Mai Manó Fotogaleria

My parents and I visited this fin-de-siecle gem, off of Andrassy Boulevard, that houses a wonderful photo gallery giving proper tribute to Budapest's famous photographic history (Kertesz, Brassai, Capa ... to mention a few). The eight-floored building was built in a secessionist style in 1894 on the order of the the photographer, Manó Mai (1855-1917). In 1931, Sándor Rozsnyai (a musical director) and is wife bought the building from the family. They built the three-floored Arizona club in the yard, which had been empty until then. This remained open until 1944, when the owners were probably killed by Hungarian or German Nazis. After the war, the building served a variety of purposes such as a school or a presentation hall. From the early 1960s the Budapest branch of Hungarian Automobile Club used it over a period of 30 years. The Hungarian Association of Photographers was able to start buying the property rights from the residents. The Mai Manó Gallery opened on the half-floor in 1995 and the Hungarian House of Photography opened on the first and second floors in 1999. After the exhibit we had a cup of coffee at the Mai Mano Cafe which is next door to the gallery. It is also worth mentioning that the Mai Mano photo gallery is located on the "Muvesz Setany" where one can see three beautifully renovated theater houses, such as Thalia, Operett and Moulin Rouge.

Paris: a movable feast ...

What can I say about Paris … other than to me (and I suspect to many others) it is the most beautiful city in the world. My friend and I visited it for 3 days this time (Make sure you know when the holidays are because almost everything is closed. For example, August 15 is Assumption Day, a Catholic holiday when only the restaurants and museums were open). Here are some of the highlights from this trip: 1.) CANAL St-MARTIN: this is the new, increasingly hip and bohemian quarter of the city, especially for the young 20- and 30-somethings. The three-mile canal along the canal, a Seine shortcut is lined by hip, colorful boutiques and funky restaurants. Even though the shops were closed due to the Fete d´Assumption, Antoine et Lili (95 quai de Valmy) looked cool with its supremely fashionable baby and children clothes. We had lunch at the Hotel du Nord where the 1938 film of the same name was shot, which is an idyllic spot overlooking a footbridge of the canal. 2.) PERE LACHAISE CEMETERY: it is Paris`most famous and prestigious cemetery, set on a hill, lined with massive trees, populated with beautiful toombstones. It looks like an outdoor museum. Famous people lay here buried such as: Marcel Proust, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Moliere, Oscar Wilde, and La Fontaine … just to name a few. Not far from here is the Edith Piaf Museum in Belleville (5 rue Crespin-du-Gast, 11th, 00 33 01-43.55.52.72 but by appointment only) but unfortunately, we could not visit it due to our lack of time. 3.) LE MARAIS: it remains my favorite quartier of Paris. Old elegance is embodied in the beautifully restored 17th century mansions that harmoniously co-exist with the cool boutiques displaying contemporary art, fashion, and culture. In the heart of the Marais is the Place des Vosges, perhaps the most lovely square in the world and my favorite. Victor Hugo lived here in one of the houses and where he created Les Miserables. 4.) BOUTIQUE CREA: I just discovered this boutique on this recent trip to Paris. I instantly fell in love with the unique and artful designs that combine natural colors and materials. Conveying a strong personality, Crea Concept collections make you stand out from the crowd. 2 bis rue des Rosiers. Tel: 01 42 74 18 69 5.) ILE ST-LOUIS: One of the most beautiful areas of Paris; a haven of serinity and old world elegance. It is the favorite residential area of artists and, I suspect, wealthy people. When strolling across the calm and romantic streets do not forget to stop by Berthillon because all Parisians know that it is the best ice cream parlor around. TIP: I stayed at the Hotel Eiffel Kennedy, which is located by the the building of Radio France. It is in walking disntance from the Eiffel Tower and Trocodero. The rooms are clean, comfortable and charming; the staff is very kind and friendly (especially Bernard) 12 rue de Boulainvilliers, tel: 00 33 (0)1 45 24 45 75. I got a special rate for $206 for 2 nights, which was a bargain. I would stay here again. The bus 72 stops here, which takes you to the very center of Hotel de Ville.

Kekesteto - Hollókő

The motorcycle trip with my brother was awesome. I loved the speed of the bike as well as the beautifully picturesque countryside we traveled through. I saw some of the most breathtakingly simple yet amazing sights, tiny villages, and churches. I felt like I was traveling back in time to those memorable years of my childhood as we spotted storkes nesting on top of the light poles. We first rode to Kekesteto which measures to be the highest point (1014 meters) in Hungary. It is a member of the Mátra Mountains that belongs to the Northern Mountain Range and is a part of the largest young volcanic zone of Europe. From the vineyard-covered landscape of the foot of the Mátra travellers can arrive at the wooded mountains in a flash. When we arrived at Kekesteto we climed the lookout tower that offered us a glorious panoramic view of the surrounding area. We left Kekesteto driving down the hairpinlike turns toward Hollókő, which is located in a picturesque mountainous area, about 100 km away from Budapest. But before we arrived at this lovely village we had lunch at a roadside restaurant called Baboscsarda (Beansoup tavern). We ate their namesake beansoup and a spatzle (german noodles) with fresh sheep cheese and bacon (not exactly low-fat). When we arrived at Hollókő – a part of the UNESCO World Heritage – my heart almost skipped a beat at the sight of this charming village which is practically a "living museum" on the northern part of Hungary. This astounding community has preserved the warm, people-friendly atmosphere of the diminishing village-life so many of us long to experience. The traditional peasant houses, surrounded by the gentle slopes of the Cserhát recalls the world of the old Hungarian folk tales. Here you can find a wonderful example of the harmony can be created between nature and architecture. There are several museums and shops that give us a glimpse of a long gone area. Hand-made pottery as well as beautifully designed and hand-embroidered dresses made by local artists can also be purchased here (I bought a beautiful hand-made blouse for about 30 dollars). After Hollókő we headed home to Budapest and we stopped at an outstanding gelateria called "Vari Cukraszda" (ice cream shop located at 1161 Budapest Szlovák út 86) that offered the most amazing variety of flavors such as chocolate-chili pepper and tokaji aszu (world famous Hungarian after-dinner drink) ice cream (many of these flavors won a Gold or Silver medal at the Italian Ice Cream Competition at Rimini). The awsome gelato was a crowning end worthy end to a perfect day.

Back home ...

Well, I just got here to Budapest on Monday. And even though I am trying to get over the jetleg I did a lot of walking around town yesterday: from the Margaret Island my brother and I strolled across the Danube on Margaret Bridge, down on Sent Istvan korut (Saint Stephen Blvd.) that has some beautiful buildings built Classissist style (e.g. Vigszinhaz, one of the many theaters in the city) and where the weary traveler can stop for a couple of scoops of gelato (a type of ice cream) then we continued on Terez Korut to Oktogon. The Oktogon, of course got its name because this square has six sides with streets and boulvards running through it. Andrassy Boulvard is one of them and my favorite with its massive shade-giving trees. About 5 minutes from Oktogon is Liszt Ferenc Ter where there is a row of cafes that offers different types of cuisine. We tried Cafe Vian (normally I go to the one next door to it, Cafe Miro) that offers an imaginative selection of salads and sandwiches with some great local wine in an ambiance suitable for relaxed chatting and catching up with old friends. It is interesting to note that the city is filled with backpackers from all-over Europe because the biggest music event of Central-Eastern Europe, the Sziget or "Island," is taking place right now on Hajogyarisziget, part of Obuda Island in the Danube north of Budapest. This marathon of concerts takes place for a week. There are hundreds of foreign -- some of them are well-known -- and local bands that entertain the crowds. This festival attracts a lot of people because of its high quality performers and lower ticket prices. Day passes are 8000 HUF or 40 dollars. Today, my brother is dragging me to ride his motorcycle around Hungary. It will be interesting because it is incredibly hot so I have to decide between wearing protective gear and avoiding a heatstroke. I will report on this advanture ...

Anne Fontaine: the perfect white shirt

Born to a Brazilian mother and a French father, Anne Fontaine – in my opinion – creates some of the most beautiful white shirts in the world. The classic white shirt is the equivalent of the “small black dress” which is a fashion must-have, an indispensable piece of every woman’s wardrobe. The choice of a single, luxurious product, and the cachet of “Made in France” allowed this designer to distinguish her brand and product. Anne Fontaine’s shirts are beautifully designed, feminine and sensual; they are made of pique (brushed) cotton, poplin, and organdy. Her designs have “double collars,” laces, flowers (of the same white fabric) and unique twists that other shirts do not have. Each shirt is a perfect. Unfortunately, they are a bit pricey (especially now that the dollar is so weak against the euro). They do have sales twice a year, however! Located at 909 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois but they have boutiques throughout the United States and Europe.

Ravinia: Music under the stars

What can be better than a bottle of good red wine, cheese, and Viennese waltzes under the starry nights? Not much. Honestly, Ravinia is one of my favorite places in the world. Since 1904, Ravinia has been associated with Chicago’s “sounds of summer.” Imagine a huge park with a lot of massive shade-giving trees where you can put down your blanket and lay down on the beautifully maintained lawn and share a picnic with your friends while you are listening to the some of the greatest music of the world. And it gets better as the evening progresses: as the sun goes down, the air gets balmier; the lightening bugs begin their magical dances and the stars begin to flicker. I only wish I could be at Ravinia every night because it’s truly delightful. Tonight’s performance is Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, August 4th it’s Placido Domingo and August 5th it’s Beethoven’s Fifth.