tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61152860835303377022012-02-16T11:44:52.962+01:00Blog about my move with my family from Scotland, UK to Siófok in Hungary. Including details on Hungarian food, places, sights and life in Hungary as I see it. Personal observations on adjusting to life in Hungary. The experiences of my children in learning the Hungarian language and education. And increasingly on the political situation here.Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.comBlogger1191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-39620025868464934602011-09-19T10:54:00.000+02:002011-09-19T10:54:39.219+02:00

It is rubbish collection day and the usual routine commences.  Every Monday and Thursday our bins are emptied.  Every Monday and Thursday our kids are horrified by the fact that people come and rake through our bins.  Some are looking for food; some are looking for discarded cans and bottles that can be exchanged for money at supermarkets.  Bin rummaging might be against local byelaws in over 50

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-16286152232186556302011-09-14T15:11:00.000+02:002011-09-14T21:53:26.819+02:00

I have a guilty pleasure.  I am addicted to főzelék.  Autumn is upon us even though the sun is shining most days and temperatures are in the low 30's.  It will soon be time to give up on the lovely fruit soups so popular here in the Summer and turn to comfort food.  My favourite comfort food (apart from cake!) is a thick gloop somewhere between soup and stew called főzelék.  It comes in many

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-1982822021463234242011-09-05T17:07:00.000+02:002011-09-11T08:28:27.261+02:00

The plight of the homeless in Budapest is concerning the Kids at the moment.  After we moved to Budapest they started noticing the amount of homeless people.  They had noticed them before when we had visited but now that we live here it seems more real. Yes homeless people can still be seen in Budapest despite the Budapest Mayor's best efforts.  He may have made it illegal to be homeless on

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-53819699250669344872011-09-04T21:57:00.001+02:002011-09-05T08:41:44.748+02:00

And I have a huge pile of ironing to do- how to employ my time more creatively- ah I know get back to my blog.  It is September and the Summer weather is still here- I hope that it continues.  As long as the temperature stays between 25 degrees and 30 degrees for a while I will be happy.  We had two periods during the Summer where temperatures climbed to the mid to high 30s- too hot for me.  

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-54362203078684241292011-06-06T09:40:00.000+02:002011-06-06T09:40:23.018+02:00

We are now in wonderful Budapest.  After a far from stressless move (due to various cock ups out of our control) we are in our home.  We now live in a green, leafy part of Budapest.  Although we are only 15 minutes from the city centre it is really quiet and peaceful.  The public transport is good and I am enjoying exploring.  The Kids are happy and happier because they have made friends with

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-19330320614458125362011-05-12T14:18:00.000+02:002011-05-13T22:30:16.009+02:00

We are leaving Siófok tomorrow.  Hopefully we will be moving to our new apartment but due to the total ineptitude of my husband's employer we may be staying in a hotel.  I will miss Lake Balaton but I will not miss Siófok as a place.  It is a building site at the moment and will be much better when it is finished!  In common with other places around Lake Balaton it is a bit depressing in the

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-37105318217128689552011-04-15T10:24:00.000+02:002011-04-15T10:24:42.515+02:00

It is wild garlic time here.  You can buy Ramsons or wild garlic leaves in markets and greengrocers- I have even seen them in the local Spar Supermarket.  They are lovely- a lot less pungent than the bulbs of garlic.  As always in Hungary they are available only briefly.  They are at their best before the plants flower so buy them now.  Their name in Hungarian "Medvehagyma" means bear onions/

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-50350662595500797222011-04-06T11:08:00.004+02:002011-04-06T11:21:03.450+02:00

I thought that I would share some of my spring blossom photos. The blossoms on the trees are fabulous this year. I just hope for the sake of the farmers that this translates into a bumper fruit crop. Last year was terrible for peaches and apricots. Rowan is looking forward to eating peaches again so fingers crossed. Unlike the UK you cannot get peaches and plums all year round in Hungary,

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-26468536815089196192011-04-03T21:34:00.002+02:002011-04-03T21:35:54.793+02:00

2 April 2011. Fishing season begins Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie Lake Balaton is busy again. The tourists are arriving slowly but the fishermen are already here. They are busy throwing bread and corn into the water to lure fish and then reeling them in. I have never attempted fishing. My dad and brother were keen anglers but I never saw the attraction. I did like eating the fish

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-15706121781330260762011-03-27T20:50:00.029+02:002011-03-28T13:09:13.749+02:00

Sugar and spice... Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie I keep on hearing about food price inflation in the UK.  It is true, food prices are rising as they are in most parts of the world.  The Global Commodity Market, rising demand from countries such as China and India and poor harvests last year in Europe have pushed up prices of many basic foodstuffs.  Hungary is suffering it's share of

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-13441227094353264902011-03-24T10:58:00.004+01:002011-03-25T14:33:25.969+01:00

pink catkins Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie It is finally spring- I hope. The bulbs are flowering, the catkins are cascading and everything has started growing. It is sunny and warm. I am being a bad mother by allowing the Kids to go to school and nursery in light jackets. Most of the other kids are still bundled up for the non existent cold. Spring really is lovely here. I hope that

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-85636249054258832062011-03-07T11:07:00.004+01:002011-03-24T11:11:46.262+01:00

Too early for school. Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie I have not written anything on here for ages.  The simple truth is that I have had so much to say that I did not know where to start! We are now staying in Hungary at least to the end of 2012.  Sometimes I wonder if we are a little bit unhinged as life in Hungary is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.  The new Government appears to be

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-49988447751952931832010-12-03T10:58:00.003+01:002010-12-03T11:09:58.149+01:00

Not waving but drowning Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie I am growing ever more concerned about the pace of change in Hungary. The Government is attempting to take the country back to the 1950s. There are to be limits on Press Freedom with high fines and other punishments if infringements are made. The two thirds majority enjoyed by Fidesz means that they can effectively do anything they

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-49346792508207457062010-11-27T00:23:00.007+01:002010-11-27T16:41:21.935+01:00

I wish that I had a spray can! Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie I have been waiting for it for a while.  We get the bus home from school and nursery a few times a week and a couple have raised the kids interest.  Two high school students part company at the Bus Station and they fondly kiss each other goodbye.  The question was finally asked at the weekend "mummy, is that a boy or a girl?"

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-47668020950971290652010-11-26T14:13:00.002+01:002010-11-26T14:18:26.161+01:00

Home birth please Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieDr Agnes Gereb was arrested in October, her crime was that of attending a non hospital birth. Hungary is not an enlightened country in such matters as you can see from this Guardian article www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/22/hungary-midwife-agne... I chose not to have my kids at home.  I worry about everything and anything so this

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-82810033016647374372010-07-18T23:14:00.001+02:002010-07-18T23:14:27.258+02:00

nearly all in a row Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieWell we have all arrived happily in our new home. Sorry for not posting anything for ages- there is a reason. Internet access took a while to appear when we moved. When we got our new faster connection I realized that I had been spending far too much time on the Internet. I resolved to go cold turkey and stayed away for 2 months. I am back

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-9076936182294542892010-04-19T14:26:00.001+02:002010-04-19T14:26:27.023+02:00

106/365 not a plane in the sky Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieWe were due to fly to the UK on Friday. The Kids were going to get to see their grandparents for the first time in 9 months. No such luck. Hopefully we will get to go soon.I hope that everyone gets to where they were going to soon. It does make you think just how much the World depends on air travel though!

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-91098066013381331162010-04-12T21:10:00.002+02:002010-04-12T21:14:59.881+02:00

My thoughts exactly! Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie If only the voters of Hungary had taken notice. Fidesz are bad enough but Jobbik are a stretch too far. They gained a worrying 16.88% of the vote.  Their grip of the North-East of Hungary in particular only seems to be increasing. I foresee further trouble.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-16887686397152812122010-03-06T20:40:00.002+01:002010-03-08T00:21:38.854+01:00

  Our landlord and his 2 sons called around unexpectedly last week.  We were in the middle of our tea so the visit was not entirely welcome.  It soon got worse.  We have been informed that we must leave our house.  With only 1 year left of Hubby's contract (although we hope to stay longer) we have to find somewhere else to live.  This will not be an easy task.  Most of the houses that we viewed

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-5148054468864792792010-03-03T10:28:00.001+01:002010-03-03T11:31:58.956+01:00

I needed chutney for my sandwiches. Meat and cheese were getting really boring. Salad veggies are fairly sparse, tasteless and expensive at the moment. Hungarians do not eat chutney. I managed to find a jar in Tescos but I was not willing to pay the equivalent of £4 for it. I resolved to make my own. It not being prime chutney ingredients time I made a beetroot and orange version and an apricot

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-51399037406857031992010-02-28T21:56:00.002+01:002010-02-28T22:00:36.735+01:00

Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie Another month over. I do believe that Spring may be here- hope that I have not spoken too soon!

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-74594424776814233832010-02-23T13:13:00.002+01:002010-03-02T00:18:21.127+01:00

img_1622 Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie I am so sad to write this. The couple who own the house that we live in have been very kind and helpful to us. They have been available without being too intrusive. The Kids in particular really bonded with the lady, I will call her Anna. Unfortunately Anna has been very ill for the last month. I learned yesterday that she had died. I have been

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-3812348211187725172010-02-22T13:53:00.001+01:002010-02-22T13:53:15.181+01:00

52/365 Forever? Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieWe went to Tihany and Balatonfured yesterday. The weather was beautiful, sunny and mild. The ice has started to melt on Lake Balaton. The ducks were going crazy and the swans were getting amorous. Rowan really wants Spring to arrive- she is fed up with snow. I am fed up with snow. It was fun at first but after 6 weeks of snow on the ground and

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-35239498041275454112010-01-31T20:47:00.000+01:002010-01-31T20:47:34.764+01:00

I forgot to post my photo mosaic for December 2009 so here it is:   Here is my mosaic for January 2010:  

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-40978148590543228122010-01-29T14:17:00.000+01:002010-01-29T14:17:41.877+01:00

  I have been very lax  in posting.  I have just had nothing very much to say.  I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and a good start to the New Year.  I had a lovely time in Slovenia although the Kids were very disappointed that all of the snow thawed before Christmas.  Lack of snow is not something that is a problem at the moment.  Lake Balaton is frozen and covered in snow and as you

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-26185544712236827642009-12-09T11:51:00.000+01:002009-12-09T11:51:41.799+01:00

I forgot to post my November pictures.  

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-14818791635478425672009-12-07T22:04:00.000+01:002009-12-07T22:04:14.228+01:00

I have to admit it, I am a British person to the core of my being.  Living away from the UK for over a year has finally taught me this.  There are a lot of British cultural traits/ modes of behaviour that I can do without, queuing is not one of them.  I have always been a stickler for queue etiquette- waiting my turn even when the Kids were desperate for the loo and the sensible thing would

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-594795242850637022009-11-25T22:30:00.002+01:002009-11-27T13:33:20.905+01:00

I have finally had the H1N1 vaccine.  I may have had to spend over 2 hours in a doctor's waiting room but the deed is done.  Judging my experience this morning I am of the opinion that it may not have been much of a preventative measure.  I spent a morning in close confines with a group of very ill people (in a doctor's waiting room- surely not?) who all seemed to be coughing and spluttering- not

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-73956840916657087502009-11-18T14:01:00.001+01:002009-11-18T14:01:33.119+01:00

I have had a photograph included in this month's issue of The Lonely Planet magazine.  Go to page 6- it is the sledging scene on the bottom left corner.  It is small but it is a start. In some ways I cannot wait until it gets really cold again.  It is nice  to be able to go out without 4 layers of clothes on though.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-78184355064502106212009-11-11T22:24:00.001+01:002009-11-12T00:04:54.177+01:00

Hungary has it's very own home produced vaccination against H1N1.  This vaccination has just been licensed by the World Health Organisation.  The vaccine seems to be being produced in reasonable amounts- about 2 million doses have been made available so far.  I was asked at the Nursery if I wanted to get the Kids immunised.  A doctor would come to the Nursery and it would not be a problem.  I

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-39111661435030650352009-11-09T11:49:00.000+01:002009-11-09T11:49:47.638+01:00

Or more correctly "Where is the beef?"   I had a typically Scottish yearning for "mince and tatties" today.  The last time I bought beef mince I got it minced in Spar without any problem.  I cannot remember what cut of beef I got minced up but it was not a prime cut.  I went to 3 butchers today- they all had beef- various cuts.  I came away empty handed as they all refused to mince it for me. 

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-3458805709266816122009-11-08T21:45:00.002+01:002009-11-10T14:04:33.347+01:00

Magnus and Rowan had a little disagreement the other night and Magnus lost.  He squealed in pain and would not stop crying.  I have fractured both of my wrists and know what the signs are- the swelling in his hand gave it away.  We bundled the Kids up and took the short drive to the local hospital.  I have never visited before and had no idea where the casualty was.  We managed to get

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-85693410203018262042009-11-02T10:08:00.006+01:002009-11-02T10:15:18.811+01:00

1. moo, 2. Egg festival, 3. Judean People's Front/People's Front of Judea?, 4. lila, 5. Autumn morning, 6. dried sweetcorn, 7. Bread Tromp l'oeil, 8. Ready steady eggy..., 9. Hope, 10. Squash carving, 11. McFőzi, 12. Szarvasbogár, 13. Japanese cats, 14. little and large, 15. Thumbed, 16. freedom, 17. acer, 18. Playing at food, 19. siófok cake, 20. Little Buz Aldrin, 21. Through the round window,

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-30614830887625116632009-10-27T16:18:00.005+01:002009-10-27T22:23:52.970+01:00

I love paprika. I have always had a fondness but in the UK most of the paprika powder is none too good- old and bitter in my experience. So I usually bought Spanish Smoked Paprika- or pimenton, La Cinita was my favourite brand. I have subsequently discovered that real Hungarian Paprika is nothing like the stuff I was buying in the UK. There are so many kinds here- I am particularly fond of

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-19950747220677167202009-10-26T08:51:00.003+01:002009-10-26T09:13:41.736+01:00

I have just realised that I have not posted for ages. In the time since I last posted we have been busy doing nothing much. The Egg Festival was amazing- 3 days of eggy fun held here every year. I have lots of photos on flickr. After this hubby's mum came for a week. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse and it was suddenly very cold and windy. It dropped from 26oC to 6oC in

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-43459169642588794822009-10-06T14:17:00.004+02:002009-10-06T14:19:53.460+02:00

Not so interesting photos from last month. I was concentrating on texture and pattern. My favourite is the ginger cake- yum.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-36125798103954760762009-10-02T10:47:00.004+02:002009-10-02T11:02:43.915+02:00

Rowan and Magnus have not acquired the ability to tidy up after themselves. They quite happily get all sorts of things out and play with them in the garden. Bikes are usually put back in the shed (by me) but scooters are left where they fall. Rowan had grown out of her scooter and got a new silver two wheeled thing from Decathlon. It had already suffered two encounters with her Daddy's car-

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-26935642252798013422009-09-25T14:25:00.003+02:002009-09-25T14:52:07.490+02:00

A couple of weekends ago we were invited to go grape picking. A friend, Patrick, who I met through this blog invited us to his newly acquired weekend house/orchard/vineyard in Kiliti. We had a great time picking grapes, the kids really enjoyed playing with Patrick's daughters. We were able to watch the grapes being mashed and pressed. The must that was produced was absolutely delicious, it

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-87798825024633413602009-09-16T12:18:00.003+02:002009-09-16T12:25:19.853+02:00

I have mentioned it before and I will probably mention it again- Charity Shops are few and far between in Hungary. I have an ever growing pile of clothes from my kids. Rowan is growing so fast that she barely wears her clothes before they get too small. I do not know what to do with the lovely and hardly worn clothes that I am left with. In the UK I would have either given to friends, swapped

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-44139455802763598232009-09-11T22:08:00.006+02:002009-09-11T22:49:23.001+02:00

September 11th is notable for something else other than the horrific events 8 years ago. The borders between Hungary and the West were opened permanently thus heralding the true end of the "Iron Curtain".Communism and the various regimes that operated under it's ideologies in Europe are long gone. I am saddened to see that there appears to be a movement towards the other side of the political

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-68596773254614544372009-09-04T12:19:00.004+02:002009-09-04T12:55:39.607+02:00

Well the holidays are over. Rowan and Magnus went back to nursery on Monday. Even though most of Rowan's friends from last year have now gone to school she seems well settled. She is one of the oldest kids now and has certain responsibilities- helping the younger kids, serving up lunch, mopping the bathroom floor etc... Rowan is very much enjoying this- she is a very bossy girl and relishes

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-21332770694654824202009-09-01T10:36:00.003+02:002009-09-01T10:39:29.193+02:00

Been away again. Summer is over. The weather is still hot and sunny but the Kids are back at nursery and our holidays are finished. I will start blogging again now- I have free days now as Rowan and Magnus are at nursery in the afternoon too- hooray!

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-43191069634386646852009-08-10T22:32:00.005+02:002009-08-10T22:35:58.193+02:00

Apologies for the gap in posting. I have been visiting Scotland and England. One week with my husband's parents and another with my mum and family.Here are my photos from July. Click on the picture to take you to the whole set.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-31901621032156051382009-07-22T22:06:00.008+02:002009-07-22T22:38:43.860+02:00

Sorry for not posting for a while. I went on holiday to the countryside. We stayed at a traditional cottage on a farm with horses near Szeged. It was hot and sunny but the proximity of wonderful bathing complexes made it a bit more bearable. To my shame I have to admit that I had not been to a thermal baths- now remedied. The nearest bathing complex was at Morahalom- it was lovely. There

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-589802942978989712009-07-01T15:51:00.005+02:002009-07-01T16:31:05.652+02:00

I sometimes wonder why we have brought our kids here. They are being put through all sorts of stresses and have to make infinite adjustments every day. Even before we arrived here it had begun. Our house was in a mess and in order to sell it we had to renovate. We had 3 months of builders and mess. The electricity going pop and forced rewiring meant that we had to leave and stay with my mum

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-47208987499183660742009-07-01T09:40:00.003+02:002009-07-01T09:57:56.517+02:00

1. summer shoes, 2. Green tomatoes, 3. fountain fix, 4. lavender, 5. piros muskátli, 6. Perfect summer afternoon, 7. a light shower, 8. After the rain, 9. parasols, 10. I love cherries...., 11. room to let, 12. wish it was real, 13. best of friends, 14. life is sweet, 15. nearly all in a row, 16. wash day, 17. lollipops, 18. just peachy, 19. Magnus attempts a drowning, 20. they are big, 21. free

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-32526807625895503692009-06-29T15:08:00.004+02:002009-06-29T22:46:46.233+02:00

I am beginning to see my adopted town as a kind of Hungarian Blackpool. Overpriced, tacky and full of people desperate for a good time. I am being unkind I know.To be honest if I were coming to Lake Balaton for a holiday I would not come here. We were in Balatonfured yesterday- lovely and classy and strangely better value than here. As an example all of the money changers were offering 10

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-54245639886397115162009-06-23T10:37:00.004+02:002009-06-23T10:54:06.484+02:00

Magnus, Heather, Rowan, John and Tom togetherMy brother, his wife and 3 kids arrived last week for a holiday. Although it was sometimes stressful having 4 adults and 5 kids of very similar ages in one house it was worth it. The kids swam and pootled about and the adults got to babysit in turns. Dode and I got to go out at night twice.Summer has begun- Rowan and Magnus have finished Ovoda for

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-73986293388121373102009-06-11T23:07:00.001+02:002009-06-13T09:06:21.120+02:00

Things to doGo for a walk. The Town is quite compact and is nice to stroll in. There are suggested walks on the Town website. I would suggest going for a walk past Jokai Park and along to the harbour, then back along Petofi Sandor Utca. The area around Fo Ter is full of statues by Imre Varga- a son of Siófok.Do not miss the Evangelical Templom- the Lutheran Church on Fo Utca- opposite

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-19590444732108020882009-06-08T15:03:00.002+02:002009-06-08T15:40:07.012+02:00

Magyar szalagOriginally uploaded by Jo Peattie The European Election results for Hungary were not too surprising. I kind of thought that throughout Europe the countries badly affected by the economic meltdown might give their governments a bloody nose. This was true in the UK- with a lurch to the right and strong support for UKIP- an anti EU party. The BNP- close in sentiments to Jobbik gained

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-65232500141338128362009-06-01T21:22:00.006+02:002009-06-03T21:29:30.935+02:00

Jo Peattie Another month is over. I chose people as my theme. Some photographs are of people I know, some are candids. I kind of like the thrill of taking photos without people knowing- I did get caught a few times though.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-89472200618363023352009-05-31T20:38:00.007+02:002009-06-01T09:59:20.350+02:00

I did another Scavenger Hunt this month. I am kind of addicted. I am disappointed that I did not manage to get 100% new photographs.Here is a link to the set of photographs I used to make the mosaic. There is an explanation on the individual photos as to what the photographs are about.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-842767221887316472009-05-29T10:28:00.005+02:002009-06-01T23:17:43.209+02:00

Rowan and IrénkaRowan and Magnus have made a new friend, Irénka Néni. They met her last year and things have been getting friendlier since. Magnus and Rowan's Hungarian Language skills have helped a lot. Rowan has even gone on a few outings with her- just along the street. We all went to "The Razz" last weekend- a local beer parlour- christened so by Rowan. I bought some free range eggs (why

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-24603688321439695112009-05-13T22:47:00.004+02:002009-05-20T23:05:18.522+02:00

More photos here:As the tourist season is not so far away I thought I would provide a few hints and tips for anyone considering a visit to Siófok. Last time I looked the Lonely Planet Guide to Hungary and the Rough Guide to Hungary were hopelessly out of date- some of the places recommended have now closed. I will add to this as and when I think of things. If you have any suggestions feel free

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-50526473855364208642009-05-06T09:52:00.003+02:002009-05-06T10:09:52.201+02:00

I just had to share this. We were at the Beach the other day and I spotted this guy along with his friend. I think that he was getting Hungary confused with California. His friend only had a pair of black trunks on.I am working on a blog post with a few suggestions for people thinking of coming to Siófok. Watch this space.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-45074808404372422412009-04-30T15:22:00.002+02:002009-04-30T15:24:34.005+02:00

My April. For the stories behind the photographs see my Flickr photostream (just click on the photo).

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-49042326394431694772009-04-28T23:15:00.005+02:002009-04-28T23:30:47.746+02:00

This is related to my previous post. It looks like Jobbik will get over 5% of the vote in a future General Election judging by recent polls. This means that it will get seats in Parliament. It seems that in the looming European Election they will get at least one seat. This is a very scary thought.I am not at all surprised. Their recent campaign dwells on a few things including "Gypsy

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-3292922369319751152009-04-23T10:16:00.006+02:002009-04-23T20:31:18.231+02:00

I am very perturbed about the presence of the very Far Right in Hungary. No I will rephrase that- I am appalled by the public presence of Neo-Nazis and Holocaust deniers in Hungary.I had the misfortune to be in Budapest in October and encountered a swearing in of members of the Magyar Gárda - including children. They might claim to be a legitimate group but they look like paramilitaries to me.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-14776564746677484852009-04-22T22:54:00.002+02:002009-04-22T23:05:18.570+02:00

A bit of a pun- I apologise. Rowan was assessed by a speech therapist today so that she could get more help with her Hungarian Language skills. The Nursery was concerned that as she only has one more year until school that she would need help with things like pronunciation. I should not have worried. Her accent and pronunciation are very good apparently. She needs more vocabulary but this

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-42639088475000764752009-04-20T22:41:00.004+02:002009-04-20T23:16:17.222+02:00

My great-grandfather and 2 great uncles were among the 168 men who died in the Burns Pit Disaster in 1909. My grandmother was born 4 months later and named Antoinette Josephine Sidney Hodgson after her father and brothers. There was a memorial service this year to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Disaster. I visited my mother shortly afterwards and we talked about the Service which she

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-73842571806585288812009-04-14T10:13:00.002+02:002009-04-14T10:21:33.109+02:00

I do not have any real excuse. The nursery teacher did show me a calendar- briefly but I then promptly forgot. I sent Rowan and Magnus to nursery this morning even though it was on holiday. There were some kids there- nursery opens for children who do not have alternative care- even on most holidays. I did think it strange that most of the usual kids were not there. I left and then saw lots

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-88931523985493888612009-04-08T23:03:00.003+02:002009-04-08T23:10:07.229+02:00

The tourist season is beginning again here. The weather has been beautiful for over a week now and the tourists are beginning to visit. Everything is getting spruced up. Geraniums are being planted. Shops are reopening or getting renovated. Restaurants are beginning to open up and put out tables.I know that I should be really happy but part of me is not. I kind of liked having the place as

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-22325647083824048122009-04-02T21:40:00.007+02:002009-04-03T10:52:09.490+02:00

I bought a bicycle today. It is a shiny and new Schwinn Csepel "Camping". It has small 20 inch wheels and can fold up- handy for taking camping I guess. This model of bike is very popular in Hungary- they are made here. They are very neat and very retro. I had a similar one when I was a kid.I wish that I could say that I was as good at riding it as when I was a child. I have not ridden a

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-60544280404060066492009-03-31T21:58:00.003+02:002009-03-31T22:00:21.779+02:00

March from my photo a day project. Spring is springing I think.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-69613949746441999482009-03-30T11:01:00.003+02:002009-03-30T11:23:00.212+02:00

I apologise right now. I am going to lower the tone. I am a curious person and look around all the time but sometimes this is not a good idea. I have noticed something not very nice since moving here. Men seem to have the idea that it is absolutely fine to pee in public places. They get out of cars and pee openly at the side of the road, they pee on trees in public parks, they pee on

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-27859806899338155182009-03-25T11:11:00.005+01:002009-03-26T10:09:38.598+01:00

Magnus was 4 yesterday. He is mad on knights at the moment so I decided to make a castle cake. It was a triumph of hope over experience as did not look very good- it tasted yummy though.We went to the Railway History Park in Budapest at the weekend for a Birthday Treat- Magnus loved it. Rowan wants to go there for her birthday now. Not everything was open so we will just have to go back- not

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-86402604960524777592009-03-19T22:22:00.002+01:002009-03-19T22:30:11.117+01:00

We have a super duper cable tv package (inherited from our landlord). We have over 50 channels. Unfortunately there are only 3 full time English language channels- CNN, BBC World and BBC Prime. I dip in and out of the news channels- I prefer to get my news from Radio 4 via my internet radio. BBC Prime on the other hand was very useful- although I always complained about their constant repeat

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-2535130379780025252009-03-17T14:16:00.002+01:002009-03-17T14:21:11.409+01:00

#15 a toyOriginally uploaded by Jo Peattie Above is a photograph of Magnus and Rowan's favourite toys, Teddy and Mia. They go everywhere with us. They were going to go to Budapest with us last week. We waited for the train and got on it with no mishaps. We sat down and then realised that Rowan had left Mia on the bench in the Station. There were lots of tears- I arranged for hubby to call in

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-37726820932311553782009-03-06T10:42:00.007+01:002009-03-06T11:39:00.534+01:00

Boldog Nemzetközi NőnapotMarch the 8th is International Women's Day. This day is celebrated throughout the world and that includes Hungary. The florists all have special displays and a lot of shops have special gift baskets. I did not know what it was at first- I had heard of International Women's Day and had even participated in a few events when I was a student. It is not something that is

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-78393647169286938352009-03-04T15:21:00.003+01:002009-03-04T15:30:36.683+01:00

I think that Spring might be making an appearance. The Market is full of Pussy Willow and spring flowers and the daisies have started to grow in our lawn. I wish that I could say that the spring bulbs I planted in Autumn are about to flower but they are not. Out of 6 packets of various kinds one clump of Narcissus are about to bloom. I have no idea what happened to the rest- I have planted

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-19632369303345006582009-03-01T23:05:00.002+01:002009-03-01T23:07:42.084+01:00

Here is a mosaic of my February. I just love taking photographs- don't think many of them are very good but that does not matter.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-24976079372424346272009-02-23T10:45:00.001+01:002009-02-23T10:45:17.150+01:00

Funny faces Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieWe have just got back from a trip to Scotland and England to visit friends and relatives. The above photograph is of my niece, Heather and nephews, John and Tom. Every time they saw the camera they started pulling faces.We packed an awful lot into a week. We went to Ferryden near Montrose to visit Grandad and Little Granny. Ferryden is a lovely

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-69819744692406689012009-02-09T10:20:00.008+01:002009-02-10T13:57:37.259+01:00

Hungary does not benefit from a Scandinavian style Welfare State System but it does have the dubious honour of suffering Scandinavian style taxes. The tax burden on an employee is around 50%, add to this the 20% rate of AFA (VAT) soon mooted to increase and you have a burden of around 60%.From the articles I read in newspapers and on the Internet it seems that many of the population are trying

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-79719864880194217452009-02-02T11:38:00.001+01:002009-02-02T11:38:11.758+01:00

January 2009 Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieI have started taking a photograph a day for 2009. Here is my January, photographs are on Flickr.The kids are off nursery again today. I think they have Mondayitis.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-14262628719983620042009-01-28T10:16:00.006+01:002009-01-28T14:18:10.730+01:00

Magnus and Rowan brought home Farsang masks from nursery yesterday and as Magnus would not model it, I did. I look so happy don't I? I find January and February very depressing months. Christmas and New Year are over and Summer seems so far away. The weather is usually horrible and at the moment it is grey and raining- no Wednesday Walk today. In my pre-children days I used to go on holiday

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-70168410103552223052009-01-21T23:30:00.001+01:002009-01-21T23:30:30.806+01:00

21/365 Originally uploaded by Jo PeattieI have decided to go on a walk around town every Wednesday. I will take my camera and walk in parts of town I have never ventured into or go to places I know with a fresh outlook. Places always repay closer inspection. I can usually find something I like in places that, at first, seem dull or forbidding.I found the above sign on a building in the centre

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-58411253792428025142009-01-13T13:46:00.007+01:002009-01-13T14:19:14.717+01:00

ALADDIN ÉS A CSODALÁMPA, zenés bábjáték, Harlekin BábszínházWe went to the theatre this morning to see Aladdin. Children's theatre in the form of various kinds of puppet shows is really popular here. We bought a season ticket that included 3 puppet shows and a ballet for 2600ft each- a bargain by any standards. The shows were obviously in Hungarian but that did not seem to bother the kids. It

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-89194797412234475572009-01-07T09:57:00.007+01:002009-01-12T09:51:43.156+01:00

Hungary is now receiving no gas from Russia via Ukraine. There are reserves but at some point they will run out. Some countries in the region such as Bulgaria and Slovakia are in a worse position than Hungary as they do not have such reserves.It is cold here and looks to remain so for quite some time. Usage of gas increases by large amounts for every degree Centigrade the temperature drops.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-58913816076620358912009-01-06T10:02:00.004+01:002009-01-06T16:08:25.372+01:00

I have a yearning to go to a Charity Shop or Thrift Store. I could offload the vast amounts of toys and clothes the kids have grown out of and pick up some more. This is all a fantasy on my part as there do not seem to be any charity shops in Hungary. I have looked- I looked here and I looked in Budapest- nincs, nada, none.There are an awful lot of English Shops- shops that buy cast off

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-43871443240597323542008-12-31T19:41:00.004+01:002008-12-31T19:49:24.528+01:00

Some of my photos embodying my year.Boldog új évet kívánok! Happy New Year!

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-45736368864957383032008-12-29T23:34:00.004+01:002009-01-10T20:20:58.525+01:00

Jo Peattie It has finally turned cold. It was -6 today and there was freezing fog in places. The kids are still really disappointed- no more snow.We got the camera changed. There was only the small matter of the labyrinthine bureaucracy that seems to be ever present in Hungary to contend with. Dode had to go to many desks and get many forms stamped in triplicate whilst I bribed the kids with

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-13166148602799441052008-12-25T20:16:00.004+01:002008-12-25T20:26:02.831+01:00

One of our photos with the now defunct cameraWe had a lovely day with the kids. It even snowed lightly this morning.Not so lovely was the fact that some selfish person had stolen the knights from the Lego Duplo Knight toy Magnus had got from Santa. I am not going to even try explaining that in Tescos. Santa was good to Dode and I too- well we bought ourselves a Canon 450D digital SLR. We took

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-9524955584644388582008-12-24T17:26:00.003+01:002008-12-25T16:30:39.818+01:00

We had a lovely relaxing week in Budapest last week. We stayed in an apartment on the Buda side- below the Fisherman's Bastion- a great location. The snow in the fake card is just make believe- we have had no more snow. There really must be something in this global warming thing, the daisies are still flowering in our lawn.We are finally in the Christmas spirit here- we put our real Christmas

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-63009800486454934752008-12-15T07:27:00.006+01:002008-12-31T19:50:26.418+01:00

I spotted these at a local pedestrian crossing a while back. I have gone through lots of scenarios in my head as to how they got there. It was over a weekend so drink was probably involved. They look like "pulling pants" so who knows. They are still there weeks later so they must not have been missed. I cannot understand why nobody has removed them- I feel that I must leave them- they are

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-41092142790189933882008-12-08T19:32:00.003+01:002008-12-08T20:31:26.154+01:00

It is just over a year since we found out that we would be coming to Hungary- I thought it might be a good time to reflect on our decision.We came because Dode had been offered a more interesting/challenging job. We came because it was a good time- I didn't have to give up a job, the kids were still small and adaptable. We came because we had never lived in another country and liked the thought

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-36801153494749264272008-12-07T16:26:00.004+01:002008-12-07T16:39:45.001+01:00

Mikulás bácsi, or Santa Claus comes on the 6th of December in Hungary. Children leave out clean shoes or boots on the windowsill the nights before. The next morning they find that the boots and shoes have been filled with sweets and small presents- a bit like the Christmas Stocking tradition. If the children have been naughty then the goblin like helper of Mikulás, Krampusz may leave behind a

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-23678761540992704822008-12-03T20:33:00.004+01:002008-12-05T08:03:51.635+01:00

A policeman came to the door last week asking if I had noticed anything across the street because a house had been burgled. I had not seen anything but suddenly realised that we had no home insurance. I have never been in this situation before, I am a worrier and could not cope with the thought of losing stuff and not being able to replace it. The contents of the house are insured by our

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-48933823651355580252008-12-01T10:31:00.007+01:002008-12-01T11:54:17.159+01:00

Hungarian apple cakeI made this yesterday- the kids were restless as the weather was horrible- rain, rain and more rain. I found the recipe on the Budapest Funzine website. :4 apples4 eggs1/2 cup of vegetable oil1 cup of flour1/2 cup of sugar1 packet of baking powder (15g)cinnamon sugarPeel and slice apples- place in a 13inch by 9 inch cake tin (I added extra cinnamon sugar and some butter here

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-16548501441322409542008-11-23T22:37:00.002+01:002008-11-23T22:42:18.247+01:00

It happened at last. It snowed on Friday and yesterday. Rowan and Magnus have been willing it to snow for about a month. We had no snow at all in Falkirk last winter and they were very disappointed. The previous years there was only a little snow but we managed to make at least one snowman a year.Today's snowman was very small as there was not much snow but at least we made one. Hopefully he

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-70133760171057856202008-11-18T19:08:00.004+01:002008-11-19T09:59:06.633+01:00

a close up what is on offer:I have to own up- I have never set foot in a McDonald's. I was a vegetarian for a long time and it never seemed to offer me anything. The McLibel thing did not help matters. I used to sit on buses quite regularly when someone nearby was scoffing a Mc meal- it always smelt horrible. I cannot therefore say whether the Hungarian options now being offered in my local

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-36948831888515210392008-11-12T22:37:00.002+01:002008-11-12T22:44:11.234+01:00

It was All Soul's Day on November 1st. In Hungary people take this day very seriously and visit the graves of their dead relatives and friends. The shops and markets were full of flowers, wreaths and candles prior to the weekend. I took Rowan and Magnus to the local cemetery last week to show them how people pay their respects. Rowan was very interested and could just about understand what

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-60140941803562418882008-11-04T10:12:00.004+01:002008-11-04T19:57:18.660+01:00

Photo from Barack Obama's official website: http://obama.senate.gov/photo/I should not be interested in this as I am not an American but I am. I am so hopeful that Barack Obama will become President. It would be such a change from George W and would represent a major shift in American society.The thought that McCain will suffer some mishap and that Palin woman will be president is a thought

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-73952253315419138902008-11-02T21:51:00.004+01:002008-11-02T22:02:20.812+01:00

Our visitors have all gone now. It was a hectic few weeks but well worth it. Rowan loved spending time with her "Little Granny". To be honest as we have never lived near "Little Granny" Rowan has not spent a great deal of time with her- in the last week they really got to know each other. I wish that I could say the same for Magnus- he was in a huff- don't know why. He refused to cuddle or

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-32840362042575581952008-10-29T09:14:00.003+01:002008-10-29T09:18:36.015+01:00

money, money, moneyOriginally uploaded by Jo Peattie I can't not mention it. I am not an economist so obviously I don't really understand it- but economists don't seem to either. I hope that the IMF rescue plan is enough to save Hungary from an Icelandic fate but I am not convinced.All I know is that whatever happens ordinary Hungarians will pay the price. If the IMF plan succeeds then the

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-35661293063794523672008-10-26T17:46:00.003+01:002008-10-26T17:56:17.088+01:00

We went to Budapest yesterday with "Little Granny" for a nice day out. Unfortunately the day turned sour when we emerged from the Metro at Hero's Square to find a demonstration underway. There was a very strong police presence and the atmosphere was menacing. We soon realised that it was a Magyar Garda event. It was a rally to enroll 400 members, including children into this ultra nationalist

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-60890436151932377982008-10-20T20:44:00.002+02:002008-10-20T20:45:20.267+02:00

dscf3926Originally uploaded by Jo Peattie Last week we had our first visitors from Scotland. My friend Heather, her husband John and little boy Adam came for a short stay. The weather stayed kind to us for most of their stay and we all had a lovely time. It was so nice to be able to chat to a friend in English and spend time whiling away the day.Rowan and Magnus loved being in Adam's company

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-10132291695198839502008-10-13T20:07:00.005+02:002008-10-13T20:36:10.511+02:00

Siofok has a festival every year to celebrate all things eggy. It began on October the 10th, World Egg Day to the uninitiated. It was really interesting, if a bit surreal. There was folk dancing and singing from Poland and Turkey, Folk dancing from Hungary and belly dancing, from Turkey by way of Hungary.The stalls round and about were good with a lot of small producers and not very much tat.

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-15452102996761883012008-10-07T20:52:00.006+02:002008-10-08T07:38:50.669+02:00

Chainbridge PINK - BudapestOriginally uploaded by f.gergo83 It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month- sorry about the pink text.Hungary leads the world in deaths caused by breast cancer (in terms of percentage of deaths per population). It is tragic that only 40% of women invited for a screening actually take part. Some 2,300 women in Hungary die of breast cancer each year.Thousands of people walked

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-39222569336085098922008-10-05T21:25:00.004+02:002008-10-05T21:38:22.518+02:00

We had a lovely day today visiting "Krishna Valley"- the community of Hare Krishna devotees in Somogyvamos. The weather was sunny but autumnal and it was great to wander around in the countryside. The added benefits were that for Rowan and Magnus it seemed very exotic. The giant white elephants guarding the entrance were a taste of things to come and Rowan was fizzing with excitement. The

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6115286083530337702.post-28578766820680833232008-10-03T09:11:00.004+02:002008-10-03T09:18:28.009+02:00

Rowan came home from nursery yesterday and told me that she was very clever. I said that I knew that but why was she very clever today? The result was that she counted to 10 in Hungarian at nursery and all the children cheered, she is very pleased with herself. I am very pleased.We counted to 10 lots yesterday and Magnus joined in too. Magnus finds it hard to count to 10 in English but seems

Jo Peattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995574146652035129noreply@blogger.com0