Walk on Water

The therapeutic qualities of water is something that we only really appreciate when we’re by it’s side… or when you’re swimming, or having a shower, or drinking it, or gardening, or keeping fish as pets…Ok, water is undoubtedly fantastic.

When you read celebrity interviews (the real ones, not the reality stars who want big rims and big breasts) they dream about waterfront properties, fresh and relaxing lifestyles. The dream isn’t floating to far away from us hard working people. Seas, rivers, lakes are prime land; they portray a lifestyle and are vital for the best views. We’ve got all look-out points covered. Read the rest of this entry »

Sziget Festival. Peace, Love, and Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden, Muse, and Kasabian: metal, Twilight teeny-bobber rock, and indie.  It’s an interesting mix, but it’s part of what attracts over 400,000 visitors to Sziget, one of Europe’s top musical festivals every summer.  Budapest will play host to the bands and the hoards that will come to see their favourite rockers from August 11 – 16th.

While the line up is fairly mainstream, and more focused on rock and metal, there are some surprises.  It will be a event rich with the opportunity to experience names new to many, such as the Belarusian ska-punk group Lyapia Trubetskoy.

The festival is taking place in the city centre, on the Sziget Island.  Festival promoters describe the island as “the island of friendship, the island of love, the island of joyful self-abandon, the island of freedom, the island of cultural diversity. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind this is also the island where the beer is cheap, the girls and boys are beautiful…” While this may sound more like Woodstock, then a contemporary rock fest, it does give a laid back and open direction to the event.

In addition to the aforementioned bands, there will be a truly interesting mix of electronic, punk, and rap. From Faithless, to Gwar, to K.I.Z. the festival promises to be a visual and acoustic orgy, as some massively expansive stage sets and booming systems are planned.  Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a taste.

Live like a rock star (just please don’t trash the room) at White Line’s Lánchíd 19.  You might just run into a few familiar faces at the bar…

More information, schedules and tickets for Sziget can be found at www.sziget.hu.

—

Categories: Budapest, Culture, Events

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

Budapest. Cinetrip Water Circus

After a number of hugely successful Budapest bath house parties, Cinetrip is at it again, presenting Water Circus – Volume 1 in the Széchenyi Bath.  What is Cinetrip? Imagine reclining in an outdoor thermal pool surrounded by fire jugglers and acrobats, water ballets and belly dancers, 360° visuals and a top DJ’s. Read the rest of this entry »

Budapest. Summer Festival

Budapest bursts to life every summer during their indulgent Summer Festival, presenting some of the top names in international theatre and opera.  Priding itself on the indulgent and colourful line up, it’s set on the Margaret Island Open-air Stage from June through August.

For the first time ever, visitors can be transported to and from Margaret Island by a sightseeing dinner boat, adding a romantic element to the experience.  Margaret Island is a lush oasis, covered in fragrant flowers and towering trees, there’s even a small zoo and not to be missed national monuments.  The open-air stage of the island is the only like it in the country, and offers views to the Water Tower monument.   It’s worthwhile to get to the island a little early to climb the tower and check out the view the 53-meter observation point.   Equipped for every type of performance, from opera to rock concerts, it’s a stunning venue for the summer festivities.

Highlights of this years programme include Boris Godunov, returning to Hungary’s stages after years.  Performing on the 24th and 30th of July, it promises to be a masterpiece of Slavic opera with stunning scenery, starring artists from the Bolsoi Theatre in Moscow.

Many premières are featured, including the musical version of Mór Jókai’s novel, Szegény gazdagok (Poor Riches), as well as the latest work of co-writers, György Szomor and Tibor Miklós, the Robin Hood musical.  There’s an entire Robin Hood festival to be held in conjunction with the première, in the Great Meadow of Margaret Island.  Entertainments include jousting, fencing, and fanciful period costumes.  Aida will be performed, by audience demand, for the first time at the festival since it’s wildly successful debut at the 2007 Summer Festival.

The festival is reason enough to plan a trip to Budapest, when the evenings are long and cool and the stages and the skies promise to be filled with stars. The Lánchíd 19 Hotel is a must have indulgence when in Budapest.  Views over the Danube and the city are spectacular, and while your evenings are filled with opera and theatre, you can fill your days exploring the heart of this colourful city, just outside your door.

http://eng.szabadter.hu/

—

Categories: Budapest, Culture

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

Handmade in Hungary. Textiles

Kamchatka

Picking up great design pieces in Budapest is easy in the design district, located just across from White Line’s Lánchíd 19, an exceptional neighbourhood for wandering or shopping.

Featuring hand made textiles, fashions, jewellery, and some very unique hats, these shops are destinations if you’re looking to bring a little bit of Budapest home. The three shops are just around the corner from each other and would make for a nice afternoon stroll after lunch on the L19 terrace. Read the rest of this entry »