Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals – murderers, thieves and robbers. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas’ life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman’s father had to offer prospective husbands something of value – a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man’s daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint.

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. Nicholas was so widely revered that thousands of churches were named for him. Nicholas’ tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage.

Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas’ feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves. In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Hungarian children clean their shoes or boots and put them on the windowsill and wait for Santa Claus to fill them with sweets and presents. But if they haven’t behaved themselves and they are on the naughty list they might not get sweets only thin twigs painted gold and called “virgács”.

Here is a short summary of the story. Can you fill in the gaps in the text?

Nicholas was a (1)…….. man from the village of Patara. He came from a devout (2)………. family. His parents died early. Nicholas used his whole (3)…………… to help the (4) ………, the sick, and the suffering. He was the (5)………. of Myra. He was (6) ………….. and (7) ………….. for his faith. He provided (8) …………. for a poor man’s three daughters with bags of (9) ……… tossed through an open window. That’s where the legend of (10) ……………. originates from. Sailors claim St. Nicholas as (11) ……… . . He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra. The (12)………….. of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. December 6th is still the main day for (13)…………. and (14)…………….. in much of Europe. Hungarian children put their clean shoes or boots on the (15) ………. and wait for Santa to fill them with sweets and presents.

Key:

1. Greek

2. Christian

3. inheritance

4. needy

5. bishop

6. persecuted

7. exiled

8. dowry

9. gold

10. Santa Claus

11. patron

12. anniversary

13. gift giving

14. merrymaking

15. windowsill

Walt Disney was a creative and imaginative man who brought joy to the world through his love for animation. He was born on December 5, 1901, in Hermosa, Illinois, USA. As a child, Walt showed an early interest in drawing and storytelling. In 1923, he co-founded the Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy. The studio later became known as The Walt Disney Company.

Walt Disney created the first synchronized sound and color cartoon, “Steamboat Willie,” featuring the iconic character Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse became a global sensation, and Walt’s creativity didn’t stop there. He introduced more beloved characters like Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.

In 1937, Walt Disney produced the first full-length animated feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” a groundbreaking achievement in the world of animation. Over the years, he expanded his creativity into theme parks, with Disneyland opening in 1955 in California.

Walt Disney’s legacy continued to grow as he received numerous awards, including 22 Academy Awards. Despite facing challenges, he never stopped dreaming and creating, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

On Sale

Komplett angol nyelvtan rendszerező videókurzus

39,900Ft Original price was: 39,900Ft.29,900FtCurrent price is: 29,900Ft.

On Sale

TEMATIKUS ANGOL SZÓKINCSFEJLESZTŐ videókurzus

34,900Ft Original price was: 34,900Ft.24,900FtCurrent price is: 24,900Ft.

On Sale

Általános üzleti/munkahelyi angol videókurzus

30,900Ft Original price was: 30,900Ft.20,900FtCurrent price is: 20,900Ft.

1.Szőlőcukor Pasztilla

With its name meaning “grape-sugar (dextrose) pastilles” in Hungarian, this is one of the healthiest sweets on offer – the package states that “regular consumption of grape sugar tablets is good for children, athletes and heart patients.” That’s all well and good, but do these slightly chalky pellets satisfy sweet tooth? The answer is yes, with the mint variety offering a quite refreshing taste after a meal, while fruit-flavored szőlőcukor options like lemon and strawberry provide a pleasant guilt-free treat.

2. Negro

Hungary is not a very politically correct country; were these soothing lozenges marketed in Great Britain or the USA, protests would surely follow at retail locations within a few days. However, this widely popular Hungarian-made hard candy – infused with honey, mint, or fruit – is actually named after Italian confectioner Pietro Negro, who invented it in Hungary while living here during the 1920s; meanwhile, the suspiciously dark-tinted figure on every package is supposed to represent “the chimney sweep of the throat.”

3. Tejkaramella

“Milky caramel” is pretty much what it sounds like – a creamy type of fudge that tastes like soft toffee, which may be a little dry when first chewed, but soon the sugary goodness melts across the palate and smiles follow. While a few Hungarian confectioneries create cubes of this crowd-pleasing treat for mass consumption, the best tejkaramella is prepared at the homes of Hungarian grandmas nationwide; considering that the recipe only calls for sugar, milk, and butter, it’s not a difficultdo-it-yourself sweet.

4. Téli Fagyi

Hungarians aged over five years old generally react with revulsion when offered this strange confection – with its name translating to “winter ice cream”, this unrefrigerated sugar bomb mainly consists of cocoa-flavoured mousse topped with a thin layer of chocolate within a typically stale cone, creating a cloyingly unpalatable texture and taste that often inspires expectoration soon after the first bite. Nonetheless, this Hungarian-made specialty is still found by the checkout counter at many supermarkets.

5. Balaton

The biggest lake in Hungary (and Central Europe) is honoured with this namesake candy bar that is simple yet scrumptious, made of wafers pressed together with cocoa-cream layers and then coated in milk chocolate or dark chocolate. With its sunshiny wrapper imagery showing bright beams illuminating shimmering water, one bite of this omnipresent delight evokes memories for Hungarians who grew up going to Lake Balaton every summer, buying one of these candy bars anytime they could cadge a few coins from their parents.

6. Maci

With its charmingly retro wrapper emblazoned with a drawing of a cute little bear (“maci” is Hungarian for “teddy bear”), along with Budapest’s name proudly added at the top, this peanut-infused milk-chocolate bar is not only a fairly tasty goody, but it also makes a great cheap gift for visitors to bring home to family and friends after a trip to Hungary’s capital. The chocolate itself is nothing special, but since each bar weighs in at a hefty 100 grams, a single Maci is perfect for splitting among friends.

7. Vadász

“If you want something really good!” says the label of every Vadász bar, and considering that every Vadász bar is made with a generous portion of alcohol, the manufacturers can’t be accused of false advertising. With its name meaning “hunter” in Hungarian, this tasty tidbit is available in either the “sweet and bitter” flavour with dark chocolate or the “black forest” variety with milk chocolate, and both options are filled with cherry cream and a noticeable splash of booze, making it an excellent wintertime treat.

8. Krumplicukor

Generally reviled as the country’s least-desirable candy, the name of krumplicukor is Hungarian for “potato sugar”, and things don’t get much better from there. Like szőlőcukor, krumplicukor is marketed as a relatively healthy indulgence, but most people that watch their weight would probably prefer to skip sweets altogether rather than bite into this odd-smelling concoction left over from Communist times. If it’s really fresh, krumplicukor is in fact edible – but if it’s gone stale, it becomes a flat jawbreaker.

9. Dunakavics and Francia drazsé

As the Hungarian answer to M&M’s, this duo of palatable pellets encased in a candy shell remains beloved here ever since its creation in Budapest 50 years ago. However, these two types of candies appear and taste dramatically different; Francia drazsé are simple spheres of chocolate, while Dunakavics are roasted peanuts with a lumpy sugar coating that, at a quick glance, can kind of resemble a hardened piece of already-chewed gum. Regardless, both of these multicoloured confections are popular with very good reason.

10. Eredeti Szerencsi

Anyone allergic to nuts should steer clear of Eredeti Szerencsi candy bars – their primary ingredients include hazelnut cream, chopped almonds, honey-flavoured cashews, and peanuts. However, folks who enjoy these hearty kernels will definitely savour this old-school delight that also contains a thin crispy wafer and is liberally covered in dark chocolate, and still wrapped in golden foil like some delicacy delivered from Willy Wonka’s factory. Its easy-to-hold contoured shape is especially appreciated.

11. Sport

Although it’s not as strong as Vadász, this alcohol-flavoured chocolate bar is a major presence in candy aisles at shops all across Hungary. A layer of dark chocolate envelops a light cocoa-fondant filling enhanced with the essence of rum, making it a pleasant pick-me-up… but contrary to its name, this doesn’t seem like the most beneficial snack that athletes could possibly nibble on. Nonetheless, the compact-yet-satisfying size of Sport bars can be perfect for assuaging a passing craving for something sweet.

12. Medvecukor

People who really like licorice might just become fans of Medvecukor – meaning “bear sugar” (don’t worry, no ursine beasts are involved in the creation of this candy) – but even people with a predilection for this root-based flavour will probably find the texture off-putting, to say the least. Sold in long semi-gelatinous strands, the first couple of bites are agreeably chewy, but soon it dissolves into slippery shreds of rubbery treacle, until the process of actually swallowing it presents a test of endurance.

13. Kojak

Named in honour of the iconic TV detective with an affinity for Tootsie Pops played by Telly Savalas in the 1970s, this cocoa-coated vanilla sucker has continually been a cherished sweet among Hungarians for decades. The chocolate tastes somewhat artificial, and the dense vanilla centre has a tendency to get stuck between teeth, but for those patient enough to let the entire glob literally melt in the mouth, Kojak pops present an easy way to sate a sweet tooth without purchasing an entire candy bar.

source: welovebudapest.com

And now back to international brands. Can you match the sweets and their description?

Key:

1. d

2. a.

3. e.

4. b.

5. c.

When Starbucks marketing director Howard Schultz visited Milan, Italy in 1983 and realized the city was home to more than 1500 coffee bars, a cartoon light bulb appeared over his head. Four years later, the ambitious Schultz acquired Starbucks—which had previously only sold ground coffee in bags, with no single servings—and proceeded to turn it from a six-store Seattle operation into a global phenomenon. Unlock the secrets of your home away from home with these 14 frothy facts.

1. THERE’S A BAN ON SMELLS.

Because aroma is so crucial to the Starbucks experience, Schultz laid down the law early on: Nothing can interfere with the smell of their freshly-ground coffee. The stores banned smoking in the late 1980s, years before it became commonplace; employees are asked not to wear perfume or cologne; and under no circumstances is pastrami to be stored anywhere on the premises.

2. THE MERMAID USED TO SHOW NIPPLE.

The siren of the famous Starbucks logo is intended to represent the seductive power of coffee, with her hair tastefully covering any hint of immodesty. But when Starbucks was still a regional chain in 1970s Seattle, their logo was far more candid: The mermaid had fully-exposed breasts. Some customers commented on it, but it didn’t become scandalous until the company began making deliveries and had to put their signage on trucks. Reluctant to traffic in portable nudity, the logo was revised.

3. THERE HAVE BEEN STORES MADE OUT OF OLD SHIPPING CONTAINERS.

In a monument to the company’s eco-friendly attitude, several stores built out of retired shipping containers have opened since 2011. Some use run-off drains to feed rainwater to nearby vegetation; others use local materials such as discarded wooden fencing to complete the job. The recycled storefronts are typically drive-thru only, but video cameras allow patrons to see a friendly barista’s face. At 1000 square feet, they’re also smaller than a typical store—and Starbucks has every intention of using that tiny footprint to burrow its way into locations previously thought to be too small to lease.

4. AN IMMUNOLOGIST CRACKED THE COFFEE CODE.

Infectious disease specialist Don Valencia was essentially just goofing off in 1990 when he developed a coffee bean extract that smelled and tasted just like the real thing. After neighbors couldn’t tell the difference between his sample and fresh coffee, he tried it out on a barista. Eventually, word got to Starbucks executives, who hired Valencia in 1993. Using his discovery to branch out into retail sales, Starbucks quickly became a top-seller of bottled coffee and super-premium ice cream—for a time, they even outsold pint-sized king Häagen-Dazs.

5. MANAGERS WERE FORCED TO PLAY WITH MR. POTATO HEAD.

Eager to ramp up efficiency in the face of stiffer competition in 2009, Starbucks dispatched executive Scott Heydon for some updated managerial training. To demonstrate how employees can cut down on idle time behind the counter, Heydon instructed managers to assemble a Mr. Potato Head toy and then put him back in his box in under 45 seconds. At least one supervisor was able to pick up the scattered pieces and re-assemble the spud in under 16 seconds.

6. THE STARBUCKS CIA LOCATION IS AS SECRETIVE AS YOU’D EXPECT.

Like most office buildings, the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Va. runs on caffeine. But it doesn’t run like a typical Starbucks: Baristas undergo background checks and aren’t allowed to leave their posts without a CIA escort. Customer names cannot be called out or written on cups due to security concerns. Despite the precautions, it’s still a social atmosphere: According to the Washington Post, one key member of the team that assisted in locating Osama bin Laden was recruited there.

7. THE EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE IS VERY SPECIFIC.

When Schultz opened his line of Il Giornale espresso bars in 1985, he mandated employees wear the bowties and crisp white shirts common in Italy. The current dress code [PDF] has relaxed on the attire but still insists on a certain kind of conformity. Rings cannot have stones; brightly-colored purple or pink hair is not welcome; untucked shirts can’t expose your midsection when bending over; ear gauges should be less than 10mm. Think you’re going to sport a face tattoo or septum ring? Mister, the only thing you’re brewing is trouble.   

8. NONFAT MILK RESULTED IN A CORPORATE STAND-OFF.

When Howard Behar came to Starbucks as an executive in 1989, he was dismayed to find that many customers had filled out comment cards voicing their desire for nonfat milk. But Schultz and his team had decided they didn’t like the taste and that nonfat wasn’t authentically Italian. Behar argued that customers should get whatever they wanted. Store managers protested, but when Schultz personally witnessed a customer walk out over the lack of options, he relented. Today, half of the company’s cappuccinos and lattes are frothed without fat.

9. THEY HAVE A SKI-THRU.

Skiers in Squaw Valley, California looking for a caffeine fix don’t have to take off their equipment: the Starbucks at the Gold Coast Resort is open to visitors via a Ski-Thru. They also take orders from the aerial lift. What could be better?

10. YOU CAN GET A BUTTERBEER FRAPPUCINO.

The preferred thirst-quencher for Harry Potter fans, Butterbeer isn’t really available outside of the books or the Universal Studios attraction—but you can get a pretty good approximation by requesting a Frappucino with caramel syrup, caramel drizzle, and toffee nut syrup.

11. THE ROUND TABLES MAY HELP YOU FEEL LESS LONELY.

Feeling self-conscious about sitting in a Starbucks by yourself? Don’t be: the round tables are there to help. The company believes that circular dining areas can make a space feel less empty when compared to the stern edges of a rectangular or square table. They don’t want you to feel alone. So, so alone.

12. THE DISNEY STARBUCKS HAS MAGIC CHALKBOARDS.

When Starbucks opened at Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida, some of the company’s trademark features were tweaked to fit their magical affiliation. The chalkboard was re-imagined as a 70-inch touch screen that can render illustrations in real time. Customers can also “draw” on the screen using their fingers, take selfies, and see what visitors in Disney’s Anaheim Starbucks are up to.

13. SOME STORES HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE GREATEST CUP OF COFFEE POSSIBLE.

Starbucks cares a great deal about serving an excellent cup of coffee. Employees never let brewed pots sit for more than 30 minutes, and stores use no artificially-flavored grounds. The next giant leap in bean prep might be the Clover, a proprietary machine engineered by Stanford that costs $13,000 to install and uses a vacuum and elevator system to shoot coffee grounds upward with precision water temperatures; the result is said to be a peerless experience. If you’re lucky enough to be near a store that has one, expect to pay up to $5 a cup. 

14. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT IN A STARBUCKS, YOU MIGHT BE IN A STARBUCKS.

Starbucks is both a progressive and staunchly familiar brand. They want to innovate without alienating their loyal customer base. One solution has been to design and open a series of “stealth stores” that serve Starbucks coffee while going by another name, like 15th Avenue E Coffee and Tea in Seattle. Freed from the trappings of a conventional location, these undercover stores can offer live music and serve beer or wine. The company has eyes on opening roughly 100 similar locations in the future.

source: mentalfloss

Types of trees used

Both natural and artificial trees are used as Christmas trees.

Some trees are sold live with roots and soil, often from a nursery, to be planted later outdoors and enjoyed (and often decorated) for years or decades.

Artificial trees have become increasingly popular, as they are considered more convenient and (if used for several years) less expensive than real trees. Trees come in a number of colours and “species“, and some come pre-decorated with lights. At the end of the Christmas season artificial trees can be disassembled and stored compactly.

The first artificial trees that were not green were the metallic trees, introduced in about 1958, and quite popular through the 1960s.

Other artificial trees may look nothing like a conifer except for the triangular or conical shape. These may be made from cardboard, glass, plastic, or from stacked items such as ornaments. Such items are often used as tabletop decorations.

Fordítsd le a szavakat, kifejezéseket angolra!

1. tűlevelű fa
2. karácsonyi égők
3. műfenyő
4. faiskola
5. színes díszek
6. asztali dísz

Key

1. coniferous tree
2. Christmas lights
3. artificial (Christmas) tree
4. nursery
5. colourful ornaments
6. tabletop decoration

The creation of the Eiffel Tower

For the World Exhibition of 1889, a date that marked the hundred-year anniversary of the French Revolution, a major competition was launched in the French government’s Journal Officiel. The challenge was to “study the possibility of erecting an iron tower with a square base on Champ-de-Mars, 410 feet wide and 984 feet high”. Out of 107 projects, it was that of entrepreneur Gustave Eiffel, engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Saucestre that was selected.

An unusual project

The assembly of the pillars started on July 1, 1887 and was completed 21 months later. All elements were prepared at the Levallois-Perret factory just outside Paris, the seat of the Eiffel company. Each of the Tower’s 18,000 parts was designed and calculated before being traced down to the minutest detail and assembled in approximately 16-feet parts.

Fifty engineers and designers created 5,300 drawings and over a hundred laborers pre-fabricated over 18,000 different pieces. On site, between 150 and 300 laborers, supervised by a team of highly experienced workers from large metal viaduct projects, assembled the giant Meccano-style construction.

The monument was inaugurated on March 31, 1889. On this day, Gustave Eiffel climbed the Tower’s 1,710 steps to raise the tricolor French flag at the top. Until 1929, the Eiffel Tower was the highest building in the world, at which point the Chrysler Building (1,047 feet) overtook it.

Instant success for the highest tower in the world…

The 1889 Paris World Exhibition received millions of visitors. Nearly 2 million of them came to discover the Eiffel Tower, i.e. nearly 12,000 per day! From the beginning, the Tower was a huge hit.

In the first week, even though the lifts were not yet operational, nearly 30,000 visitors climbed the monument by foot, 1,710 steps to the top. At the time, the Eiffel Tower was the highest tower in the world and people from all over the world rushed to the heart of the capital to admire this jewel of architecture. The public wanted not only to experience the giddying climb but above all, admire the hitherto unseen panorama of Paris.

…but a controversial beginning nevertheless

Like many large architectural projects that are now a part of our heritage, the Tower had its share of detractors. When it was being constructed, there were violent protests from multiple figures. On February 14, 1887, Le Temps published an open letter, written by around fifty artists from the world of literature and art who opposed the Eiffel Tower. This missive was addressed to Mr. Alphand, curator of the 1889 World Exhibition, to protest against the construction of a 984-foot tower on the Champ-de-Mars. Gustave Eiffel defended his project tooth and nail, but the controversy continued. Some would later publicly apologize.

The Eiffel Tower in Numbers

More than a monument, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and France! It is undeniably one of the most well-known works of structural art in the world and most frequently depicted silhouettes. Here are a few key numbers integral to the Tower’s history.

6,000,000

The average number of annual visitors, with 75% from overseas, making it the most visited ticketed monument in the world. Over 300 million visitors have come to see it since it opened to the public.

1889

The year it was built. For the World Exhibition of 1889, a date that marked the hundred-year anniversary of the French Revolution, a major competition was launched in the French government’s Journal Officiel.

800
The number of employees, both of SETE and the concessionaires, who work at the monument on a daily basis.

7

The average number of years between painting campaigns.

20

The number of years it was supposed to exist. It was saved by the science experiments encouraged by Eiffel, particularly the first radio transmissions, then telecommunications.

1,083

Its current height in feet, including the new 20-foot antenna installed in March 2022.

2 years, 2 months & 5 days

How long it took to build, a true technical and architectural feat. Ground was broken on January 28, 1887. March 31, 1889 marked the completion of the Tower, in record time, representing a high point for the industrial era. “Utopia achieved” in the late 19th century – this was the demonstration of French genius as embodied by Gustave Eiffel.

6,6

The speed of the lifts, in ft/ second.

20,000

The number of lightbulbs that make the Tower sparkle.

1,665

The number of steps from the esplanade to the top, taking the staircase in the East pillar. More specifically, there are 345 steps from the esplanade to the first floor; 359 from the first to the second; and 932 between the second and third floors.

5

The number of lifts from the ground to the second floor: 1 in the East pillar, 1 in the West pillar, 1 in the North pillar, 1 (private) in the South pillar serving Le Jules Verne Restaurant and 1 goods lift in the South pillar. From the second floor to the top, 4 lifts operate in pairs.

2,500,000

The number of rivets on the Tower, which are small parts used to assemble two metal pieces.

60

The approximate weight in tons of paint for each campaign.

Following the “experimental season” of the previous year, the international competition returned during January 27–28 on the cross-country skiing course next to the ice cave. The Polish championship and a night race were part of the second round, which took place the following weekend, February 2-4. This competition series is known as the Ice Trophy Grand Prix. The most prestigious categories, which are Skj 1-dog, double sled, quadruple sled, and sixth sled, had their competitions judged on Sunday, February 4, according to a statement made earlier to our editorial team by spokeswoman Katarína Strojná of the tourism organisation of Košice Region Tourism.

International competitors

Teams from Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Moldova have all competed in the competition. Given the success of the inaugural international competition last year, the organisers have set aside two distinct parking lots for this year’s event, from which you can either walk or take a bus to the competition. “In addition to the first two days of the first stage of the competition last weekend, on Sunday 28 February we also opened a ski rental with a heated shelter in the park next to the Dobsina ice cave, which was set up with the intervention of the county and financed by our tourist organisation” – said Lenka Vargová Jurkova, the director of the tourism organisation.

Hungarian dogs and sleds 

Lajos Köffer, a competitor from Hungary, who has competed in multiple national championships and numerous European events, spoke about the sport’s symbolism of freedom and the union of dogs and nature during the first two days of the competition.

“I’ve spent years competing in dog driving events in Slovakia. The Dobsina route is quite intriguing and well-balanced, with plenty of flat sections interspersed with a few challenging climbs and a lengthy, several hundred-meter hill. Of course, the dogs are in good shape, but, if necessary, we may assist and play with them. We’ve been involved in this sport for a very long time; it truly is our passion” – Lajos Köffer remarked. Thousands of people attended the race throughout the course of the first two days, according to Marcel Kollárik, one of the key organisers of the dog sled race. “We also had a night race on the following Friday, and then the international competition’s second round on Saturday and Sunday. The official results for the races held last weekend will be revealed in the following weeks, Marcel Kollárik informed, despite the fact that partial results have already been released.

text and photos by Róbert Németi

Budapest city centre

Budapest is without a doubt one of the best places to run in Hungary since all the best places are centrally located. The highlight of the city is Margaret Island, which needs no introduction, a small paradise island in the middle of the capital city. Surrounded by the Danube, the island offers a 5.3 km rubberized running track along with a beautiful view over the city and the river. There are also excellent running tracks in many parks in Budapest including Városliget, Bikás Park and Orczy Park. The roughly 800-metre-long running track of Bikás Park is one of the most popular routes to run in Buda, thanks to the park’s easy accessibility. Free outdoor gyms are great for warming up or winding down. 

The popular Holdudvar Park in Óbuda is one of the many newly built or renovated running tracks in the city. The classic residential park offers a place for the new park which is now bigger and more improved. The park includes a big playground, street workout equipment and ping pong tables all surrounded by a 450-metre running track.

For some challenge and uphill tracks, head to Gellért Hill in Buda and run up to the Citadella or enjoy Normafa Park with its many trees and wonderful greenery. Normafa is not only one of the capital’s most popular places for hiking but also an ideal place for sportsmen and women to get some exercise. The 2,040 metre long Tartan (polyurethane) track from Jánoshegyi Road to the lookout is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy running in clean air, away from the noise of the city. 

Balaton Uplands National Park 

Running in the Balaton Uplands is one of the best ways to explore this region. The national park offers the most beautiful places to run with different routes to take depending on fitness level and preferred paths. One popular running track near Lake Balaton is the Tihany – Aszófő loop. This is an expert run route, so very good fitness is required. Completing the run takes around two hours, but the view and the magical Tihany atmosphere will be surely worth it! 

Lake Velence

Lake Velence is within easy reach from the capital city and has a well-designed cycling path perfect and safe for runners to use as well. The classic Velence loop is about 28 km long. There are numerous monuments and lookouts at several points along the route, which makes the run even more interesting and fun. The route is almost entirely flat with minor climbs and a total elevation gain of 161 metres. As the summer days approach and days get hotter, runners can end their route with a swim in the lake to refresh. 

Tata Öreg Lake

Generally considered an easy route, the Tata Öreg Lake Loop is a roughly 7 km long trail. It is a popular trail for birding, trail running or walking. The trail is open year-round and is a peaceful and beautiful lakeside to visit anytime. The total elevation gain is around 102 metres, so the trail is perfect for less-trained runners. The trail is kid and stroller friendly, so even families can run the loop on a sunny afternoon. The route offers runners beautiful views and historic sites around, so slower runners will enjoy every metre of the trail. 

Three Border Mountain

Not only joggers but even top athletes swear by and train regularly on the Three Border Mountain (Hármashatár-hegy) tracks. Orienteers and triathletes and more and more casual runners choose the mountain, as it has many great qualities, including its proximity to the city. In the mornings and early afternoons, many people run alone to enjoy the less busy time on the trails. After work hours, many go for a run there to release the stress from the day. On the weekends, the trail gets popular with elder walkers, Nordic walkers, hikers and families, but there’s always enough place for runners to enjoy nature as well. 

Orfű Lake, Pécs

Many people around Pécs are surely familiar with the 6-kilometre long route around the lake of Orfű. The exciting, hilly road is lit at night with solar lights, so it is a pleasant route all day around. Every 500 metres, encouraging signs motivate runners to keep jogging while also telling them where they are on the route. The starting point of the track is on the south side of the lake, near a minigolf course, and the lake is surrounded by the picturesque hills of Mecsek.  

Most spouses would sigh when their other half sends them to the shop to pick up some beers.

But this lucky lady was ecstatic with her errand after she walked out of her local shop £200,000 richer after doing the booze run for her husband.

Isabel Sandoval, 35, decided to take a gamble while browsing in her local store in Baltimore in the US state of Maryland. The mum-of-five fancied her chances on three aptly named Lady Luck scratch cards while picking up beers for her hubby after his long day at work.

She explained she used to regularly play the lottery games, but stopped after never winning any cash. But it seems the Greek goddess her scratch cards were named after decided to reward Isabel for her kindness towards her spouse.

The warehouse worker ended up bagging much more than she bargained for when she scooped £200,000 on the lotto ticket. She returned home from the store and discovered her spontaneous purchase had scooped her the top prize. An over-the-moon Isabel said of her win: “I actually stopped playing it for a bit because I wasn’t winning much. I told my friend, “It’s not for me. I knew right away it was a winner because I scratched off the horseshoe.”

source: The Sun

It is the time of year when many people try to turn a new leaf and make New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to improve their lives. Are any of the top 40 resolutions familiar to you? This list is the result of a research involving 2000 people and it reveals many of the problems typical of modern life.

Why should we make promises to ourselves? Perhaps because we know that resolutions are hard to stick to, especially when we want to give up a bad habit, like smoking, drinking, or eating too much chocolate. Another reason could be that they test our will-power. After all, going to the gym or cooking a healthy meal after a long day at work means making an extra effort. Traditionally, the beginning of a new year also brings the need for order, the need to get rid of the old stuff and magic some freshness and novelty into our boring daily lives. Selling old unwanted stuff on E-bay is definitely a modern solution to the problem and the money you get could help finance a resolution you’ve made, such as redecorating your home or renewing your hairstyle or wardrobe.

Many New Year’s resolutions focus on improving our health, fitness or finances, which often require sacrifices. Therefore, it is not difficult to see why so many of them last only for a month or so into the year. Why not pick something pleasant for 2018 instead? Taking up a hobby you’ve been postponing for years might make a difference in your stressful life. The poll also shows that many people try to focus on personal relationships as well: spending more time with the kids, meeting one’s friends in person rather than online or admitting that our relationship with our spouse or partner needs some improvement can lead to a more fulfilling life.

According to magazine Health, the top 10 healthiest resolutions include not only the old favourites of losing weight, giving up smoking, getting more sleep and cutting back on alcohol, but also some surprising suggestions: travelling, going back to school, volunteering and staying in touch with friends and family all contribute to our well-being. With this in mind, it might be worth establishing a new tradition, such as meeting up once a month for a meal with extended family or vowing to go hiking regularly with a group of friends. Staying clear of people who only add to your stress levels is also a wise decision, so this might be the right time to see which relationships only drain your energy. Research also shows that going back to school has a positive influence on both career and mental health, as people who learn something new as adults stay sharper in old age as well. Don’t hesitate to get out your books, now you have scientific proof for the extra benefits of regular English lessons.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be very complicated in order to make your life more exciting. Extreme sports and bungee jumping can give you a thrill but many people are not cut out for this kind of thing. By saving a smaller sum of money every month, you could take the holiday you couldn’t afford last year, for instance. Another option is to try a new food every week or get together with friends for a film club and a chat. Take initiative and you’ll find small things can go a long way.

to turn a new leaf– új életet kezdeni
resolution– fogadalom
attempt – próba
to improve– javítani, javulni
familiar– ismerős
to reveal– felfedni, elárulni
to stick to something– kitart valami mellett
bad habit– rossz szokás
to test– próbára tenni
will-power– akaraterő
after all – végülis
gym – edzőterem
to make an effort– erőfeszítést tenni
order – rend
to get rid of something – megszabadulni valamitől
novelty– újdonság
to finance– pézel, pénzt biztosít valamire
to require sacrifices– áldozatot követel
therefore– következésképp, ezért
to last – tart (időben)
for a month or so– úgy egy hónapig
to take up– elkezdeni (hobbit, sportot)
to postpone – elhalasztani
to make a difference– számít, különbséget jelent
in person– személyesen
to admit– beismerni
spouse– házastárs
fulfilling– teljes
to cut back on– csökkenteni valamit
suggestion– javaslat
volunteering– önkénteskedni
to stay in touch– tartani a kapcsolatot
to contribute to– hozzájárulni valamihez
well-being– jólét
with this in mind– ezt szem előtt tartva
to be worth– érdemes
to establish– alapítani
extended family– nagycsalád
to vow – megfogadni valamit
to staying clear of– távol maradni
decision– döntés
to drain one’s energy– leszívja az energiáit
mental health– mentális egészség
sharp – éber, okos, éleseszű, értelmes
to hesitate– habozni
scientific proof– tudományos bizonyíték
benefits– jótékony hatás
in order to– azért, hogy
exciting – izgalmas
thrill– borzongás, izgalom
to be cut out for– valakinek való valami
to afford– megengedheti magának
to take initiative– kezdeményezni
to go a long way– sokat számítani

According to the Lucy’s day tradition witches and wizards are wandering around, and people must hide from them. Even farm animals must be protected: their head is rubbed with garlic, and a cross is drawn at the door of their stable. Ashes are thrown in front of the gates, and people eat bread with garlic to scare away the evil ghosts with the smell. The brooms are hidden as to prevent the witches from flying around on them.

Let’s see who the witch is!

The most widely known custom of Lucy’s day tradition is making Lucy’s chair. 13th December is the day when people start carving it, but only one procedure of making it is allowed a day.  Yet the chair must be ready by Christmas Eve. It is taken to the midnight mass and if someone stands on it, they ll see the witches.

Boys and girls in Lucy’s day tradition

2022For this day girls prepare 12 dumplings and hide a different man’s name in each of them. The dumplings are cooked, and the first one to come to the surface of the boiling water holds the name of their future husband. It was customary for boys to play pranks on Lucy’s day. They for example mixed up and changed gates, or they disassembled a wagon and assembled it on one of the roofs. The prank was then blamed on the witches.

Even the weather and the harvest could be foretold this day

Lucy’s calendar is part of the old Hungarian Lucy’s day tradition. It was said that the weather in January of next year will be roughly the same in that region as on Lucy’s day (December 13). The day after Lucy’s foretold the weather of February and so on until Christmas, which stood for the weather of next December.

The székelys foretold the weather from onions. They peeled off twelve layers of an onion, symbolizing the twelve months of the year. They poured some salt onto every layer. If the salt melted in a layer, that month would be rainy, while the rest would be dry.

Next year’s harvest was predicted from the sprouting of Lucy’s wheat. Wheat seeds were put to germinate near the oven, which would grow green by Christmas. Later, the altar was decorated with the wheat sprouts.

Halloween pumpkin or Lucy’s pumpkin?

In Hungary, mainly on the Transdanubia, it was customary to make a lit Lucy’s pumpkin. On Lucy’s day the eyes, the nose and the smiling mouth were carved into the pumpkin. People placed the pumpkins in front of the windows to scare each other. At nightfall, a candle was put into Lucy’s pumpkin for a more frightening effect.

source: itshungarian.com

Here are a few word definitions. Can you tell the word? All of them are from the text.

1. a woman thought to have evil magic powers, popularly depicted as wearing a black cloak and pointed hat, and flying on a broomstick

2. the calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, as a modification of the Julian calendar

3. a small mass of leavened dough cooked by boiling or steaming

4. any of various kinds of four-wheeled vehicles designed to be pulled

5. a church service celebrated at or shortly before midnight, especially on Christmas Eve

Key

1. witch

2. Gregorian calendar

3. dumpling

4. wagon

5. midnight mass

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sources: Best 15 Funny Conversations Between Doctor And Patient, Worth of Read, A blog which worth to read; Clean Short Jokes