I love Spring and Autumn….
Ein Frohes Osterfest posted to Famile Monostori Bela Budapest 17 March 1978
Here are some lovely kitsch German and Hungarian postcards I found in Hungary.
Serie GL 31 Amag posted Budapest April 1972
Husveti udvozlet April 15 1956
Ein frohes Osterfest posted 9 April 1968 sent to Momostori Belome Budapest
WSSB 9322 posted Budapest can’t read
Things have been quite quiet on the music front but we had a great session with little Richard. Mark calls him young Richard. His real name is Richard Moore. He played with Nigel Kennedy the same night after he had done our session at Ronnie Scotts but sadly he couldn’t get me in. I’m pleased with this beautiful melody he has written on a song called ‘Turn Me On’.
Richard in Studio March 2015
The album is pretty much there. I could see it performed if there was demand and I can see it visually. We’ll have to see. Here’s Mark Vernon at the piano. I’m very excited whatever about this album. I plan to perform at a special event in June. It’s given me something to aim towards.
Mark at Studio March 2015
Mark and Adie at Unit 2 Studios London March 2015
Hungary was a wonderful place to visit. I swam twice a day. As I swim mainly underwater I admired huge bodies through my goggles in the lovely pool that was attached to the hotel which was the inspiration for the film Grand Budapest Hotel. I sat in the hot thermal baths. Faded grandeur, under the shadow of its communist past. My guide book was from the early 80s I got it because of the photographs. I didn’t realise it at the time it was that old. Here is the guidebook to Communist Hungary.
The Hungaria restaurant on the Great Boulevard from Budapest 150 Photographs: Tourist Information published by Rozsa Szalontay Szalontai Publishing House 1980s
This restaurant doesn’t exist anymore neither does Maxim’s or the casino
Casino Budapest and Maxim’s Night Club from Budapest published by Szalontai Publishing House 1980s
But you can go to Momento Park (didn’t quite make that)
Memento Park leaflet found in hotel lobby February 2015
But you can have the most amazing breakfast at the Gallert Hotel ….if you haven’t got poisoned in the bar the night before. Tip: Avoid whatever looks like champagne/ prosecco. Whatever it is it isn’t ….
Breakfast at the Gallert February 2015 (Photograph by Lettie)
Have beauty treatments:
Hungarian Shop front February 2015 (Photograph by Lettie)
Or buy a souvenir:
Souvenir at Market Budapest February 2015 (Photograph by Lettie)
Or you could hang out in the cafes…
Self portrait by Lettie
Or see a wonderful exhibition at the House of Photography Mao Mano and buy a beautiful book…
Signs and Relics by Sylvia Plachy signed with forward by Wim Wenders The Monacelli Press 1999
And of course hide a doll…
Comedy Bar Donde Dolly February 2015 (Photograph by Lettie)
You can buy lots of things at the flea market in Pest…
Tolnai Vilaglapja Budapest 1943 Julius 7
EIBRIS Rona Jazz found in flea market Pest February 2015
Exposita Budapestini Anno 1966 Ex Libris Polonica found in flea market Pest February 2015
You could find the kitschest book you could find at the flea market in Pest…
A Giccs by Gillo Dorfles cover published Gondolat Budapest 1986
And look at its wonderful images…
A Swissminiatur Melideben (Lugano) from A Giccs by Gillo Dorfles Gondolate Bupapest 1986
From A Giccs by Gillo Dorles Gondlat Budapest 1986
Tajkep festett autgumikkal from Gillo Dorfles Gondolat Budapest 1986
A brusszeli atomium from A Giccs by Gillo Dorfles Gondolat Budapest 1986
From A Giccs by Gillo Dorfles Gondolat Budapest Gondolat Budapest 1986
My most precious thing though that I bought at the flea market was an 80 year old Hungarian bear who I have been talking to tonight…he has told me the most hilarious joke…
Why do communists only drink herbal tea? Because proper tea is theft!
I was going to sell him but after tonight I just don’t know how I can considering all he’s been through and he can still make a joke about it all…
Happy Easter!
xXx
(Click on any image to make larger)
Lettie 