Erik de la Chambre from the Netherlands has won our Balaton quiz. We made a short interview with him about his experiences in Hungary (the photos were taken by Erik):
- Where are you from? Tell me few words about yourself pls!I live in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. I work as a software tester and in my spare time I enjoy photography, making music and spending time on the beach.
- When you visited Hungary?I came to Hungary several times in several seasons after my first visit, which was in 2001.
- Why did you choose to come to Hungary? Was it a one time visit or have you been to Hungary regularly?
I was asked by a symphony orchestra to join them on a tour to Munich and Budapest and of course I agreed immediately. The later trips were made so I could see the girl I met on that first visit ;-)
- What is your impression of Hungary? (you can say bad things as well):)
When we arrived in Budapest for the first time, at night, by bus, I just loved the sight of the city with the nicely lit buildings along the Danube. I knew right away that this was going to be a cool place. Other places in Hungary I visited have been equally good in atmosphere and beauty. Hungarians seem to have a feel for the past, and I like that. I found most Hungarians to be friendly, interested and many were helpfull. Having a Hungarian friend who knew what to do, where to go and what to say prevented me from having bad experiences. For tourists Hungary has a lot to offer, whether you want to visit a museum, see old buildings or enjoy the outdoors, you can do it all and more.
- If someone were to come from where you live, how would you suggest to anyone to travel here? Where would you suggest to anyone to visit?
That first time we travelled by bus, which wasn't bad since we made a 2 day stop in Munich. However, I wouldn't fancy the 22 hour Eurolines journey, for instance. A friend once booked a fly-and-drive to Vienna (at the time that was cheaper than flying directly to budapest, don't know if thats's still the case), I never did that but it seems like a good deal when you want to move around Hungary.
As for places to visit... I have been to several places in Hungary (see a bit furter on in this interview) and I can fully recommend going to all of those. However, if someone else is going to Hungary I'd suggest they see the South and the East and let me know how it was !
- What kind of food/beverage have you tried in Hungary?
Haha, whenever I visited my friend's family they always told me how skinny I looked, so they gave me lots of traditional Hungarian food such as Paprikas, Porkolt, Palacsinta, Balaton Fish soup and of course real Gulyas which we made the proper way: outdoors and on an open fire. I also enjoy a snack like Langos or some sweet Túró Rudi. As for drinks, I tried plenty of Hungarian wine, several kinds of Palinka and Unicum.
- Which are the locations that you like the most here that you would recommend?
Budapest is a "must visit" for anyone, especially if you are a "big city person". I always enjoyed a walk in Buda followed by a nice stroll along the river. The North shore of lake Balaton is another favourite. Lots of nice villages to visit, well-restored churches and farmhouses to see, many wine cellars to enjoy and a big lake to cool down in ! The West of Hungary was nice and green, and not too "touristy". I have yet to see the East and South of the country, but one day...
- What tips or advices would you want to share with our readers?
I'll leave the tips and advises to the people that know best: the Hungarians. The one's that showed me the country and its customs were great and made every stay a memorable one. I can only say: if you've never been there... what are you waiting for ?!
