#59/365 Obsess

Lately, when I walked around for photo opportunities, I keep "focusing" on the roofs! The reasons I think I'm attracted to the roofs are the jagged surface and not one roof is identical which makes them less boring than the perfect modern built.

#58/365 Impressions

If you haven't noticed by now, Kecskemét town centre is surrounded by religious buildings. In this blog, we have shown you The Great Roman Catholic Church , Synagogue ,  The First Piarist Friars , and there are many more that we have yet to share. As we enjoy "studying" architecture, it is really a treat being so near these many beautiful buildings.

What you see in the photo is the right side of the roof of a secondary grammar school by The First Piarist Friars built next to the convent.

#57/365 Hanging out

The previous town we lived in has no shopping centre at all. In the beginning, it was hard for me as  I came from a vibrant shopping country but slowly I got used to doing something else other than shopping!

Even though I have adjusted my lifestyle without including shopping as a main past time, I am still glad now we could visit the one major shopping centre (complete with food court and cinema) in Kecskemét should the "craving" arises ;)

#56/365 Getting around

We have no car. So, walking is our preferred way of getting around the town. Where walking is not an option, we take the bus. Since we live right at the centre, bus stops and the main station are never too far away from us. Just check the time table and we're good to go!

#55/365 Bells Ringing

Here you are, as promised, a recording of bells ringing at the town hall. If not mistaken the ringing started at 10am. Hopefully, the video will allow you visualise better about our town.

#54/365 Making a comeback

Every year, when it is time to bid farewell to winter, the snow never failed to sneak back right before the end of the season. Oh well, might as well enjoy it!

Have a happy weekend!

#Taken yesterday

#53/365 Panel Flat

Panel Flat is mostly high rise but there are smaller units, like the one seen above, which have between 3 and 5 floors. What drawn me to take this shot was the chimneys.

#52/365 Love Letter

If you want to show your love to someone in this country, you buy them a heart shape honey cookie or known as in Hungarian, Mézeskalács Szív. Nobody eats them,  as it is for keep sakes and really more of a souvenir. Don't worry, it doesn't expire for a long long time.

I found this heart at a souvenir shop, mainly for tourist, with the name of our town (sorry cut off the "ét" from the name). I think it is rather unique as a gift to any friends back home.

Check out more images of this special cookie with intricate designs here.

#51/365 Spring is in the air

Statue of Lajos Kossuth stand looking at the town hall. Who is he? Let me extract from wiki :-

He was widely honored during his lifetime, including in the UK and the US as a freedom fighter and bellwether of democracy in Europe.

This statue was in commemoration of the recruiting speech he had give in our town on September 25th, 1848 as the leader of the Hungarian War of Independence.

We found this quote from Brainy Quote :-

The time draws near, when a radical change must take place for the whole world in the management of diplomacy. - Lajos Kossuth

#50/365 something pretty

Right above the entrance of TourInform is this very beautifully crafted ornament. I often ask myself :" why don't they make building like this anymore?" I also like how the chandelier showed a sneak peak. My next task is to take a close-up of the main entrance. Perhaps today I could achieve it, fingers crossed!

# We are already into the 50th post for 2013!

#49/365 Tour Inform

When arriving/visiting a new city in Hungary, we like to stop by the TourInform office for brochures, discounts/promotion from local businesses and obviously information.

For Kecskemét, TourInform could be found at the main square, the corner wing of the town hall. The signage in national colours is hard to miss.

#48/365 Mozart sweets

Marzipan sweets especially stuffed inside chocolate bonbons and truffles are popular gifts around this part of the world. One of the most well-recognised brands is with a portrait of Mozart on the box like the one you see above.

This shop is located at the arcade of shopping centre Alföld Áruház , address Deák Ferenc tér 6, Kecskemét.

#47/365 By Bus

We're at the food court, in the mall, looking at the main bus station for local lines. I would say we have a rather efficient bus system. Rain or shine you can count on the 34 bus lines for your local commute.

To check the timetable see here.

#46/365 By rail

Kecskemét is well known for its wine, the fruits and farm animals. At the turn of 20th century, the railway was the main mode for transporting these products. I am not sure that is still the case these days; but I know that the line you see above is still useful to villagers around our town.

#45/365 Love is in the air

Show love to your husband / wife / parents / child(ren) / girlfriend / boyfriend and whomever that makes your heart happy!

# photo - taken during the bridal fare last weekend.

#44/365 650 years

Kecskemét has been ranked town status for six and a half centuries. It was first owned by the Queen and later became a market-town. With this status, the town enjoys development free from the old feudal system.

#43/365 Blessed

The other day we visited Béke Általános Iskola (Peace Elementary School) on Boldogasszony tér (Blessed Virgin Square). And yesterday, while walking pass the square, the winter sun finally showed. Of course I had to grab the opportunity to show you the square, focusing on the Blessed Virgin. 

#42/365 Good old fashion fun

Sunday morning, the snow is falling but we were determined to enjoy the snow. Not surprisingly, many parents were already out before us with sledges/sleds and little ones in tow. :)

#41/365 Views, what view?

Behind those cables 'n such is apartment buildings. I know many won't be happy having this "monster"as their view everyday, let alone living so near it!

#40/365 Do you visit the library?

Our answer is Yes!
Despite owning an e-reader, we still pay for library subscription as nothing could compare to the old paper and ink! Lucky for us, our library is well-stocked and up-to-date, making it one of our favourite places to visit in the town.

#39/365 Néptánc

Let's escape the dreary winter and step into spring for today.

Do you remember what you were doing when you're at that young age? Well, I wasn't brave enough to dance and perform in front of huge crowds, that's for sure. The group was performing during the May 1 festivals.

According to Kecekemét Táncegyüttes (Kecekemét Dance Ensemble), their members' age ranges from 6 years til pensioners. They dedicate their free time in preservation of the Hungarian folk tradition.

#38/365 Panelház

Panel Flats, known as Panelház in Hungarian is a type of housing built during the socialist era.
For our town, the works started in 1976, at that time 2500 units were being built per year.
Nationwide, since the 2000s, these flats are required to meet the energy efficiency code whereby the windows are being replaced with double glazed ones , the walls outside insulated, installation of new heating system and getting a new coat of paint  as part of the beautification process.

#37/365 A little bit of drama

Today we visit a former market place which has been converted into a school 50+ years ago.
Béke Általános Iskola (Peace Elementary School) located at Boldogasszony tér (Blessed Virgin Square) is especially grand in this setting and yes, that is an industrial chimney in the background.

Read more about the school here. 

#36/365 Miskakancsó live version

Miskakancsó or Miska Jug is a type of folk pottery featuring soldier from early 19th century.
This live version was found wondering the town square several summers ago, promoting a souvenir/gift shop.
You must check out the ceramic versions here as they are just adorable!

#35/365 Welcome

Naïve Museum welcomes you!

You could have more sneak peaks of the museum here.

#34/365 Day of relax

#33/365 Belated theme day

Despite noting it on my calendar, forgetful me has completely over-looked the theme day; which was held yesterday.Oh well...

This month's theme was 'Umbrella'. In this scene above although you see that umbrellas were being utilised, it is actually not a common feature even on rain and snow days. I personally always carry a small one in my bag, while my husband will try his best to avoid using  ..

Find out what others post this theme day.

#32/365 Towers

There are many more towers not included here

Kecskemét is not only known as the town of church towers, but town of church bells, as well. Church bells ring every hour day and night. For us who live near the towers, we're very use to the rings and treat it like a giant alarm!