A year ago, we moved with an open mind (‘we’ll see’) and converted our upper floor into a two-room apartment for friends and family. We decided to rent it out as well, not to make a living from tourism, but to welcome guests seeking peace, nature and simplicity. After registration (with inspection and 1 star) and listing on Airbnb, among others, the first guests arrived.
A house without a cat was unthinkable, but adoption through a shelter proved difficult because the cats were only allowed to stay indoors. However, the neighbours had two litters, so two kittens were adopted: a ginger tomcat and his “sister”, who turned out to be a brother (Tux). After a month, it appears that two kittens are more sociable together; they entertain each other and often seek company on our laps at the same time. The border collie Mazy is cautiously learning to play with them.
Around Lake Balaton, there turns out to be a lot to do in the summer. Understandably so, as half of Hungary settles along its 200 km of shoreline. Besides sunbathing and swimming, it’s clear that Hungarians also enjoy music, dance, and art.We already took part in a portion of the annual Hungarian Summer Salsa Festival…
One of my favourite pastimes is watching all the life in and around our home. The pond especially has proven to be a true oasis in this dry land. In no time at all, we’ve welcomed several frog species, a European green toad, and hundreds of birds (including 200 sparrows, wagtail, yellow wagtail, goldfinch, crested…
Our own fruit and vegetable production is still limited, but thanks to an abundance of fruit from neighbours, we are experimenting with preserving, bottling and drying. We do have our own walnuts and cherries, and one day we would like to distil our own pálinka.
Discover Hungary’s complex history in Budapest by delving into the dark 20th century. Visit the Jewish quarters, the Great Synagogue and the Shoes Memorial for an impressive experience about the Holocaust. The Terror Háza Museum highlights the Nazi and Communist periods, while Memento Park preserves Communist statues. Learn about the silent resistance of Hungarians and their resilience. A fascinating people with a history full of nuances, where no story is black and white.
A day of sailing on Lake Balaton with a rented Scholtz 22. Calm waters, perfect weather, ideal for 2-4 people. Rental company 30 minutes away, affordable and flexible.
Have you heard of the term ‘digital nomad’? These are people who telework, but not from a fixed ‘home’. By working online, they are free to choose where they work – as long as there is a good internet connection. This allows them to work from Spain for a few months and then from Thailand…
Visaguide is a website where you can find all kinds of information about visa requirements for countries around the world. They also regularly publish articles and research relevant to people who want to travel internationally. For example, they recently investigated which countries are currently the best for ‘digital nomads’ – people who work online from…
In Hungary, the stones are often buried under the surface and are only visible when the fields are ploughed. However, we note that the stones disappear because the soil ‘eats’ them. We think the frozen soil under the stones melts, causing them to sink.
