatres in Hungary Germany. There subsidies make up our orchestra. illustrious concert halls. It is really those quality standards and keep on people who have attended our those evenings. The first two events is probably one of the most How can you get a heterogeneous are also well attended at the between 80 and 95 per cent of something special to play for this trying to improve the orchestra. To concerts that will become season- were very well received. We can see successful opera composers of the team of around 100 highly qualified moment. orchestras’ budgets. We cover the Presumably your foreign tours also orchestra and contribute to a musical achieve that we also need the appro- ticket holders one day. On the other from our Facebook community that present day. For me, coming from employees to work in the same direc- other two-thirds of our budget from bring in a lot of money. level that would not be attainable with priate financial framework. We need hand, it is also because of the these concerts have a great appeal. Germany, that had an important tion? Just like business leaders, the Have you lowered your season-ticket contributions from sponsors and No, our intensive touring activity most of the world’s other orchestras. better funding. We need a more reality that we are living in a time That’s why we’re planning to extend bearing on my decision to come conductor needs to use his person- prices? revenues from ticket sales, Last year leaves us with neither a profit nor a All our musicians are taken seriously focused international presence. Our when attending a series of ten the series. Our Zarathustra competi- here. Hungary as a musical nation ality and knowledge to lead the way. we managed to acquire sponsorship loss. here as artists. It’s the philosophy of presence needs to be even stronger concerts is a great challenge for an tion in May also targets the same brings forth incredible imagination In September we will give a seminar No, not at all. We’ve kept them at the money of around HUF 500 million Howthe orchestraimportant isthat the releaseeach individual of CDs? on the markets that are important in increasing number of music enthu- group. In May schoolchildren were and creativity. Budapest Festival to Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) on same level, not least because we (EUR 1.75 million). Around a fifth of What is the purpose of your tours orchestra musician is seen not as an terms of our revenues. We set siasts. More and more people are invited to produce a film about tion. Of course that requires the At this year’s Sziget Festival we Orchestra has produced the kind of just that subject. That will be a test. believe that a certain quality has a our budget comes from ticket sales, then? It’sinstrumentalist very important but but as not an in artistterms byof ourselves great challenges but we so tied up career-wise that they Zarathustra. The results were then orchestra to be very flexible because want to draw attention to such paral- quality level in 30 years that other We can also imagine offering such certain price. You also have to pay which is a very healthy proportion in revenues.Iván Fischer. CDs I thinkare thatvery recognition important are able to meet them. In Iván cannot attend that number of shown to the public at a large concert 200 to 300 works could be selected. lels with a showcase concert given orchestras in the world would need seminars in Hungary. Managers can more for an Audi than for a Mazda. comparison to Germany. There are certain markets, like the marketingof the artistry instruments. of every single They aremusi- a Fischer and the orchestra’s concerts. If somebody purchases at MÛPA. We also want to extend There was no vote beforehand; it by our percussionists. Taking part in 100 years to achieve. That is thanks pick up a lot of tips from us. How can German or US markets, that are goodcian contributesdemonstration greatly of what to ourthe wonderful musicians we have a the right to attend ten concerts but such projects. We want young people really was an entirely spontaneous the festival is also part of our not least to the visionary strength of you motivate people to give their all to What kind of support do you get Have the proportions changed since important for world-class orchestras. orchestrasuccess. Thatis capable creates of. a very Recordings strong unique musical treasure around only actually goes to five, then to be actively engaged with music process. I don’t think there is any strategy of becoming more open. Iván Fischer, and of course the hard a creative process for the sake of the from the state? the crisis hit? In New York and in London we have aresense very of important identification within thewith music the which the Budapest Festival sooner or later they will ask them- and to involve their own creative other top orchestra in the world We want to show young people that work of the musicians together with whole? Of course that means Friends of the Budapest Festival scene,orchestra. as Intrinsica calling values card areboth very for Orchestra revolves, and that needs to selves if it’s worth it. That’s why potential. I think we can grow a great capable of such a feat. I regard the we can offer them something very him. It is a real miracle that so much bringing in their skill and their own The city of Budapest had to Hungary is experiencing an Orchestra circles. Recently we also organisersimportant toand us. for Of coursethe media financial that be communicated emphatically. To strategically we want to give all deal in that field. Festival Orchestra as the most innov- attractive that is far from being fusty, could be achieved in that short time. ideas, rather than being servile. decrease slightly the subsidies that economic crisis but so far the established such a circle in Germany. writeremuneration about thealso orchestra.has to be more All the or draw a parallel with football – it’s not accolades that we receive for our the theory that matters but what CDs, and we receive many, are happens on the pitch. important to enhance the image of the orchestra. In financial terms we – Jan Mainka

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Fax: +36 84 312 432• www.janushotel.hu • Email: [email protected] IMES T UDAPEST B HE T Local cuisine Grill Restaurant Lovec: www.lovechotel.com Accommodation Bled is proud of its cuisine, with the tourism office quick Bled is proud of its cuisine, Lodging during our stay was provided by the Best by provided was Lodging during our stay cesta 2.Cankarjeva 4260 Bled, Slovenia T. +38-6 462-05102 www.lovechotel.com to point out that three of Slovenia’s top ten chefs earn their to point out that three of Slovenia’s crust here.There during market our visit a local farmer’s was Fajfar Janez where mayor at the Grill Lovec Restaurant taught us the Slovenian of doing cheers with way (look the local firewater and them in the eye, the bottom of the swing glass to clink). Head Chef Dean Grilc worked around the world before coming to lead the 122- restaurant.year-old He cuisine is said Slovenian not the paprika-festival but that Hungarian is, leans more toward rather with European tastes, garlic used in sausages, and lots of preparation sauces. is the local Trout fresh from the specialty, and not farmed.lake had a seasoned The grilled variety bringing the full flavour skin, which set off the flesh nicely, through without dominating. After a couple of attempts we and pull the fish cleanly to get into the rhythm able were from the bone. Western Premier Hotel Lovec.Western Superior The Four-Star hotel seemed to be the hotel of choice with interna-rated Irish, noted Americans, tional guests (we Korean, and Hungarians). Israelis Chinese, Japanese, It also had welcome western feel standards of service, making you (and wanted). has large modern comfortable The Lovec 35 C rooms with individual air-conditioning (it was outside). adjoining rooms that shared a opted for We bath. bubbles, more than just The whirlpool bath was a gentle massage and entertainment the providing for the to settle in the room for forced were kids once they night. the peace TVs helped keep flat screen two Having are in original English with and a lot of the shows subtitles (not that I learned Slovenian). any Slovenian eggs and the with three types of a full breakfast There’s the lake. is shady and quiet, facing terrace breakfast They the hoarding a decent cappuccino and guests were make mini croissants. with mountain and lake The Hotel Lovec from the lake, one block main drag, is on Bled’s views day. making it easy to pop in and out throughout your Premier Hotel Lovec Western Best our days there.our days All held annually on the fourth held annually symbol Nation’s One of the best trekking views of the Bled views Island comes from Bled Castle. atop a Perched steep cliff rising 130 metres above it the glacial lake, is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia. Earliest records of the castle date back 1,000 years. – Mini golf – Mountaineering and – Nordic walking and airsoft – Paintball and gliding – Paragliding – Rafting, canoeing – Rowing – Running – Summer tobogganing – Survival courses – Swimming and diving – Tennis – Walks We turned to the touristWe office often and Lake Bled is fed by springs containing curative waters, not streams. waters, springs containing curative by Bled is fed Lake Arnold of the first to one Rikli (1823-1906) was Swiss hydrologist health and earned for air and sunlight of water, recognise the value of health tourism at Bled. as the founder world fame 1.4 km 2.5 by It is points. at its longest and widest Bled Days and Bled Nights: Bled Days info: Tourist Other activities weekend in July, this is the most famous of Bled’s events. of Bled’s this is the most famous in July, weekend 10,000 candles will be set adriftthe on 21 July On Saturday a laser show. and fireworks by followed lake, our f staff members over dealt with four the local to explain able good English and were spoke that tourists could understand. of the land in a way lay about Bled, head to their main more information For (in English). at www.bled.si website good It is especially throughout the and includes a daily calendar of events summer.Tourist specific questions try the Bled For Tel.Board at +38-6 457-80500, e-mail: [email protected]. climbing It makes you just tired thinking about it. you It makes But Bled is all Bled is an outdoor playground and to take in all they and to take Bled is an outdoor playground – Adventure park – Adventure – Alpine and sport – Athletics and football – Beach volley – Canyoning – Caving – Cycling – Fishing – Golf – Hiking – Hot Air Ballooning riding – Horseback – Hydrospeed have to offer would run would into weeks. to offer have example, For summer sports:suggestions from the tourism office for and unwinding.about wellness or that two found We stay, a four-night plenty over were three activities a day up a and picking along the lakefront walks with evening markets. items at local craft few activity Indeed, every took in did not require driving.we The trip from Budapest hours’took five driving time (520 km). Grajsko (above) from the shores of (above) Pletna You have three options for getting to three options for have You We rode around the lake several times on several rode around the lake We (Castle Bathing Area) is directly below castle rock (Castle Bathing Area) is directly below : changing rooms and indoor and outdoor showers, On the water: In the water: Bled Island: hundred metres from three or four (it’s swim doing it), souls were some brave the nearest point, but a ride on a traditional stump up EUR 12 per head for Bled boat called a downtown, or row, row, row your boat for a good kilo- boat for your row row, or row, downtown, metre and a half. with the third option. went We Cost: the first hour and EUR 9 per hour after that. EUR 16 for are and plop down tired you how can fake you Afterward the rest of the day. on the beach with a beer for the hot and/or tired, avail- fun for (great electric-assist bikes of the from the tourism office) and triedable out a few beaches. it suited also dipping in wherever were People drops off sharply. the lake them, but At most beaches the is about 150cm deep at the shoreline.lake The kopalisce akin to a nicer Hungarian and facilities with sun all day strand chair and umbrella rental, a a full-time lifeguard, lockers, Thai massage is also avail- the kids and for free waterslide able. are the special pools with the best features Perhaps bottoms created in the lake.false There is a toddler pool (60 kids to splash in (1.2 metres), for cm), one that is suitable 1.7 metres and full depth. full-day: Cost for 7 – adults; EUR EUR 5 – students; EUR 4 – under 14s. is only a couple of minutes’ is also located on the top of

2012

ULY ravellers who soak up pictures of their ravellers are their arrival destination before often disappointed to find that the images that sold them on going there too good to be true.were The photo that

OYKO

B – 12 J ULY LLAN Summer tobogganing: Then there is the Bled Island. only island, Slovenia’s Not so with Bled, Slovenia.the foot at This small town Adventure Park Bled: Park Adventure

6 J T A

Bled, Slovenia Postcard perfect Postcard as a matter of fact, is home to the Pilgrimage Church of as a matter of fact, in the 15th century. built the Assumption of Mary, Aside for from its fairytale setting, the church is most famous its wishing bell. Locals told us a slightly more colourful story than the guide books. a of widow young A fat in Bled Castle became very who lived nobleman when gorging herself in self-pity after her spouse’s his body into who threw death at the hands of robbers the lake. As a symbol of her repentance she melted all the island and had it cast as a bell for her gold and silver church. to being floated over when the bell was However sending the sacrificethe island a sudden storm rose up, bottom. it to the lake’s and the men ferrying Feeling sold all her belongings and widow cursed, the desperate the construction of a new the proceeds for offered church on the island. the rest of She left Bled and lived as a nun.Vatican in the her life Pope After her death the and in heard of her misfortune and of her good deeds, bell cast. a new her memory he decided to have He said in God and rings the bell three who believes anyone their wish come true.times will have The tourist office the by swearing return that visitors after year, year says powers.bell’s can on a dark night, you sometimes, And bell ringing from the depths of the lake, hear the sunken the legend goes. captured your imagination was taken from a heli- taken imagination was captured your the sun rose at just when a year copter on the one day the mountaintop. angle over the perfect the profes- Or arm, used a lens as long as your sional photographer filling grasp, into away that are far objects pulling tiny with beauty and wonder. the frame of creation. Alps is a wonder of the Julian The emerald along the shoreline. Bled is teaming with trout Lake This which give mountains forest-covered by is backdropped and fauna. flora peaks too hostile for to rocky way as And than mankind has enhanced it rather a nice change, it.exploited the lake up 130 metres over Bled Castle towers on its northern views. panoramic offering shore, Straza hill.Straza with safety you After the staff familiarise will find yourself you essentials on using climbing gear, through the tree tops.swinging chal- There are different courses are rather of the five and four lenging levels, long compared to other such parks. gets It is good value, the heat to avoid the heart way pumping and is a great of the day. Cost: 7 and under – EUR 10; 8-14 – EUR 15; 16 and up – EUR 19. www.pustolovski-park-bled.si/sl/ walk from downtown.walk EUR 8 (children EUR 5), a For hill up 130 metres to the top of Straza you chairlift takes at the half-kilometre of track can wizz down where you speeds of up to 40 kmh. 00

11 TRAVEL THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 11 T E N - D A Y G U I

All aquiver in Visegrád D

Royal Palace Fair runs to Sunday E

edieval times are back and archery, crossbow firing or even taking over the historical wrestling. town of Visegrád, north of In the main street in front of the M Taylor BZT File/Aaron Budapest. The Visegrád Royal Palace (Fõ utca) an exhibition International Royal Palace Fair, of ancient professions is being held. which started on Thursday and In Fellegvár, there is an exhibition continues until Sunday, revisits the on the Sacred Crown and medieval Middle Ages, bringing together siege weapons are on display. For Beat a path to Balaton activities from jousting to archery children, a medieval playhouse is and historical dance and music. promoting handicraft activities. As is tradition, the Hungarian More info: www.palotajatekok.hu Camping is an option for visitors who register at the King Károly – says the royal invita- (English program is from 2011 but RAFAELA FREITAS Balaton Sound campsite and pay HUF 1,500, regard- tion – “will welcome the Czech king useful information can still be found.) less of the number of days they plan to attend. Choices together with his son, the Moravian echno tunes will again fill the lakeside air when also include VIP tents and caravans. prince, the Polish king and their Getting there Balaton Sound Festival runs from next Zamárdi, 110 kilometres from Budapest, can be duellist valiants and fancy cortege”. TWednesday 11 to Sunday 15 July in Zamárdi, on reached by car in about an hour and a half on the M7 Visitors are welcome to take part in the southern shore of the lake. David Guetta, Calvin motorway. Intercity and fast trains leave from Keleti this revival experience but be fore- Visegrád International Royal Palace Harris and Paul Kalkbrenner are some of the headline and Déli stations, taking two to three hours. For infor- warned; the streets tend to be fairly Fair until 8 July performers. mation on the train timetable see www.elvira.hu. crowded and shade is hard to find. For five days the four stages will host world-famous And the revival goes beyond By car: 46 kilometres north of downtown artists of electronic and house music. Grammy-winner knights and jousting: chess, Budapest on highway 11. Takes a little Afrojack will take over the stage on Day Zero, 11 July. The ticket medieval ball games and royal wine over an hour. Calvin Harris, Avicii and Booka Shade are performing tasting are among the activities. The By Volán bus: Buses depart hourly from the next day, and David Guetta, an iconic French DJ, Balaton Sound Festival, Zamárdi Knight’s Septathlon is for anyone the Újpest Városkapu vasútállomás in on the Friday. It is time then for Paul Kalkbrenner and 11 July: HUF 8,500. Other days: HUF 15,000 each. who wants to test their skills at District XIII. The trip takes 75 Caribou next Saturday. Steve Angello and Animal Five-day pass: HUF 42,000. Four-day pass 12-15 July: throwing battlestars, running, minutes. www.volan.hu/en Collective will close this year’s edition of the Balaton HUF 38,000. Sound Festival. Information: www.sziget.hu/balatonsound_english

Friday 6 July Orchestra conducted by Gary Abrahams performs Puccini’s Monday 9 July Messa di Gloria and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in E minor. Classical entertainment Classical entertainment ÓBUDA SOCIAL CIRCLE AT 7PM: Péter Kiss (piano), János SAINT STEPHEN BASILICA AT 8PM: Cathedral Organ Balázs (piano) and Ödön Rácz (bass) perform Liszt’s MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM AT 7.30PM: The Wisconsin Concert. András Virágh and András Gábor Virágh Ballade No. 2 in B minor, Debussy’s L’Ile Joyeuse, Vecsey’s Youth Symphony Orchestra (USA) conducted by James (organ), Kornélia Bakos and Zsuzanna Gion (mezzo- Valse Triste and Paganini’s Moses Fantasy. Smith performs Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, Britten’s soprano) and László Tóth and László Borsódy (trumpet) Dances from Gloriana, Lalo’s Overture to Le Roi d’Ys and perform works by Charpentier, Albinoni, Gounod, Purcell, Popular entertainment Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony. Händel, Liszt and others. INNER CITY PARISH CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL AT 6PM: Popular entertainment Popular entertainment Bolyki Soul and Gospel concert with Balázs Bolyki. SZIMPLA CAFÉ AT 9PM: Árpád Baranyi (jazz). BUDAPEST OPERETTA AND MUSICAL THEATRE AT 7PM: BUDAPEST OPERETTA AND MUSICAL THEATRE AT 7PM: Romeo and Juliet, operetta theatre. Romeo and Juliet, operetta theatre. HOLDUDVAR AT 9.15PM: Open Air French Cinema: The Tree, 2010 dramatic comedy with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Need a break? KOBUCI KERT AT 8PM: Mátyás Pribojszki Band with A38 AT 8PM: We Plants Are Happy Plants (electronica); AT in English with French and Hungarian subtitles. Mátyás Pribojszki (harmonica, voice), Erik Kovács 10PM: Depeche Mode Klub (electronica, rock); AT 10PM: (piano), Dániel Molnár (drums), Ferenc Szász (guitar) Psyk (Spain), Isu (electronica). Tuesday 10 July Self-catering holiday apartments in and Ervin Eckert (bass guitar), blues. beautiful Bled, Slovenija Sunday 8 July Popular entertainment A38 AT 10PM: Spanish Wax (electronica, hip hop); AT 11PM: Klute (UK, electronica). Classical entertainment INNER CITY PARISH CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL AT 6PM: - 2-6 persons per apartment The Toowoomba Grammar School and the Glennie - 20 EUR/person/night Saturday 7 July MUSIC HOUSE AT 8PM: Concerto Budapest and Klára School Choir (Australia) conducted by Harley Mead and - located in quiet residential street, Kolonits (harp) perform works by Debussy, Gershwin, Neil Roche-Kelly perform Australian and American songs Classical entertainment Hamilton and Jerome Kern. just 3 minutes walk from famous and spirituals. Lake Bled and town centre. OLD MUSIC ACADEMY AT 11AM: The Semmelweis Popular entertainment A38 AT 8PM: Random Trip, Márk Zentai (funk, hip hop). Quartet with Gabriella Szentpéteri (piano) and György Käfer (clarinet) perform Mozart’s Quartet in G major and A38 AT 6PM: Norbert Kristóf, Tea Road, Mayberian HUNGARIAN HERITAGE HOUSE AT 8PM: Performance of For more information Piano Concerto in A major and Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet Sanskülotts, Ritmiklift, Sad Kolibries (indie); AT 10PM: the Corvinus Dance Ensemble and the Hungarian State see www.apartment-bled.net in B minor. Warpaint (USA), Contrails (Austria), indie, rock. Folk Ensemble. or call Bojan +386 41 774 004 NATIONAL MUSEUM AT 3.30PM: The MÁV Symphony DÜRER-KERT AT 8PM: Datsik (Canada, electronica). BUDAPEST PARK AT 8PM: Bori Péterfy and Love Band.

W H E R E I T ’ S A T

A38 Boat moored on Buda side of BUDAPEST PARK District IX, IF CAFÉ District IX, Ráday u. 19. (+36-1) 325-1600. www.mili- VI, Vörösmarty u. 35. Tel. (+36-1) 48. Tel. (+36) 30 288 1247. Petõfi Bridge. Tel. (+36-1) 464- Soroksári út 60. Tel. (+36-1) 299-0694. taria.hu 322-9804 www.lisztmuseum.hu www.szimpla.hu 3940. www.a38.hu www.facebook.com/parkofficial www.ifkavezo.hu MUSIC HOUSE (Zeneház) District PAPP LÁSZLÓ BUDAPEST URÁNIA THEATRE District VIII, AKVÁRIUM CLUB District V, BUDAPEST ZOO District XIV, Állatkerti INNER CITY PARISH CHURCH OF IX, Páva u. 10-12. Tel. (+36-1) SPORTARÉNA District XIV, Rákóczi út 21. Tel. (+36-1) 486- Erzsébet tér 14 (ex-Gödör Club). krt 6-12. Tel. (+36-1) 273-4901. ST MICHAEL District V, Váci u. 215-5770. hu.concertobu- Stefánia út 2. Central Ticket 3401. www.urania-nf.hu Tel. (+36) 30-860-3368. www.zoobudapest.com 47/b. (+36-1) 337-8116. dapest.hu Office (Ticketpro) Tel. (+36-1) VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE District XIV, www.facebook.com/akvariumklub. DÜRER-KERT District XIV, Ajtósi www.szentmihalytemplom.hu NATIONAL MUSEUM District VIII, 422-2682. www.ticketpro.hu Vázsonyi Vilmos sétány 2. Tel. BUDAPEST OPERETTA AND Dürer sor 19-21. Tel. (+36-1) 789- KOBUCI KERT District III, Fõ tér 1. Tel. Múzeum körút 14-16. Tel. (+36-1) PEST COUNTY HALL (Pesti (+36-1) 364-0072. MUSICAL THEATRE Musicals have 4444. www.durerkert.com (+36) 70 205-7282. www.kobuci.hu 338-2122/327-7749. www.hnm.hu Vármegyeház) District V, VAM DESIGN CENTRE District VI, English subtitles (above the stage HOLDUDVAR District XII, MARGIT ISLAND OPEN-AIR STAGE ÓBUDA SOCIAL CIRCLE Városház u. 7. Tel. (+36-1) 215- Király u. 26. Tel. (+36-1) 666-3100. digitally) and operettas have Margitsziget. Tel. (+36-1) 236- District XII, Margit Island. Tel. (Társaskör) District III, 5770. hu.concertobudapest.hu www.vamdesign.hu German subtitles. District VI, 0155.www.holdudvar.net (+36-1) 375-5922, 356-1565. Kiskorona u. 7. Tel. (+36-1) 250- SAINT STEPHEN BASILICA District ZÖLD PARDON District XI, Pázmány Nagymezõ u. 17. Tel. (+36-1) 353- HUNGARIAN HERITAGE HOUSE www.szabadter.hu 0288. www.obudaitarsaskor.hu/ V, Szent István tér. Tel. (+36-1) Péter sétány at the Buda end of 2172, (+36-1) 269-0118. District I, Corvin tér 8. Tel. (+36-1) MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM OLD MUSIC ACADEMY (Ferenc 338-2151. www.bazilika.biz Rákóczi bridge. Tel. (+36-1) 279- www.operettszinhaz.hu 225-6056. www.heritagehouse.hu District I, Kapisztrán tér 2-4. Tel. Liszt Memorial Museum) District SZIMPLA CAFÉ District VII, Kertész u. 1880. www.zp.hu IMES T UDAPEST B HE T The ticket The ticket Frequent trains from both Déli and trains from Frequent Several buses every day from Budapest’s Several buses every day from Head south 230 kilometres on the M6/60 Head south 230 kilometres Daily ticket HUF 4,990, advance weekly Every Wednesday at 8.30pm until 22 August Every Wednesday Állatkerti District XIV, Zoo and Botanical Garden, körút 6-12, at ticket offices and online at eventim.hu www.zoobudapest.com/concerts 9 to 14 July, from 6.30pm on 9, 10 and 11 July, from 9 to 14 July, 8pm on 12 July and 9.40pm on 13 and 14 July. (inwww.rockmaraton.hu English) ticket HUF 9,990, on-site weekly ticket 14,990. Camping HUF 500 per day. Keleti train stations, both high-speed and local. two hours 40 minutes time ranges from Travel (in English) to five hours. www.mav.hu Népliget station but slower than the train. two hours Pécs, journey takes around towards 20 minutes. Band opens the show next Wednesday 11 July (12 Wednesday Band opens the show next July in case of rain) and the subsequent names such as Zoltán Orosz features programme Ági Szalóki, Hot Jazz and the Balkán Project, Band, Molnár Dixieland Band and Budapest Bár Concert until the final concert with Budapest Klezmer Band on 22 August. Summer Concerts at the Zoo HUF 3,300 available on the door at Budapest Tickets at (in English) programme Full Pécs Rock Marathon Pécs Rock Entry: By train: By bus: By car: Summer concerts at the zoo Summer concerts Pécs Rock Marathon, 9-14 July AKOBSSON Music in the menagerie Music in the J he Pécs Rock Marathon promises a Marathon promises he Pécs Rock and metal, with the flurry of rock annual event bagging some impressive udapest Zoo has giraffes, wombats, jelly- next fish, turtles, apes and, from concerts weekly open-air Wednesday, Spread out over three venues and six days venues out over three Spread The most active day will be 10 July with eight HUF 4,990 to 14,990 range from Tickets IKLAS There will be a pirate show for the kiddies. for show There will be a pirate No wait... the UK that’s at 9.40pm. band Alestorm.Tuesday play They No stone unturned at rock fest N T The zoo celebrates its centenary this year, and The zoo celebrates its centenary this year, Doors open at 7pm for a concert at 8.30pm headliners this year. over the festival will feature 9 to 14 July, from 20 acts, including some of the best in all closely knit All the venues are Hungary. together and the festival starts at the Rockélet Nagyszínpad (Big stage) on 9 July and with the and the Monster Pit other stages, the NuSkull Nagyszínpad, coming in to play on 10 July. stages with the three around concerts spread acts such as The Moon and The Nightspirit, In July. G.B.H and Texas In true festival depending on length of stay. has been set up for fans spirit a camping area HUF 500 (EUR 1.5) per day. at an extra The Benkó Dixieland Band opens the summer seriesThe Benkó Dixieland Band opens the next at 8.30pm. Wednesday B featuring jazz, world music, dixieland and klezmer musicians. although the tradition of holding summer 11 years ago, it actually concerts was only revived period War World harks back to the pre-Second when the zoo invited well-known artists for the setting each musical events. Today Grand Lake until 22 August is the Wednesday House Promenade. of the Palm and the trees said to be among the audience and are Peacocks to contribute to the and winged animals frogs and the staging. choral background of arrival). Dixieland The Benkó (seating in order : : PM PM 6 Óriás, : 8.30 PM 9 Performance Spanish Wax : AT : ICHAEL AT PM M Open-air perform- Open-air perform- PM 8 Inna Kogan (violin) Inna Kogan T Concerto Budapest : : TAGE AT : 10 S S : Eternal Beatles Jubilee PM PM AM : 7 7 AT PM IR 8 11 PM 8 OUSE AT -A DJ Garfield (hip hop, funky, DJ Garfield (hip hop, H : HURCH OF PEN PM C O IRCLE AT IRCLE AT ALL AT 10 C C H ENTRE AT The ticket CADEMY AT ERITAGE C Kilian, Noxious Foodie and the Run Over Foodie Kilian, Noxious The Grenma (punk, rock); AT ARISH A Frequent departures from Déli and from departures Frequent H : : P SLAND OCIAL OCIAL I PM PM 150km southwest of Budapest on the south OUNTY S S ITY 8 7 ESIGN USIC C C M AT AT Keleti stations and occasional departures from Keleti stations and occasional departures Kelenföld and Kõbánya-Kispest. Journey time is two hours, 30 minutes and above, single tickets HUF 2,830. from Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 July 11 to Saturday Wednesday Árpád utca 17 Balatonboglár, pass HUF 8,000, student HUF 1,500. Festival and pensioners HUF 5,000 (until 8 July: HUF 6,500 and 3,500 respectively). (Hungarian only) www.jazzesaborfesztivalja.eu the M7 until Exit of Lake Balaton. Take shore Journey Lengyeltóti/Balatonboglár. 143 towards time is 90 minutes. younger festival attendees and an exhibi- tion will display works by painter András include a festival glass Attila Kiss. Tickets and one wine tasting. ARGIT LD BUDA BUDA UNGARIAN EST NNER VAM D M with Katalin musical opera Erzsébet Báthory, the Csaba Zöld, György Szomor, Benedekffy, and Choir and the Ballet Hungarian Orchestra Opera (world premiere). of Kolozsvár Company 14 July Saturday Classical entertainment O I Teleki Mária Horváth and Miklós (mezzo-soprano) Bach, Pergolesi, Vivaldi, works by (organ) perform and Boelmann. Franck Saint-Saens, Mozart, Farkas, Ó H A38 Friday 13 July Classical entertainment Ó P entertainment Popular A38 Jazz and Wine Festival Festival Jazz and Wine Day ticket HUF 2,500, students and pensioners: By car: By train: Dogs (rock); soul). Concert with István Mikó and the BlackBirds. performs works by Mozart worksperforms by and Dvorak. and Tobias Bigger (piano) perform Buttykay’s Capriccio, Buttykay’s Bigger (piano) perform Tobias and Fuchs’ Hongrois, Poème Hubay’s Sonata in D major, and Brahms’Tanzweisen Ungarische Sonata Koessler’s in D minor. ance of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale with Tamás Altorjay, Tamás with Don Pasquale ance of Donizetti’s András Hajdú and Csaba Gaál. Ildikó Szakács, ance of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale with Tamás Altorjay, Tamás with Don Pasquale ance of Donizetti’s András Hajdú and Csaba Gaál. Ildikó Szakács, (electronica). : : of the Corvinus Dance Ensemble and the Hungarianof the Corvinus Dance Ensemble Ensemble. State Folk Zeropozitive, Kollaps (rock); Kollaps Zeropozitive, AT PM PM 7 8 AT Beethoven : Cathedral Organ Cathedral PM : PM 8.30 8 PORTARÉNA AT S Benkó Dixieland Band. Cimbaliband; : Retransmission of Mozart’s Retransmission Suicidal Tendencies (USA, Suicidal Tendencies PASO Soundsystem. PASO Boban and Marko Markovics Boban and Marko : : : : PM : Rosetta (USA), Kings Destroy Veronika Harcsa Quartet (jazz). Veronika PM PM PM : PM PM : 6 7 9 8 8 2012 8.30 PM ASILICA AT ILLIAMS PM ASTLE AT UDAPEST Savages y Suefo (electronica); y Suefo Savages 8 8 B C B W : ULY LUB AT OO AT PM ARK AT Z P C ERT AT ERT AT 10 HEATRE AT ERT AT Balaton Sound Warm Up Party:Warm Balaton Sound Bergi, TEPHEN ÁSZLÓ K – 12 J T ARDON AT -K azz and wine are already known to mix already azz and wine are and the resort well. Add a lakeside of Festival outcome is the Jazz and Wine L S -K P AT : The event kicks off next Wednesday with Wednesday The event kicks off next The festival finishes with Serbian band the “town of grapes and Balatonboglár, A play corner will be available for the ÉNÉDICTE Jazz & Wine Fest, Balatonboglár, 11-14 July 11-14 Fest, Balatonboglár, Jazz & Wine The Vörös Janka Group will play at the festival next at the festival Group will play Vörös Janka The Wednesday. ULY Tap the feet, tap a bottle the Tap PM B J Balatonboglár, now in its 13th year and Balatonboglár, running between 11 and 14 July. Church a jazz mass in the Lutheran and the followed by the Vörös Janka Group Fekete festival old-timers of the Kornél Jász Quintet at 8pm. The András Kovács over take Trio and the Vukán Kultúrfunk guests can listen Friday and Thursday, next Trio to the sounds of the David Yengibarian and the East Gipsy Band. BA- fusion, Roma-inspired and the Naked LAN-cE. wine” at the heart of the eponymous wine at the will be well represented region, festival but Balatonlelle, the north side of Tokaj Villány, Balaton and, further away, and Somlóhegy will also be represented. ÜRER KVÁRIUM RÁNIA ÜRER UDAPEST UDAPEST OBUCI AINT AJDAHUNYAD ÖLD APP 6 J P Varnus. Rhoda Schott and Xavér B Popular entertainment Popular D Detachments (UK, indie). V Thursday 12 July Classical entertainment S A A38 10 Z K B Popular entertainment Popular D Wednesday 11 July Wednesday Classical entertainment U Boemklatsch (electronica). (USA), Torn From Earth (USA), Torn (rock, metal). Orkestar. metal, punk). Don Giovanni, with Mariusz Kwiecien, Luca Pisaroni, Don Giovanni, and Vargas Marina Rebeka, Ramon Kocan, Stefan Joshua Bloom. Concert.Virágh Virágh and András Gábor András and Zsuzanna Gion (mezzo- Bakos (organ), Kornélia Tóth and László Borsódy and László soprano) Albinoni, Charpentier, (trumpet) works by perform Gounod, Purcell, Händel, Liszt and others. evening with the MÁV Symphony Orchestra: with the MÁV Symphony evening Egmont Violin Concerto in D major (violin: Overture, Vilmos No.Szabadi) and Symphony in A major. 7 22

11 TEN-DAY GUIDE THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 13 M Popular entertainment

A38 AT 11AM: Fairy-tale ship, children’s programme with puppet theatre and U Magyar Mesezenekar band; AT 8PM: Bin- Touch, smell, learn about Egypt Jip (electronica, jazz); AT 10PM: Tesco S Disco (electronica, indie).

the visitor a chance to experience ancient E IF CAFÉ AT 7.30PM: Jazz evening with NIKLAS JAKOBSSON objects in a different way. “Here you can use Tommy Vig (vibraphone, USA) and István

other senses and some people use their smell U Gyárfás (guitar). isitors at the Szépmûvészeti Múzeum and smell the object,” Csordás said. (Museum of Fine Arts) can get to The success of the project will see more DÜRER-KERT AT 8PM: K2, Stereomilk, grips with ancient Egypt thanks to the volunteers added and potentially more times M Pluto (pop); AT 8PM: Slaves Strike Back, In for the Hands On! desk. “Some people are The Cold Light, One Reason To Kiss, popular Hands On! project. Izabella

V Egyptology students. There are some other S Csordás is the head of visitor services and has Eclectyca, Crown of Victory (hardcore, volunteers who are economists or dancers.” metal). been in charge of the project since it began in September 2010. “The programme gives very At present the project runs on ZÖLD PARDON AT 8PM: Kerekes Band. special experiences and visitors can under- Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2.15 to stand the history better,” she said. All the 5.15pm and from 5.15 to 8.15pm when the & HILTON HOTEL AT 8PM: The Orchestra objects are genuine Egyptian artefacts which museum is open at night. Philharmonietta Budapest presents Jean- are several thousand years old. Michel Jarre and French impressionism.

In English Museum of Fine Arts G MARGIT ISLAND OPEN-AIR STAGE AT 8.30PM: Erzsébet Báthory, opera musical The people working at the Hands On! Open daily 10am-5.30pm except Mon. (ticket with Katalin Benedekffy, Csaba Zöld, office closes at 4.30pm). Ticket desk open

desk are all volunteers and one of the condi- A György Szomor, the Hungarian Opera tions for doing so is the ability to communi- Tues.-Sun. 10am-5pm, and on second Orchestra and Choir and the Ballet cate well in English. “If you are a visitor who doesn’t possibly the volunteers speak another language as Thursdays until 9pm with a Museum + events Company of Kolozsvár. L speak English but speaks another foreign language well,” Csordás said. ticket. District XIV, Hõsök tere. Tel. (+36-1) 469-7100. you can always give the programme a try because Hands On! originated in the UK. The programme gives www.szepmuveszeti.hu Sunday 15 July L

Classical entertainment E USEUMS treasures of Count Gorgey. Open Tues.-Sun. NAGYTÉTÉNYI CASTLE MUSEUM Eighteenth- KASSÁK MUSEUM Branch of Petõfi Literature M R MUSIC HOUSE AT 8PM: The Concerto 10am-8pm. District I, Lovas út 4/C. Tel. (+36) century castle restored to former splendour Museum. Mainly works of Lajos Kassák (1887- 70 701-0101. www.sziklakorhaz.hu 1967), leading figure of the Hungarian avant- Budapest String Ensemble and Four Bones AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM Covering life in a featuring a permanent exhibition on the art of Quartet perform works by Weiner, Kodály, medieval village, viticulture, plants and more furniture making from the Gothic to the garde. The exhibition Shift. Worker-culture and I HOUSE OF TERROR MUSEUM Secret police Lifestyle-reform at the Madzsar runs until 30 Georg Tibor and János Nagy. with a temporary exhibition on The Horse – Biedermeier. Open Tues.-Fri. 10am-6pm. E headquarters during both the fascist and National Horse Exhibition. The exhibition District XXII, Kastélypark u. 9-11. Tel. (+36-1) September. District III, Fõ tér 1 (Zichy House). Popular entertainment socialist periods celebrates ten years of exis- 207-0005. www.nagytetenyi.hu Open Wed.-Sun. 10am-5pm. Tel. (+36-1) 368- Organic Images and Visions by Márk Margóczi S runs until 18 July. The exhibition Hungarian tence as a museum of terror regimes. Open 7021. www.kassakmuzeum.hu MARGIT ISLAND OPEN-AIR STAGE AT Crafts 2012 – The world of water through the Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. District VI, Andrássy út NATIONAL MUSEUM Covering the whole of 8.30PM: Erzsébet Báthory, opera musical eyes of artisans runs until 20 July. Open Tues.- 60. Tel. (+36-1) 374-2600. www.terrorhaza.hu Hungarian history, from the ancient origins of LÉNA ROSELLI GALLERY The exhibition with Katalin Benedekffy, Csaba Zöld, Sun., 10am-5pm. Tel. (+36-1) 363-1117. the Hungarians, their journey to the Graph-Icons is open until 11 September. Open György Szomor, the Hungarian Opera District XIV, Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park. HUNGARIAN JEWISH MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES Carpathian Basin and events until 1990. The Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm. District V, Galamb u. 10. Orchestra and Choir and the Ballet www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu Religious and historical collection at the Great exhibition Gömböc – The meeting of science Tel. (+36-1) 318-4792. www.lenaroselli- Company of Kolozsvár. Synagogue in District VII, Dohány u. 2. Tel. and art runs until 2 September. The exhibition gallery.com (+36-1) 317-1377. www.dohany-zsinagoga.hu AQUINCUM MUSEUM Archaeological findings Ancient Hungarian Cemetery at Nagykörõ. from the remains of the Roman military Unique Finds from the West Bank of the River LUDWIG CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM DOWN THE ROAD garrison and trading settlement Aquincum.The HUNGARIAN MUSEUM OF TRADE AND Tisza runs until 30 September. Open Tues.-Fri. (Palace of Arts) The exhibition Empire, State, exhibition New Finds from Roman-Era TOURISM Catering industry relics based on the 10am-6pm. District VIII, Múzeum körút 14-16. Building by Société Réaliste runs until 5 August. The exhibition of works by photogra- SUNDAY 29 JULY (8PM): Bryan Adams at Budapest – Archaeological Excavations private collection of Frigyes Glück and Tel. (+36-1) 338-2122/327-7749. www.hnm.hu pher Robert Mapplethorpe runs until 30 Papp László Budapest Sportaréna between 2007 and 2011 is open until 7 April extended to include posters, scales, furniture September. The exhibition The Hero, The 2013. Open daily 10am-6pm except Mon. The and a numismatic collection. The exhibition NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Covering botany Heroine and the Author runs until 21 October. WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST (8PM): G3 – Joe outdoor ruins are open from 9am. District III, Csárdás, Polka, Zepperli – Hospitality and and zoology. Open daily 10am-5pm except Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-8pm. On the last Satriani, Steve Vai, Steve Morse at Papp Szentendrei út 135. Tel. (+36-1) 250-1650. Music Trade in the 19th century runs until 16 Tues. District VIII, Ludovika tér 2-6. Tel. (+36-1) Sunday each month entrance is free for visi- László Budapest Sportaréna www.aquincum.hu September. The exhibitions on advertising and 210-1085. www.nhmus.hu “I have never had a home...” – Scenes from tors under 26, and up to two adult relatives accompanying a child under 18. District XI, MONDAY 6 AUGUST TO MONDAY 13 BÉLA BARTÓK MEMORIAL HOUSE Concerts Gyula Krúdy’s Budapest Life run until 31 PETÕFI LITERATURE MUSEUM Named after Komor Marcell u 1. Tel. (+36-1) 555-3444 AUGUST: Sziget Festival on Óbudai Island in one hall and a memorial room with original December. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. the poet Sándor Petõfi (1823-1849). The exhi- www.lumu.hu furniture and Bartók’s folk art collection, District III, Korona tér 1. Tel. (+36-1) 212-1245. bition The Faces of the Invisible Man – Géza THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER (8PM): Il Divo photos, letters and notes on his life. Open www.mkvm.hu Gárdonyi is open until 2 October. The exhibi- MAI MANÓ HUNGARIAN HOUSE OF at Papp László Budapest Sportaréna Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm. District II, Csalán út 29. tion Rubik’s Cube of Letters – Fifty years of the PHOTOGRAPHY Shows works by Hungarian Tel. (+36-1) 394-2100. www.bartokmuseum.hu HUNGARIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM Train buff’s Parisian Magyar Mûhely (Hungarian SATURDAY 29 (8PM) AND SUNDAY 30 paradise with many steam engines and Workshop) runs until 28 October. The exhibi- and foreign photographers. The exhibition Rarely Seen Photographs – A Journey SEPTEMBER (3PM): Cavalero equestrian UDAPEST ISTORY USEUM Covering the carriages, operational turntables, the largest tions on the 100th anniversary of the birth of B H M through the Photographic Treasures of art show at Papp László Budapest history of the capital. “The body as landscape” roundhouse in Central Europe with interactive István Örkény and of Géza Ottlik run until 31 Hungarian Museums runs until 16 September. Sportaréna – Exhibition of works by Mexican sculptor programmes such as a self-powered rail car December and 30 January respectively. and engine driving. Children’s miniature rail District V, Károlyi Mihály u. 16. Open Tues.- Open weekdays 2-7pm, weekends 11am- Jorge Marín runs until 15 July. The exhibition 7pm. District VI, Nagymezõ u. 20. Tel. (+36.1) MONDAY 15 OCTOBER (7.30PM): Sir John line. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. District XIV, Sun. 10am-6pm. Tel. (+36-1) 317-3611. Muses on Theatre Square – 200th anniversary 473-2666. www.maimano.hu Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir at of the German Theatre of Pest (1812-1849) is Tatai út 95. Tel. (+36-1) 238-0558. www.vasut- www.pim.hu the Palace of Arts open until 30 September. Open daily 10am- tortenetipark.hu STAMP MUSEUM Items from around the world. MOLNÁR ANI GALLERY The exhibition 6pm except Mon. Buda Castle building E, Untouchable Matters by Emese Benczúr, WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER (8PM): Dead MEDIEVAL JEWISH HOUSE OF PRAYER Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. District VII, District I, Szent György tér 2. Tel. (+36-1) 487- Szilárd Cseke, Veronika Jakatics-Szabó, Éva Can Dance at Papp László Budapest Collection shedding light on the life of Jews Hársfa u. 47. Tel. (+36-1) 341-5526. 8800. www.btm.hu/ Mayer, Mihael Milunovic and Sergiu Toma is Sportaréna during the Middle Ages. Open Tues.-Sun. www.belyegmuzeum.hu 10am-6pm. District I, Táncsics Mihály u. 26. open until 7 September. Open Tues.-Fri. EVANGELICAL NATIONAL MUSEUM Covering 12noon-6pm. District VIII, Bródy Sándor u. 22. UESDAY OVEMBER PM Earth, Wind Tel. (+36-1) 225-7816. www.museum.hu UNDERGROUND RAILWAY MUSEUM T 6 N (8 ): the Protestant faith in Hungary. The exhibition Tel. (+36-1) 327-0095. www.molnaraniga- & Fire at Syma Event and Congress Centre Commemorates the continent’s first under- Our vocation is life – Reformation and Women leria.hu runs until 31 October. Open Tues.-Sun., 10am- MEMENTO PARK Communist statuary shunted ground train line, the “Földalatti”, which opened TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER (8PM): Diana 5pm. District V, Deák Ferenc tér 4. Tel. (+36-1) out of the streets and into a field on the edge in 1896 (now Metro 1, the yellow line). In an MÛCSARNOK The exhibition European Krall at Papp László Budapest Sportaréna 317-4173. www.evangelikusmuzeum.hu of town. Direct buses leave from Deák tér at original stretch of the tunnel at Deák tér metro 11am daily. Open from 10am-dusk. District station in District V. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am- Travellers. Art from Cluj Today runs until 8 July. District XIV, Dózsa György út 37. Open Tues.- WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER (8PM): Lionel FERENC HOPP MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN XXII, corner of Balatoni út and Szabadkai út. 5pm. Tel. (+36-1) 461-6500. www.bkv.hu Tel. (+36-1) 424-7500. www.mementopark.hu Sun. 10am-6pm except Thurs.12pm-8pm. Tel. Richie at Papp László Budapest ARTS Works collected by the traveller Ferenc (+36-1) 460-7000. www.mucsarnok.hu Sportaréna Hopp. The temporary exhibition is Land of the GALLERIES MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS Permanent Morning Calm, Korean Art in the 18th-19th MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Huge collection of collection of works of applied art in an Art ART9 GALLERY The exhibition Silence Centuries. Open Fri.-Sun. 2pm-6pm. District Hungarian and international painting.The exhi- VI, Andrássy út 103. Tel. (+36-1) 322-8476. Nouveau landmark. The exhibition Art for all – Collection by Katalin Kádár runs until 14 July. The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s Open Tues.-Fri. 4pm-8pm. District IX, Ráday u. bition The Age of Pieter Bruegel. www.imm.hu (Museum of Applied Arts Netherlandish Drawings from the 16th Century website) leading museum of art and design runs until 16 47. September. The exhibition Art Deco and runs until 16 September. Open daily 10am- 5.30pm except Mon. (ticket office closes at Modernism – Home Decoration in Hungary, BÁLINT HOUSE The exhibition FERENC LISZT MEMORIAL MUSEUM A recon- 4.30pm). Ticket desk open Tues.-Sun. 10am- 1920-1940 runs until 30 September. Open Communications by László Feszt runs until 5 struction of Liszt’s last Budapest flat containing 5pm, and on second Thursdays until 9pm with Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. District IX, Üllõi út 33- September. Open daily 9am-8pm. District VI, his original instruments, furniture, books, a Museum + events ticket. District XIV, Hõsök 37. Tel. (+36-1) 456-5107. www.imm.hu Révay u. 16. Tel. (+36-1) 311-9214. scores, personal objects and memorabilia. The tere. www.szepmuveszeti.hu exhibition Liszt and Budapest, covering his www.balinthaz.hu MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY Covering tradi- stays in the city from his first performance in PARK GALLERY The exhibition Illusion of tional customs and clothing. The exhibition EÁK RIKA ALÉRIA 1823 to his farewell concert in 1886, is running D E G The exhibition In A Progress by Szilárd Cseke is open until 2 Berliner Castle – Humboldt Forum:The Project until 20 October. In the Old Music Academy, Cage by András Böröcz runs until 28 July. December. Open daily 7am-12pm. MOM Park, runs until 8 July.The exhibition Women, Hand- District VI, Vörösmarty u. 35. Open Mon.-Fri. Open Wed.-Fri. 12noon-6pm and Sat. 11am- first floor, District XII, Alkotás u. 53. Tel. (+36-1) 10am-6pm, Sat. 9am-5pm. Tel. (+36-1) 322- woven rugs, Home industry features carpets 4pm. District VI, Mozsár u. 1. Tel. (+36-1) 201- 487-5500. www.mompark.hu 9804. www.lisztmuseum.hu from Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria and runs 3740. www.deakgaleria.hu until 26 August. New Acquisitions, Restored PLATÁN GALLERY (Polish Institute) The exhibi- GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF HUNGARY Artefacts is open until 26 August. The exhibi- ERNST MUSEUM The exhibition Overpainted tion Wavy Block by Julita Wójcik is open until Collection of rocks and fossils in a building by tion Amazonia – Reaching Out To The Indians Icons by Károly Kelemen is running until 15 31 August. Open Tues.-Fri. 11am-7pm. District architect Ödön Lechner. Open Thurs., Sat., runs until 26 October. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am- July. Open daily 11am-7pm except Mon. VI, Andrássy út 32.Tel. (+36-1) 505-4660, 311- Sun. 10am-4pm. District XIV, Stefánia út. 14. 6pm. District V, Kossuth Lajos tér 12. Tel. (+36- District VI, Nagymezõ u. 8. Tel. (+36-1) 413- 5856. www.lengyelkultura.hu Tel. (+36-1) 251-0999. www.mafi.hu 1) 473-2400. www.neprajz.hu 1311. www.ernstmuzeum.hu VASARELY MUSEUM Large permanent collec- HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER Covering MUSEUM OF ÓBUDA Permanent exhibition on HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY The exhibi- tion of works by Hungarian-French artist Victor the fate of Hungarian Jews in the Holocaust. Óbuda – Three faces of a town. The exhibition tion Heroes, Kings, Saints. Scenes and Vasarely, the founder of op art. Open daily The exhibition Walls, Signs, Destinies – The “Major changes have taken place for Óbuda” – Memories of the History of Hungary is open 10am-5.30pm except Mon. District III, Deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz Pál Herrer and the age of Budapest’s unifica- until 26 August. The exhibition Rippl-Rónai – Szentlélek tér 6. Tel. (+36-1) 388-7551. runs until 2 September. Open Tues.- tion runs until 31 January. District III, Fõ tér 1. Pieces of Art from the Hands of Old Collectors www.vasarely.hu Sun.10am-6pm. District IX, Páva u 39. Tel. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm. Tel. (+36-1) 250- runs until 23 September. Open daily 10am- (+36-1) 455-3333. www.hdke.hu 1020. www.obudaimuzeum.hu 6pm except Mon. Wings B, C and D of the VILTIN GALLERY The exhibition Politechnic by Royal Palace. District I, Szent György tér 2.Tel. Erika Baglyas, Mária Chilf, Andrea Huszár, HOSPITAL IN THE ROCK Formerly secret MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT Covering the history (+36) 20 439-7325 or (+36) 20 439-7331. Mariann Imre, Dorottya Szabó, Kata Tranker, underground air-raid hospital and nuclear of road and rail transport in Hungary. The www.mng.hu Krisztina Vigh and Zsuzsa Vinkler runs until 11 bunker, with an exhibition about Friedrich Born, aerospace collection is in the nearby Petõfi August. Open Tues.-Fri. 12noon-6pm and Sat. Swiss delegate of the Red Cross in Budapest Csarnok (Zichy Mihály u. 3). Open Tues.-Fri. INDA GALLERY The exhibition Playground 11am-5pm or by appointment. District V, from 1944-1945, who saved up to 15,000 Jews 10am-4pm, and Sat.-Sun. 10am-5pm. District runs until 20 July. Open Tues.-Fri. 2pm-6pm or Széchenyi u. 3. Tel. (+36-1) 787-5866. by handing out protection documents. XIV, Városligeti körút 11.Tel. (+36-1) 273-3840. by appointment. District VI, Király u. 34, II/4. www.viltin.hu Flashlight tour daily at 7pm in quest of lost www.mmkm.hu Tel. (+36-1) 413-1960. www.indagaleria.hu IMES T UDAPEST B HE T undreds of guests gathered to the twang of countryundreds of guests gathered to the twang the embassy of the by at a reception hosted music one day Tuesday, United States in Buda Castle on marking celebrations the ahead of the Fourth of July Howdy y’all! A cowboy-hat-sporting US Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos US Ambassador Eleni A cowboy-hat-sporting in Afghanistan, Defence to international contribution forces Recalling Hungary’s H 236th anniversary of American independence. (right) took the occasion to recall the establishment Kounalakis the US and Hungary ago.of diplomatic relations between 90 years peoples The two of liberty of prosperity, and the hope that the foundations the love are connected by society can be created open and pluralist human rights and democratic, respect for she said. the world over, the preservation of more for Minister Csaba Hende said Hungary is ready to do even liberty. • UROS E floor nd IMES IMES RICE IN UROPE / E / P T T URO E UROPA E 240-7583 REISE IN P (+36-1) Unterschrift / Signature ück:...... Fax: Fax: No. of copies:...... ORINTS F UBSCRIPTION www.bzt.hu www.budapesttimes.hu www.bzt.hu RICE IN UNGARY EITUNG EITUNG / P / H PLZ/Post Code PLZ/Post UDAPEST UDAPEST / S PLZ/Post Code PLZ/Post abonnieren St Z Z E-mail E-mail ORINT NGARN F U Internet: H-1037 Budapest, Kunigunda útja 18, 2 H-1037 Budapest, Kunigunda B B The Budapest Times The Budapest REISE IN 453-0752, 453-0753 P Budapester Zeitung (+36-1) HE HE [email protected] Tel: 2012 Datum / Date T T E-mail: I would like to subscribe to like I would Ich möchte die ULY 1 Jahr / 1 Year Year / 1 1 Jahr 12,000 50 1 halbes Jahr / 6 Months1 halbes Jahr Year / 1 1 Jahr 16,000 30,000 120 210 – 12 J BT Redaktionsbüro/Editorial Offices: Redaktionsbüro/Editorial ULY BONNEMENT

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11 US INDEPENDENCEDAY THE BUDAPEST TIMES 6 JULY – 12 JULY 2012 15 E A T I N

V. Zoltán u. 16 G (next to Szabadság tér) Reservations:

331-4352 O U To advertise in Budapest’s favorite Italian

restaurant for over 10 years T Real Tuscan cuisine THE BUDAPEST TIMES Budapest, V. Belgrád rakpart 13 www.toscana.hu BUDAPESTER ZEITUNG Tel.:+36 (1) 327 0045 RESTAURANTS call 453-0752 BZT/Aaron Taylor (2) Taylor BZT/Aaron

Everything you always wanted to know about Hungarian cuisine Evenings are enhanced by our entertainment show led by one of Hungary’s best Gipsy bands, featuring world famous gipsy music and evergreens Ideas backed by substance from international performers. Review: Borkonyha, District V

than stamp out their taste. The same cannot be said BÉNÉDICTE WILLIAMS about the herbs which, on this and on other dishes, are dotted around on the plate but do not add all the hat Borkonyha sees itself as being as much about expected flavour. drink as about food can easily be deduced from Vegetarians will find themselves limited in their T its name, where bor stands for wine and konyha for options with only a few salads and fish dishes to choose Bring this ad with You! We’ll invite you for a glass of Pálinka of the house kitchen. The point is driven home at the entrance as a from. Among these is salmon trout, a large portion of (Hungarian spirit 4cl) after your dinner! long bar with high seats overlooking a wall lined with pink flesh more delicate and slightly drier than salmon. upright bottles is almost the first sight to greet the eye. The seasoning is less successful here, becoming over- To the left, the restaurant’s main room stretches open, whelming as one makes one’s way through the piece of a spacious, high-roofed space with seating for just under fish. After the already generous-enough appetisers, 50. Window framings in contrasting paint and a couple starters and bread, it also gets more difficult to handle all of chandeliers in twisted metallic shapes lend a contem- of the buttery pasta, which is a shame because it is clearly 1014 Budapest (Castle District), Táncsics Mihály u. 25 porary edge to the otherwise low-key setting. fresh and home-made. Further colour and taste are Reservation: +36 1 212 8565, +36 1 212 9891, [email protected], www.kiralyrestaurant.hu added by the pieces of celery branch, gherkin, dried More than a taste of wine tomato and pine nut. A simple but tempting chocolate, caramel and The menu is deceptively simple. One side lists wines, hazelnut dessert is brought to a neighbouring table, but some 30 Hungarian names, the other a short selection of the raspberry cottage cheese mousse appears to be a foods. There are in fact over 200 wines, predominantly better fit for such a warm day. The combination of the Hungarian, some better known than others, and avail- creamy mousse topped by a few raspberries in their most able for consumption whether by the bottle or by the natural state, a raspberry sorbet and a drizzle of crunchy glass. When it comes to narrowing down the options, the almond crumbs is a classic one, but the ingredients are waiters’ brief is not limited to suggesting a few names. good and it works well. Bringing the bottles to the table and offering a sip of By contrast, the vanilla tomato with peach and carrot each means it is possible to choose the wine best suited is too unusual to be bypassed. The dessert can be to that day’s mood. approached as a game, testing which of the four ingredi- As to the food, the menu card gives a flavour of the ents’ flavours work best together. The tomato, presented restaurant’s aim to provide a version of contemporary in a glass with a little light vanilla cream, blends well with Hungarian cuisine where pork and paprika are replaced the salty spiciness of the carrot. The association of the by pigeon, rabbit and interesting vegetable and herb latter with the peach ice-cream is less convincing but that combinations. perhaps also depends on how far each taster’s palate is The meal starts with the restaurant’s appetiser, three willing to be challenged. small rolls of duck rillettes with a pea mousse. Presented Artistic presentations and original pairings can some- inside a mock tin (not easy to handle with a knife and times be a deceptive cover for lack of substance but this fork), the pâté-like meat is well-flavoured but not very well barely two years old and promising restaurant clearly served by the pea mousse, a tad too bright and floury for makes its ideas work. comfort. Pine nuts make the first of many an appearance. A basket of bread sits on the table along with a pot of chive-flavoured butter: some slices are studded with Price points cumin seeds, others with nuts. Both rank among the best restaurant breads in Budapest for their freshness and Soups and starters: ...... HUF 1,650-3,350 character. Mains:...... HUF 2,750-6,750 Dessert: ...... HUF 950-1,150 Pigeon, veal, tomato and vanilla Wine (dl): ...... HUF 640-2,900

The pigeon starter now arrives, a couple of pieces of breast crispy and well-seasoned on the outside and succu- lent on the inside. It is served with a trio of cauliflower- derived preparations: a couple of blanched florets coloured by a nearby cube of beetroot, a bedding of millimetre-thin raw cauliflower and a streak of creamy cauliflower thickened with pumpkin seed mayonnaise. The Arany Kaviar effect is pleasing both for the eyes and for the taste buds. Crisp and soft contrasts also feature in the duck liver, a nice combination of two paper-thin, crusty, fried Restaurant outside layers encasing the tender liver. The sweet and Eat like a Russian Tsar slightly acid bed of cubed green apple, pine nut and balsamic vinegar also complement well the more bitter taste of the meat. Spend a pleasant evening on our cosy terrace. Mains serve up another interesting cut in the shape of Borkonyha veal neck: the meat is well cooked and inherently juicy, District V, Sas utca 3 1015 Budapest, Ostrom u. 19 with its seasoning kept relatively low-key in contrast with Open Mon.-Sat. 12noon-midnight, closed Sundays Summer opening times: Mo-Sa: 6pm-12pm the vegetables. These, including savoy cabbage, small and holidays Tel.: (+36 1) 201 6737 cubes of carrot and a purée billed in English as carrot Tel. (+36-1) 266-0835 [email protected] but actually made of the more unusual (in local terms) www.borkonyha.hu www.aranykaviar.hu turnip, are seasoned in such a way as to enhance rather IMES T UDAPEST B HE T His 16-year-old sister, Betty Bácsi, sister, His 16-year-old “If summed it up this way: Tamás often told of the many are We is no shortage of intellec- There Hungary an incu- So is the real Bácsi, is a prodigy pianist and a Bácsi, is a prodigy scholarship student at the Royal Conservatory of Music, an selective school. His extremely is to be a concert pianist and dream the play in concert halls around world. of becoming a nurse. They dreams do not want to leave Canada. we have to go back (to Hungary) it to hard really our dreams will make achieve.” Hungarian achievements in great science, music finance, literature, and the arts in general. capital among these tual or creative many of the achieve- people. Yet accomplished outside ments were Hungary’s borders. its inhabi- bator; a cocoon where tants morph into butterflies but in to live up to their full poten- order fly away? fly, tial must fly, – Go cult. Be a follower. www.ThreeYearsOnMars.com Jesus makes it very clear that kind of inti- it very clear that Jesus makes “Purity of One theologian put it this way: that says On top of this the writer of Hebrews Putting the cart before the horse Putting the cart before the mate knowledge of God and fellowship with mate knowledge of heart. Do you for the pure God is reserved you pursuing have the purity of Christ? Are practical holiness and purity? so that God heart cleanses the eyes of the soul points out: Paul becomes visible.” The Apostle then but dimly, mirror now we see in a “For but then I shall face to face; now I know in part, fully known.” know fully just as I also have been men, and the we should “pursue peace with all in of becoming pure sanctification (the process see the Lord”. heart) without which no one will Unfortunately our problem is that we say to Unfortunately our problem have the Holy Spirit in your life you need To It’s not what is on you 100 per cent pure? Are your whole lifetime but what a life It may take you will demonstrate Welch, As you do, like Bradley Belcher is the senior pastor with the - Rev. Toronto God, “reveal yourself to me and I will walk in God, “reveal purity and I will purity”. But God says, “walk in speaking the myself to you”. Practically reveal only way that we will be able to find the blessedness and vision that Jesus is talking can’t that we about is for us to first recognise life without the power and guidance live a pure the work of His of God in our lives through Holy Spirit. your old life and turn to faith to turn away from It must also stay in God’s Word. in Christ. You is impossible to stay in God’s will apart from you will walk in God’s Word As you His Word. be walking by His Spirit. And as you walk in His you Lastly, Spirit you will be walking in purity. prayer, through seeking God will need to keep asking Him to help you live in purity of heart. the outside of the container that counts. What is on the inside is what ultimately matters. Only in your that kind of difference God can make life. it will be as you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, finding blessedness and vision as heart with all due diligence. you pursue a pure a heart and leave the commitment of a pure beautiful legacy worth emulating. of Budapest, International Baptist Church Should you have a question www.ibcbudapest.info. column, email this or comment regarding [email protected] : 100 per cent pure : 100 per was a story of a Hungarian The West was very concerned The West Hungarians a people who So are In the 4 July edition of the Having been given poor advice son, Tamás The 18-year-old their history know full well that part Treaty of the blame for the Trianon can be laid at the feet of Béla Kun: the Hungarian communist leader who briefly led the first communist country outside the newly formed Soviet Union. about Bolshevik expansion. flir- albeit brief, Hungary’s voluntary, tation with communism was not was not Hungary viewed favourably. trusted. And Hungary was punished. simply dwell on the past? Not those genuinely trying to move this who are nation out of its current beleaguered is no money in There economic mire. history. You can’t get there from here get can’t You Star and about to be family living there deported. (tiny.cc/bo4ygw) in on how to gain legal residency Canada and having failed, they are now being legally removed. The six kinds of purity The only true religion, however, is heart reli- however, The only true religion, gion which is based on God’s implanted purity. gion which is based faith in what This implanted purity comes by His Son, Jesus Christ. God has done through have redemption “We wrote: The Apostle Paul of our tres- His blood, the forgiveness through to the riches of His grace.” passes, according our hearts) His When God imputes (places in faith He imputes righteousness to us through His purity to us as well. Christian writer and minister John Christian writer and minister HOLY. HOLY, God in that He is HOLY, it was corrupted by sin before God’s creation the fall of man. through moment we trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is at this of the new believer. new nature point that the sanctification (purifying) begins until that day when we shall be process conformed to the image of Christ. in God allows us to participate purity where our efforts in cooper- righteousness through ation with His Spirit. him in Christ and one day will be made like What a day that will be when our in purity. will be totally and perma- old sinful nature nently washed away. Do you have positional and imputed purity purity the beautiful truth is that inward Lastly, The blessedness that Jesus is talking about is pure that those who are Jesus also promises MacArthur Jr. suggests that as we look at the MacArthur Jr. we find six kinds of purity: Scriptures only with Purity is the purity that exists – Prime in that existed Purity is the purity – Created the Purity is the purity we receive – Positional – Imputed purity is the purity God grants to the part of our purity is the exciting – Practical – Ultimate purity is for those who have believed based on faith in what God has done for you you doing in your Christ? How are through you everyday walk in practical purity? Are longing for the day you will walk with Jesus in a purity is really inward ultimate purity? True God. gift from will bring about true blessedness and vision. peace and contentment that the true inner joy, the is not derived or maintained through of life. circumstances says, in heart will see God. Literally the text “they shall be continuously seeing God for themselves”. I would love to have that kind of vision. While racism-related stories are While racism-related Bordering on melancholy However, Hungarians who know However, There is the persistent self-pitying There The idea of offering Hungarian Is this the “real you”: a racist? Is this the “real news items, Hungarians who frequent openly racists, such as members are the of Jobbik, do not represent majority and never will. While they the news they will never often make capable While they are policy. make within Hungary’s trouble of creating they an outside view, from borders, than a national amount to little more embarrassment. . Its English equiv- angst over the Trianon Treaty, soon Treaty, angst over the Trianon to be a century old. It is not likely be will Slovakia, Serbia or Romania offering to grant territory back to Hungary any time soon, yet still the injustice lingers on. Is this perceived someone self-pitying who you are: and always dwelling on the past? citizenship to ethnic Hungarians was living outside Hungarian borders a clever move to help mitigate the obstinate stuck-in-the-past mindset of so many Hungarians. katharos Catharsis In contrast to this, Jesus was saying that all In contrast to this, Jesus was saying earlier Solomon had written: “Watch Years so he is.” In Jesus’ day the Jewish leaders known so he is.” In Jesus’ teaching for the most part were as the Pharisees about a purity is what brought that external with God. right relationship up for make the right living in the world can’t self-centred unforgiving, an evil, unrepentant, heart a pure heart. Scripturally speaking having should was not a new idea, and the Pharisees have known better. it for from over your heart with all diligence, David had flow the springs of Life.” King me a clean heart, O God, in prayed: “Create me.” God a steadfast spirit within and renew our hearts has always been concerned with anything else. than more The Greek idea also describes the process by idea also describes the process The Greek When we apply this idea to the heart it would that true to recognise we also need Secondly, many variations of the first kind, are There The Greek word used for “pure” in Jesus’ “pure” used for word The Greek alent forms the word “catharsis” with the basic alent forms the word dirt, filth and contam- meaning to cleanse from to the idea of is also related ination. The word pure. chaste or remaining being and keeping until all of the impuri- refined which metals are metal. In that leaving the pure removed, ties are idea of denotes the “pure” sense the word unal- someone or something that is unmixed, loyed or unadulterated. motives, single minded- mean a heart with pure ness, undivided devotion, integrity and true righteousness. When a heart overflows with in outward integrity and righteousness it results righteousness and purity. honesty, integrity, purity is an expres- Accepting that true outward we can ask: do you purity, sion of true inward you just going purity or are have truly inward motions of purity? the external through God. One a gift from purity is really inward are basically there theologian put it this way: of human - the religion two kinds of religion of divine accom- achievement and the religion plishment. but biblical which includes every religion of human the religions Within Christianity. head two basic approaches: accomplishment are and religious which trusts in creeds religion in which trusts knowledge, and hand religion good deeds. statement is the word statement is the word I wasn’t being “myself” I wasn’t The Beatitudes – Part VI of VIII – Part The Beatitudes In bad weather, when you see In bad weather, Most of us have witnessed first- Hungary please So would the real situations “I have bought houses be known, than this”. Truth quicker have proven some of those purchases to be less than wise. But that is Or an ongoing one. another story. people, companies or countries behave in vile and vulgar ways while often playing the victim, you begin to of the “real picture” get a “real from them”. It is often quite different to convey as the what they would like me”. “real hand the dichotomy of the “real me” hand the dichotomy of the “real of either people close to us, compa- most nies we have dealt with or, with countries we call dramatically, home even if it is on a temporary basis. you xenophobic, stand up? Are insular and inward-focused? Certainly things point in that direc- is an appetite for the tion. There distasteful and vulgar racism against particularly the other ethnic groups, and Jews. Is this who you are? Roma tells of a young . Throughout the . Throughout kardia 2012 ULY Trying to be blessed Trying ELCHER OWER B L he Presbyterian Advance he Presbyterian Africanman who was accepted for the at New missionary field who reported – 12 J Stand up, show us what real Hungarians are Stand up, show us what real Hungarians n fair weather, most of us can do n fair weather, a can maintain fairly well. We at least a sense of reason, ULY Solomon wrote: “As a man thinks in his heart, “As Solomon wrote: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall the pure “Blessed are think some godly I mean, I can probably to think, say and do want It’s not that I don’t in this sixth As we look at Jesus’ words Let the heart overflow with true inward purity true inward with overflow the heart Let It is in stormy weather when the of I volunteer to stand at the front in such I admit to having muttered ILLIAM His father, a dentist, had started to make an make a dentist, had started to His father, whose family still manu- His name was Welch, RADLEY 6 J W I B T Scriptures the heart is used metaphorically to the heart is used metaphorically Scriptures the inner person, the seat of motives, represent The heart is attitudes, mindsets and personality. and particu- the thinking process to also linked larly to the will of an individual. see God.” What a statement. At first glance a pointless impossi- just seem like Jesus’ words and I the idea of being blessed I like bility. heart” in would love to see God, but that “pure thing is just not going to happen any time soon. thoughts for a while but then other thoughts Some are so godly. come, thoughts that aren’t even against God’s law. and just flat out wrong it’s just that even the right thing in all purity, all that pure. my attempts at purity just aren’t How can we attain to this ideal? Is it even possible? is Beatitude the first thing we need to recognise of true purity is an expression that true outward used for heart in word The Greek purity. inward this Beatitude is modicum of civility, certainly some modicum of civility, compassion for others and a pleasant, likable disposition. We to believe that is the “real would like me”. me” faces challenges. If the “real me” truth be known, the “real consists of a complicated concoction of how we act and behave in good weather as well as in bad. That is what you”. up the “real makes the line for those willing to admit they fall far short of being perfect. Little things get the better of me at my eyes when the best of times. I roll I am standing behind someone at a who seems to be taken cash register by surprise that this is the moment to part with required when they are cash. Only then do they begin to fish a woebegone angler looking in like or purses for said cash. their pockets York for “passage” but found on further exami- for “passage” York the climate. nation that his wife could not stand returned but he prayerfully He was heartbroken all the to make to his home and determined the spreading money he could to be used in Kingdom of God over the world. services. unfermented wine for communion business and The young man took over the vast “success”. developed it until it assumed his success he has given literally hundreds With of Christian of thousands of dollars to the work missions. grape 100 per cent pure those Welch’s factures an incredible juices that began in 1869. What It legacy. commitment. What an incredible grape juice seems that the purity of Welch’s commit- the beautiful purity of Welch’s reflects ment to Christ. 66

11 FAITH MATTERS WHAT LIES BENEATH