#31/365 Look what we found!

In the last few days we experienced roller coaster weather from snow to rain to sun shine, all craziness but with relatively warm temperature for winter.  Rain or shine, we're always out looking for new things to share here. When the sky finally cleared a bit late in the afternoon, I saw this wind vane for the first time!
This was found atop the school building I posted here earlier.

#30/365 Orange hues in winter

A sunset captured many years ago but yet to be shared, I'm puzzled as to why I haven't posted this yet...anyway..
We're looking at the secondary school building of  Katona József Gimnázium, located at the ever busy Izsáki Road. See the tiny humans at the side? They were waiting for the many buses that stop right in front of the school.

#29/365 Break time

Break time means smoke time even though freezing cold.

We're right outside the Institute of Science and Technology, formerly the synagogue. By the white ribbon on the guy's jacket, I'm guessing the two are students of the Institute. While the  pink hair girl has the most interesting bunny hat :)

#28/365 Puli

Lucky you moved or I would've mistaken you for a mop, sorry!
I instantly recognised that locks of yours, the unique Hungarian dog that I have only heard of but not seen..Thank you for making my day!

Read more about this ancient Hungarian breed, Puli .

#27/365 Weekend walk

Are you taking a walk today?
Since my mother-in-law is here, the routine is walk to the local market to have breakfast of fried dough, mmm..healthy! Then do some more walking and shopping of grocery for the week ahead.

The scene above was captured during our walk last Sunday doing the exact same thing that I've just described to you, yup, we're exciting like that ;)

#26/365 Eszpresszó

They don't make signs like this anymore! Yes, "S" in Hungarian is "Sz".
Happy weekend!

#25/365 Cherub

More wear and tear shots, I'm afraid..
I was hesitant to post this as it is just so depressing to see the town hall not in the best of shape. The appearance of wear and tear normally intensify in winter months when the walls are wet and every "imperfection" could be seen.

#24/365 Good news!

Mozi, the old cinema, has been approved a face-lift!

Well, it is much deserved while the rest of the street had already been re-done.The  plan is to re-purpose the building into a cultural centre combined with a theatre as well as to house a collection of musical instrument.  The state funded project is estimated to cost 515 million Forints and works shall commence in 2014.

#23/365 Bulletin

After the lady left the bulletin board, I , the busy body, check to see what programme caught her attention. It was a poster of famous Hungarian violinist advertising the up-coming concert. Next, I jotted down the info. and refer back to my mother-in-law to see if she is interested ;)

The Cultural Centre not only hold musical events/exhibitions seasonally, it also offers fitness and dance classes almost daily. So, the centre is really a centra of activities.

#22/365 Hello beauty!

 

See what I mean?
The façade of the town hall is adorn with so many ornaments, some time is needed to take in every detail and I'm loving it!

As you can see, aside from the ornaments, the wear and tear is hard to miss. Am not sure of the immediate plans for the repairs, but my wish is they do it sympathetically and not over renew it.

#21/365 Non-Digital

The only times I got to see the interior of the town hall were first when we submit our application for civil registration of marriage and then on the day of the wedding itself. Both times were a bit of a rush. I know the building is a gem but my mind was occupied..haha

On Sunday, I took a solitude walk to the building and I'm glad I did it! I haven't been so excited in a building for long time (what can I say, I love details). Despite some obvious wear and tear, which I hope the town admin. will address it soon, the amount of creativity packed just at the entrance is amazing!

#20/365 Naïve Museum

Don't be turn off by the shabby appearance of the Naïve Museum. In fact, I hope the museum's admin.don't refurbish too much when the time comes as to loose its charms.

Inside this moderate size building, you will find the largest naïve arts collection of Hungary. Whenever I visit, I find myself completely enjoy the seeming naïve arts, some even done by noted Hungarian naïve artists.

We planned to revisit this summer and wish you'd do the same :)

ps. I mentioned this museum before in this post.

#19/365 Cloudy and flurries

My weather widget is currently reading "cloudy and flurries". I don't mind the flurries but cloudy I can do without. If you have similar forecast this weekend, I suggest you go (window) shopping, let the mall keeps you nice and warm, and energize! At least that's how I like to beat the winter blues ;)

Happy weekend to you!

#18/365 The school at the main square

Yesterday we wrote about pupil, today let's talk school. Specifically The Calvinish Secondary Grammar School and Academy, located within the main square. I don't know about your school; but mine was just a box type building. So, this is gorgeous to me. Although it doesn't seem much in this photo, it is rather elegant and full of hidden details waiting to please the eyes.

Architect, Valér Mende was once again commissioned for building of this school in 1911-1913.

#17/365 Mother hen

Why the title?
Well, whenever I see a group of pupil following their teacher in this fashion, it reminds of a chinese game I played as a child. The teacher is as if the mother hen in the game, guiding and protecting her "chicks".

#16/365 A lot going on

A lot going on, rigth?  I mean the photo. Normally I prefer to compose less busy shots; however, I like how the scene is showing the day-to-day in our town.

#15/365 Luther Palace

Continuing from yesterday's post , let's take a closer look at the wood carvings I admire so much. Gorgeous isn't it? I do wished the satellite dish is not there..ha.
Judging by the appearance of things, I am guessing the building is being used as residential purposes rather than commercial ; although the ground floor is owned or rented by businesses.

Architect, Valér Mende was commissioned for this building between 1910 and 1912. He was said to belong to a group : "The Youth" representing a more up-to-date trend of Art Nouveau.

#14/365 Székely folk inspired

As this, one-time mansion of the Evangelist Church, is located at the busy part of the town, you may have not noticed the little details included in this building. I urge anyone who has the chance to pass this architecture to stop and take in the beautiful carvings done on the wood, which I read is Székely folk inspired.

Oh, and this place is known as Luther Palace.

#13/365 Church goers

Do you go to church on Sundays? 

The main entrance of the Great Roman Catholic church is busiest on Sundays. At 10 am, you will normally see a crowd at the front of the church

According to this survey , Hungary is no. 27 in church attendance.

#12/365 Suburbia

Just thought I show you a neighbourhood we passed today. Normally, we hardly see anyone on the streets on weekdays, except for people waiting at the bus stops, but I'm rather surprised that it is this quiet on the weekend as well.

#11/365 Past and Present

The former synagogue is standing tall still; but it was a different story on July 8th 1911, when an earthquake shaken the town where many buildings suffered damages. 

#10/365 Back in winter

This scene of towers could be seen from our windows, of course not as near but they are there.
We are so familiar with scenery that sometimes we don't even noticed it.

The towers come alive whenever it snowed or sun shining, that's when we refresh our appreciation for their beauty.

#9/365 For sale

Due to the opening of a German car assembly plant recently, the town suddenly found itself in a small boom. Many buildings and services, mainly in the centre, are undergoing refurbishment to cater for increase in demand.

This building you see in the picture is all done up and ready for potential buyers. Anyone interested could ring that number!

Whoever that owns this property could thank me for the free publicity :D

#8/365 Relax

Seeing that we're already one month into winter, the unusually sunny days in the mornings, is really welcomed by all.
I feel more enthusiastic about things around me. Even these pigeons, which are a common sight, seems so much more interesting. In this photo, the birds were seen resting at the top of housing block, a popular place for them to hang out.

#7/365 Close up

 
Whenever the weather is spring-like, just like what we experienced the last 2 days, it gives a lot more photo opportunities to capture details that you may otherwise wouldn't have been able to.

In this instance, I saw the beautiful light in the late afternoon from my window. I could see the tip of the tower was shining and was excited to capture the moment. And then, when I enlarge the photo later, I was surprised at how wonderful the details on the tower are.

#6/365 Impression

The first time we visited Kecskemét was when we wanted to survey around the town before actually moving here. We stayed for a few days at a hotel nearby Rákóczi Street. I remember standing here looking at the curved balcony and admiring the details and wood works. Til this day, this remain one of my favourite building in the town.

#5/365 Swim!

The indoor swimming pool has moved to a new facility since last summer; however, this statue of swimmers, which is situated in front of the old facility, remains. I wonder if  they have any plans to relocate the statue.. ?

Anyway, I find it hard to photograph as at certain angle it is hard to tell what it's all about..haha.

#4/365 All that's remained

Ever since we moved here, I have been curious about this "ruin".. Unfortunately, the history of this site still remains a mystery to me. However, I am sure I will be able to share the story with you one day.

----Updated Jan 07,2013----

Wow! That "one day" came earlier than I thought! Turns out the info. is already available in the town's coffee table book. I'll just extract the text from the book itself :-

"The park with ancient ruins at the northern side of the church has been "exhibited" since 1974. During the excavations of 1973-74, the stone fence of the one-time cemetery and the foundations of the cemetery chapel of Saint Michael became visible."

source : ISBN 978-615-5064-02-9

#3/365 "Szeretetebédek”

"Szeretetebédek”, literally means "Love Lunch", is an event organised by the town hall with several sponsors. As the name suggests, it is about offering meals to the needy this holiday season.

This particular shot was taken on new year's morning. I believe they haven't started serving meals yet.

#2/365 Party Aftermath

Although these little dots will be cleared soon, I do like the colours they add to the grey morning.

#1/365 First post of in 2013!!

We walked towards the main square at 11:30pm as we needed some exercise especially after stuffing ourselves with festive foods but of course more for the fireworks (duh!). The air was crisper than I thought it would be despite all those fire crackers cracking every few minutes. Overall it was a low key new year, yet it feels fun and memorable.

Hopefully this year I'll be more active in this blog and take lots more photos, Cheers!!