We numbered nine. And together we represented five different nations - Germany, Holland, Hungary, the United States of America, the United Kingdom - each with its own character, culture and individuality.
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| the vineyard where we gathered for a picnic on the slopes above Lake Balaton |
It had been Horst's idea. But then it was his vineyard. How splendid it would be that we should all, on Easter Monday, repair to the vine-clad slopes over and above the Lake Balaton to enjoy an 'alfresco' luncheon 'en plein-air' [if we may be permitted to borrow from other absent languages]. So it was that we assembled, in something of an easterly breeze, so to speak, outside of his wonderfully romantic boros-pince, wine cellar, amongst the blossom of the wild cherries and where, basking on sun-warmed stones, lizards slept the afternoon away.
.JPG) |
| the exterior of the boros-pince which is built, at the rear, into the hillside |
.JPG) |
| a contented lizard dreams away the April afternoon |
Was there ever such a picnic? Dutch and Hungarian cheeses, the blackest of olives, patés, kolbász, salads, delicious tasting breads, all of which were accompanied with Horst's own 2010 Olaszrizling and then, treat of treats, perfection indeed, an icy clear, pale pink Rosé. And such laughter, merriment and joy, with stories and tales in abundance, as the April sun slowly sank over the distant waters of the lake and a far away clock chimed the passing of the hours.
.JPG) |
| inside the cellar, Horst draws off more wine from the barrel |
Such small wine cellars are not uncommon in Hungary. Built into the hillside they provide a store for the wine and a simple kitchen where, by tradition, food may be prepared for those who work the land. Horst's is no exception but, adding to the simple charm, he has chosen to decorate the walls with a collection of rustic plates gathered from his travels in neighbouring countries.
.JPG) |
| just some of the many plates which decorate the walls |
However, dusk settles quickly at this time of year and all too soon the company divided, each to go his/her separate way. For us, though, the day was not yet done for the evening promised time with more friends, artist, musician and scholar, Jan, and his delightful Hungarian wife, Judit, just returned home to their village house from an Easter retreat.
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| late afternoon showing posts in place to support the vines |
But that is another story!
Dear Jane and Lance
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet words in my hard time ! I am thinking that some people they have me in their though .I am so glad to have visit the Lake Balaton and you have fun .
Have a nice sunlight Sunday
Olympia
Yes, we had enormous fun in the countryside. We did not go to the lake this time, but we have previously and it is very beautiful indeed.
DeleteWhat a lovely way to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteGood friends, food and wine storage with a kitchen built into the hillside.
What a great place for a lunch.
cheers, parsnip
Yes, Gayle, absolutely a perfect spot for lunch. It is all very simple but with such magnificent views and the company of good friends what could be better?
DeleteWhat a delight....good food, ( and wine ) good company, a beautiful place, and a purpose for gathering. The "story" and the photographs are lovely. I am sure you had a wonderful time. J.
ReplyDeleteThe whole place is so beguiling that we are so tempted to look for a little vineyard to call our own....but, the work!!!
DeleteBest, perhaps, to simply go and enjoy the food and wine in good company as you say!!
'So it was that we assembled, in something of an easterly breeze, so to speak, outside of his wonderfully romantic boros-pince, wine cellar, amongst the blossom of the wild cherries and where, basking on sun-warmed stones, lizards slept the afternoon away.'
ReplyDeleteI want to tuck these words into the pocket of my heart and take them out whenever I wish to feel -- without equivocation -- that all will be well, all will be well, all manner of thing will be well.
A post to savor, dear friends. I think I actually felt that breeze, somehow.
How really sweet of you, dear Suze, and this coming from a writer, such as yourself, has added meaning. And, of course, all will be well. That is our belief.
DeleteI saw similar little wooden wine cellars in the region around Eger when I visited Hungary in 1994 and 1997, but never had a name for them. I wanted to buy one, just one, and a few hectares of vines and never ever come back to the UK...
DeleteThe geese farms were summat else as well! Noisy & hectic, amazing to witness, especially when their feed was being strewn about.
High spot of both trips was a day and night spent in Sopron, a baroque marvel, as small and perfect as an old jewellery box.
Oh yes, we too have fallen in love with the idea of a small wine house, but the work involved is really too much!!
DeleteHow very interesting that you visited Hungary in 1994 and 1997, we are certain that you would notice many changes since that time. Eger and Sopron are both very, very attractive towns and a trip to Eger by train to sample the wines is a favourite activity of ours.
We are delighted that you have found our blog and found the time to leave such a kind comment. We hope to welcome you back in the future and, in the meantime, we shall be seeking you out!!!
A most wonderful way to spend Easter Monday! And while I would have left all the olives and the wine to you, I would have feasted merrily on everything else, especially bread and cheese. Afterwards, I would have joined the lizard, basking in the sun.
ReplyDeleteIn our region, it was way too cold for a picnic. I had the heating turned up and made sure I was never too far away from it on that day.
Some of these plates look Bulgarian to me.
If the truth is to be told, Meike, it was slightly on the chilly side but we all pretended otherwise and, out of the wind, it was tolerable! The breads which were provided were in fact wonderful and we did indeed rather greedily feast on them.
DeleteYe, you are probably correct about the plates which are collected from all over. Certainly Romania was mentioned.
Hi Jane and Lance, what a beautiful way to spend Easter Monday - with dear friends, delicious locally produced food and in a glorious setting. Whenever I head to a rural location, I feel healthier, centered and more in tune with nature. A rustic life seems so rich and perfect to me - like reading about Patience Grey and Elizabeth David. I really enjoyed reading this post and I hope you had a wonderful day. Fifi x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Fifi. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the post and it is so kind of you to say.
DeleteAn escape from the city is a real treat for us and we did, as you may imagine, have a wonderful, relaxing time.
Elizabeth David was a great friend of friends of ours; very sadly we never met her.
This all sounds utterly, utterly idyllic..........
ReplyDeleteThat is, Cathy, exactly as it was. And we are now cherishing the memory.
DeleteYou seem to lead such a healthy life! Country side, fresh air, vineyard, picnic...hmm...that's a dream come true. I wish one day I will be one of the lucky ones.
ReplyDeleteWe do very much enjoy being out in the fresh air and the countryside last weekend was looking absolutely lovely. And Horst's private vineyard is wonderful!
DeleteHello Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteThis seems like the perfect day in the countryside. Often the nice things are verry simple. It should also be nice to have all these differed cultures at the same place at the same time.
Have a wonderful sunday
Jérôme
P.S.Thank you for the last comment on my blog, it touched me :)
It was, as you say, one of those absolutely perfect days, Jérome, with an interesting mix of different nationalities.
DeleteEnjoy your weekend too.
April has been delightful here, sofar, but I can see the signs of a looming autumn and then winter :( This is when Joe and I talk about having a studio flat in the northern hemisphere and a larger flat in the southern hemisphere. NO WINTER!
ReplyDeleteI envy you the sun and the rosé. How about a live musical trio, in amongst the vines :)
The thought of having somewhere to retreat to during the worst of the winter is very appealing at times.
DeleteThe wine was very good but, alas, no music. Now that would have completed the day.
What a lovely way to spend time with friends and each other. It certainly is food for the soul to be outside enjoying simple pleasures such as these! X
ReplyDeleteIt really was a most enjoyable day - one of life's simple pleasures which will be remembered for a long time to come.
DeleteLou Reed's Perfect Day came immediately to my mind.
ReplyDeleteIf we could have sound tracked the post then, yes, it would have been perfect!
DeleteThe perfect way to spend Easter Monday, and the picnic sounds delicious, I haven't yet had breakfast and the sound of it is making me very hungry. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a perfect Easter Monday with good friends, delicious food and excellent wine.
DeleteWe shall very much hope to welcome you here again, perhaps as a Follower?!!
Special memories are made of moments like these, to hold and to cherish. This is when our blogs come into their own. They are now captured forever, and you can visit and feel the experience again whenever you like, and you have kindly shared it with all of us. Lovely April images in Hungary.
ReplyDeleteWe do agree with you, Rosemary. Indeed, our posts, much in the same way as your own, are for our own pleasure and to record events in our lives. We are, of course, delighted when people are kind enough to take an interest and to comment.
DeleteSuper way to spend a day in such a beautiful location. Good cheese -- Dutch of course ;-) -- and chilled rosé equals a large 'YUM' in our experience.
ReplyDeleteThe Dutch cheese, the name of which escapes us now but we are certain you would know, was thoroughly excellent!! As was the company of our Dutch friend whose partner is a Hungarian set designer for film and television and working across Europe.
Deletehow utterly gorgeous.....what a delicious picture you paint I do so love a picnic....weather permitting!!
ReplyDeleteThe weather was all right - quite warm in the sun but a very chilly wind. But we all pretended otherwise whilst silently freezing!
DeleteDear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteWhat and absolutely charming local as well as the post that brought it to us, marvelous. How often are we able to enjoy all the sensory stimulation at once, truly you two must have felt you had been whisked into an imaginary landscape for a brief time. – gary
Oh, Gary, you really always do say the most kind things and we are, we confess, always totally charmed by your very generous, and much appreciated, comments.
DeleteFor some reason I thought the weather would have been a little chilly for an entirely 'perfect' afternoon... but then again one cannot help the weather. The lizard must have liked it well enough to emerge. Thankyou for these glimpses.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christine, we were also somewhat surprised to see the lizard for it was not that warm. Possibly, at the side of the building, it had found a sheltered spot.
DeleteOne of my card sentiments reads "Good times, good friends, make happy memories" and seems apt for this particular post Jane and Lance. Some of my favourite times are spent outside on a sunny day with a nip in the air. Perfect for putting on an extra layer - or two - and heading out for a brisk walk.
ReplyDeleteExactly the conditions that prevail as I write. Off now to don my walking shoes - but no picnic basket in sight I'm afraid!
Oh, Isobel we do love picnics outdoors and, perverse as it may seem, our most memorable ones have been undertaken in far from perfect conditions weather wise.
DeleteThe message of 'good times, good friends,make happy memories' is so absolutely true and would certainly sum up our Easter Monday perfectly!!
I can't think of a nicer way to spend an afternoon and evening Jane and Lance.......and, the venue, perfect....A vineyard no less. Your description of the day makes me wish that I could have been a member of that little group !!
ReplyDeleteWe do so hope, Jacqueline, that one day you will make a visit to Hungary and we shall be able to share such delights with you in person.
DeleteIf we owned one of these small wine houses, we should have to include a bed as well as a kitchen since, after an afternoon of wine drinking, it is absolutely hazardous to try and make one's way home downhill!!!!
Not by any means the first of your posts that I've read (I must sometime go and find those red chairs I'm sure I recall) but the first, I think, that I've commented upon. It's going to be good getting to know a bit more about a country of which I have seen very little in pictures and nothing in person.
ReplyDeleteHungary has many hidden treasures and we so hope that you will enjoy seeing them through our eyes.
DeleteYes, we did write a post involving red chairs. They date from the late 1950s, were made in Hungary, and are in our small apartment that we rent out for holidays.
Oh la la la LA! After a perfect evening at the jazz club, here we are, with exactly a dream afternoon!! Heaven, pure heaven the idea of a picnic (and what yummy things on offer!) with a friend's wine in the sun and happy conversation. Sigh. I am so thrilled for you both that you are having such high times after a long and troublesome winter. Much, much deserved and I am fully confident that you are making the most of this spring.
ReplyDeleteWith much love,
Heather
Dearest Heather, how very kind you are. Perhaps you can sense the urgency in our words to make the very most of things which have not been possible for the past two years. And yes, the afternoon was a delight to all the senses and one that we are certain will be repeated in the summer sun. Perhaps then, on that occasion, we shall stay on the hillside and sleep beneath the stars?!!!!!
Deleteit sounds and looks wonderful! i love that little lizard too, and those plates are really pretty on the wall.x
ReplyDeleteThat is the first time that we have seen a lizard at such close quarters and he/she was dazzlingly green in the sunshine.
DeleteHorst's plates have been collected all over Europe and, yes, we agree, they are so pretty!!
You couldn't ask for more..and we are loving how you share it with us..so alot more nations to appreciate this day with you.thank you, have a lovely week.
ReplyDeletegreetings from South Africa
Colette
Oh, Colette, how marvellous it would have been for South Africa to have been represented at the lunch too!! But, nevertheless, it is a joy to be sharing our day with readers worldwide today!!!
DeleteAhhhh, your life sounds blissful! ENJOY every moment.
ReplyDeleteDi
X
Dearest Dianne, we are making up for lost time and do intend to seize the day whenever and wherever possible!!!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing this with us Jane and Lance! Now you've had Canada there as well.
ReplyDeleteThe plate collection is lovely and what a wonderful group of friends. It just sounds like a perfect afternoon.
And, it could only have been better if Canada had been represented by you in person, dearest Dani!
DeleteThe plate collection, of which we only showed a small part, is indeed extremely attractive, gathered over many years from all across Europe. Since seeing them, we have been looking at ways to copy this idea for ourselves!
Those grape vines exert a strong fascination, especially with the green grass beneath and those mountains in the background. There is an immemorial quality here; it is easy to imagine the scene five hundred or a thousand years ago looking exactly the same.
ReplyDelete--Road to Parnassus
Exactly so! We can easily imagine that we were enacting a scene that has been played many thousands of times before us and, one hopes, will continue to do so long into the future.
DeleteOnce again I am transported to your world and left more content for the visit. This is how I imagine I would live if I actually had any time or...well, taste. I don't suppose you'd be as enchanted by a true tale of my trip to Taco Bell with my family. sigh.
ReplyDeleteNow, there you are completely wrong, dearest Helen. We are absolutely captivated by all things American and, never having visited, so many things hold a total fascination for us. A trip to Taco Bell[and, we must confess that we have no idea what this is]with you and your family would, we are certain, be a source of great interest and an experience we should be bound to talk about long after it is just a memory!!
DeleteSounds like quite an international day in the country and lots of fun. Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteYes, it felt very international. So many different cultures and personalities together in one place was a rare and delightful experience.
DeleteThis post is like a breath of fresh air. I've heard so much about Lake Balaton. The place seems magical. And I noticed how many resemblances there are between Hungarian traditional art and Romanian traditional art. We share some common grounds in history. Jane and Lance csók és szerelem :).
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. There are so many areas of common ground which we delight in seeing in your own blog posts. Hungarian and Romanian Food, Art and Culture mirror each other in so many ways and yet it is also fascinating to see the ways in which each has its own particular styles and tastes.
DeleteWhat a perfect sounding day.
ReplyDeleteIt really was!
DeleteWonderful way to spend the day. You describe it so beautifully, I felt like was eavesdropping on your conversations.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's really lovely about your day is that your circle of friends was so diverse, so many different countries and cultures, yet having so much in common.
Just lovely.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. We are so pleased that you felt in some small way included in the conversation and the sense of community that we all shared on that day.It is, as you say, very special when a diverse group of people come together to share in the simple pleasures of life. Our common humanity is what binds us.
DeleteWhat a lovely gathering, Jane and Lance, and how delightful to spend such an Easter Monday. The setting, the food, wine and friends made for a perfect day. I must admit, I'm a trifle green with envy -smile- but your post is almost as good as being there. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBut, one day, dearest Sandra, we know that we shall meet up again to spend such a time together. We shall try next time to arrange a vineyard with wine on tap since we missed out on that last time!!!!!
DeleteWhat a splendid outing with friends in a beautiful place! I especially like the lizard's take on the day.
ReplyDeleteI have friends who recently moved to a home sounded by vineyards in the rolling hills of wine country in South Australia.
The lizard was a huge surprise as we have never seen one at such close quarters before. He/She was really enjoying sunbathing and was even prepared for a photograph to be taken without moving an inch.
DeleteYour friends' home sounds idyllic. But, such temptation to have such a ready supply of wine on tap!
What a beautiful experience. You describe it so well. I am glad you found my blog and now I have found yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment, Lisa. We are so pleased that you have found us too and hope to welcome you back again here soon.
DeleteCherry blossom, wine...and a lizard! Perfect.
ReplyDeleteAccustomed as you no doubt are to the British picnic the easterly breeze held no terrors for you.
And then music in the evening...what a wonderful Easter celebration.
Yes, a brisk breeze holds no fear for us, although we did get rather windburnt in the process. But, the wine, food and good company more than compensated for the chilly wind!!!!
DeleteJan makes Hungarian zithers and so it was a real treat for him to play for us on one of his own instruments.
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteYour descriptions, along with the pictures make me feel like I just watched an enchanting foreign film. The boros-pince stole my heart.
xo,
Jen
The boros-pince stole our hearts too, we have to confess. Horst signed the contract to buy the place after drinking too much wine, waking to find out what he had done. We could easily see ourselves doing the very same!
DeleteA bit of heaven, there is no doubt. Though I can't add another to the nations included from here, I am tremendously happy to be able to participate as another from the US, at least in this cyber-way. the repast sounds divine--now if only we could devise a way to pass on tastes and aromas over the internet--though better to visit "live," I think, and we are in fact intent on saving our pennies so as to make good on our dream to come to Budapest next spring. Oh, and those lovely plates on the wall!
ReplyDeleteSusan, we are absolutely certain that you will have a wonderful time when you come to Budapest. Spring is such a delightful time to visit and, of course, it is a very musical city. There will, we are sure, be much to amuse, charm and entertain you and, perhaps, steal your heart!!
DeleteAhhhh---I've longed always for a lunch party beneath/beside/ in any proximity to the vines, with a long table of rustic viands and charming company. Last night was a great saturation of such, with the gravelly charm of Bourdain at various tables in Sicily, and now YOUR lovely afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that though we have wild grapevines taking over the back yard and heading at a great rate for the house, my own simple attempt at such must be set next to the big pots of tomato plants when the Summer brings them to their great heights.
Just a lovely read. Did you get pictures of the table?
rachel
We did get pictures of the table and the guests but were sworn to keeping them out of view. Only Horst was prepared to be shown 'live' in the act of drawing the wine from the cask. A technique of which he is justifiably proud we think.
DeleteWith your marvellous cooking skills, Rachel, any lunch outdoors would be a delight. We should certainly want to be included if we were anywhere in the neighbourhood!!!
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteDear friends, good food, perfect surroundings and a bit of the grape - what could be better. I am happy you had an American with you, as he/she represented so many of us who would have loved to join you on that lovely day.
America, Arleen, was well represented on the day with two American women and an American/Hungarian man. So, the German and British natural reserve was more than compensated for by the gregarious characters of the Americans!!!! Well, truth be told, hardly anyone, of whatever nationality,could get a word in edgeways, particularly after the first few glasses of wine!!!!!
DeleteHow delightful. What a convivial and pleasant afternoon that must have been. At first I thought the Horst you referred to was the photographer, and this was a memory of long ago. Imagine my pleasure to read that it only happened just now, and that such pleasure was more than a distant memory to you. RD
ReplyDeleteThe photographs we showed on our post were ours but, as it happens, Horst is a professional photographer and we are certain that he captured the day far better than we ever could. He tried hard to take a picture of the two of us but we like to think that we thwarted him....
DeleteIt looks and sounds like a splendid, perfect afternoon!
ReplyDeleteIf the sun had been a little stronger, then that would have been absolute perfection. But, the warmth of convivial company more than made up for it.
DeleteOh dear! What a nice way to live a life! Friends, artists, food and many stories to share. I wish I were there!
ReplyDeleteWe are very grateful for the life we are able to lead, Simony.'Carpe Diem' is our motto!!!
DeleteYour celebration with friends in a beautiful place with good food and conversation -- so compliments the mood and the joy of Easter. Such events and the warmth of camaraderie certainly can mitigate the small nuisance of a 'nip' in the air! Your post is so uplifting and such testimony to the best of life. Thank you so much for telling us about this 'perfect' day.
ReplyDeleteEaster is our absolute favourite time of year, Katherine, and you have said it perfectly that its mood and joy were brought together so well on this day.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind and generous comment. We are so pleased that you have shared in some way the charm of the day.
The feast (and wine!) must have been amazing, I love day outings like that. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe food was very simple, but the wine was extraordinary. We know that we shall remember it for ever.
DeleteDear Jane and Lance, what an absolutely lovely tale of a wonderful day spent with friends! Your lizard reminds me of our house in Budapest - in the hot summers we often saw tiny lizards darting about the walls and on the driveway. By the way, you wrote a while ago about gulyasleves - we managed to find tubes of the paprikakrem in a Polish deli in town here, so my son got his soup, albeit a week after his birthday. It was delicious!
ReplyDeleteBudapest is, as you say,incredibly hot in the summer but, this was the very first lizard that we have actually seen for ourselves and so close up.
DeleteHow wonderful that you could track down the secret gulyasleves ingredient and prepare an authentic version of the soup. It is, we agree, delicious!!!
Absolutely delicious - every word, every picture and every sentiment expressed. Glad you had such a wonderful picnic - maybe we could have joined you and brought a little chorizo and Serrano ham, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteAxxxx
Your Chorizo and Serrano ham would have beenmore than welcome, Annie. However, we fear that this might have set up a Hungarian/Spanish sausage war between the Kolbasz on the Hungarian side and the Chorizo on the Spanish. And the winner is......
DeleteA good picnic theme, methinks.
DeleteLet battle commence!!!!
DeleteThis sounds like an afternoon from a Bertolucci film, and the evening at the Hungarian Jazz Club could have also been included in one of his great films.
ReplyDeleteLife imitating art? I think not. The artists make their works from people such as yourselves.
(And those plates! I love them!)
Your comment made us smile warmly as we recalled with fondness many a Bertolucci film which we have watched in the past. It certainly could have all been a scene in a play and one which one feels has been played many times over, albeit with slightly different characters, in the past.
DeleteSuch an interesting point about Life imitating Art. You really do make us think.
The plates are lovely and there were many more of them which we did not show.
That's the very nicest kind of food - simple, requiring no cooking, fresh and local, and of course accompanied by a fine wine. Next time you must bring along hot baked potatoes in your pockets to keep yourselves warm as the sun goes down.
ReplyDeleteOh, dearest Mise, now if only you had been there to advise us about the hot baked potatoes. Next time we go, which will probably be in the summer, we shall take the raw potatoes and they will cook themselves outdoors!!!!
DeleteBeing no cooks, this simple food has a particular appeal for us.As, of course, so does the wine. Roll on summer
Hi Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know I've mentioned you for a Lovely Blogger Award to show my appreciation to you and your blog. Please check the award at http://theseamanmom.blogspot.com/2012/04/lovely-blogger-award.html
Thank you so much, dear Petro, for this very kind thought. We have been away from the computer for much of the day today but tomorrow we shall be over to look!!!
DeleteAnd, we too appreciate the kindness and friendship which you have shown to us in the short time we have been acquainted.
Dear Jane & Lance,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful day you must have had. Your photo's bring back memories of the afternoon my husband and I spent in a Dutch vineyard in autumn.
The boros pince looks charming, the view breathtaking. Together with good company and a delicious rosé it must have been perfect!
Happy new week to you!
Madelief x
Your afternoon in the Dutch vineyard sounds wonderful too. Perhaps there is something universally satisfying about enjoying a glass of wine outdoors in good company. A simple pleasure indeed, but oh so delightful!!
DeleteThe view over the rolling vineyards to the Lake Balaton is incredibly beautiful. So unspoilt, peaceful and charming.
Hoping that your week goes well too!!
How I wish you'd been able to photograph your lunch too! What better way to spend our time? Eclectic company, excellent wine, interesting food, and above all - laughter. How much better does wine taste straight from the cask?
ReplyDeleteA post which makes me excited about the coming season, very positive.
Lucy x
As we absolutely hate having our own photographs taken, we always avoid photographing others except in extremis. As it happens, Horst is a professional photographer and so he has captured the people, the lunch and the essence of the day far better than we could ever hope to do.
DeleteAnd, you are absolutely right. The wine did taste better straight from the cask and drunk alfresco. We had extra wine in bottles that we drank the next day but, although good, somehow some of the magic was missing!
It looks like a beautiful place to spend a day... great friends, delicious food and a good bottle (or two) of wine. I hope you have an equally wonderful week ahead. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteMore than a bottle or two, dear Bonnie, much more....
DeleteHoping that your week is successful too!!
A day like that...what it would do for me right now....languishing here as I am in dreadful Southern California.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. We imagine Southern California to be wonderfully warm and with most interesting countryside where all of that wonderful wine comes from. Perhaps you are just a little out of sorts. We hope no more than that.
DeleteHi there Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI quite like a bit of lime cordial with a few ice cubes and a one of those cute little umbrellas sticking out the top of the glass. Oops sorry.
Now, of course, I not going to have a good old whine over your latest excellent article and I heard it through the grapevine that you had submitted this posting.
Speaking of Canada, did you know some of the finest wine is produced in the vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in the interior of British Columbia? One can sample fine wines such as "Fuddle Duck,Love-A-Duck, Kool Duck and Daddy Duck".
Now, Gary, please do not shatter our illusions of your lounging by a pool on the 'Costa too Much' sipping your drink complete with half a fruit salad and several paper umbrellas stuck into the top!!
DeleteAnd thank you for the witticism - the pun is not wasted!!
We think we may well duck out of the Canadian wines!!
What a wonderful way to spend a spring day. I could feel warmth of the sun, smell of the wine, cheese and olives all through your words. Please keep taking us along with you on your visits.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
It was, as we have said to others, a most wonderful day, a combination of people and place accompanied with excellent wine and good, simple food.
DeleteI really love the colorful plates! Lizards mean good luck
ReplyDeleteThe plates are most attractive and there are many more of them than are shown in the photograph. We did not know that about lizards. Good news!!
DeleteLovely day to spend with friends, good food and good wine!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful plates on the wall!
The plates are very attractive, Rose, and, since seeing them, we have thought about where we might put such things in our own apartment.
Deletethanks for this beautiful trip!
ReplyDeletegreetings from Spain,
elena
Thank you for your kind comment. We hope that we shall welcome you back here again in the future.
DeleteA fascinating and atmospheric insight - thank you for allowing us a tiny peep! The landscape looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased that you enjoyed the post. The countryside in this area is beguilingly beautiful and makes one nostalgic for times of long ago.
DeleteI am following you now (I hope!). I must have done something wrong yesterday. I thought I had already done it. I am glad to find you. Thank you for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa, we are thrilled that you are our latest follower and hope that you will continue to find what we write of interest.
DeleteSometimes we have problems in 'following' too...just another Blogger blip!!
It looks like a great place to rest and share the day over good food.
ReplyDeleteIt really was a marvellous day, Larry, and one that she we shall cherish the memory of for ever.
DeleteWhat a beautiful afternoon! I love the picture of the lizard, he is adorable!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, we had one get into the house the other day...just a baby (2 inches long), but we tried to catch him and get him back outside. Sadly, his tail fell off and he ran away somewhere. We are still hoping that he gets back outside and finds some tasty little bugs so that he does not starve and die somewhere in the house.
Gosh, what an extraordinary tale of your lizard. And, the tail dropping off, now that we should not wish to see!! This was, in fact, the first occasion on which we had seen a lizard close up and they really are such beautiful creatures.
DeleteWe do so hope that your lizard will find its way out of the house into the great outdoors once more!!
A luncheon in a vineyard. I can't imagine a more perfect setting. Lovely way to spend Easter Monday.
ReplyDeleteYes, Teresa, it was a lovely way to spend an Easter Monday, after which thoughts of owning our own small wine house tormented us for days! But, the work involved in maintaining the vineyard, in harvesting the grapes and in making the wine really is too much to contemplate. The view, however......
DeleteAnother delicious post, Jane and Lance. What a beautiful country Hungary is. I so enjoy the glimpses you give of its landscape, architecture and history.
ReplyDeleteAt first, having seen the Hungarian Plain, we thought that the Hungarian countryside was so very different from anything that we were familiar with in England. But, now we have visited this particular area we feel a great similarity with the English countryside. We do so love our adopted home!
DeleteSounds like a very delightful outing. It's a very divine and inspired spot for a picnic. What beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is indeed breathtakingly beautiful. Completely unspoilt and rolling hills of vineyards as far as the eye can see. Yes, Mary, the ideal picnic spot!!
DeleteHello Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI don't know the scale of your friend Horst's vineyard. It appears to be and to function as vineyards have for centuries. That to me is what the real pleasure of such a day would be. To be able to enter a hand-tended and valued, living tradition out of the glare of mass-production is reason enough to raise a toast!
Horst's vineyard is quite small, producing 1000 litres of wine in an exceptionally good year and 80 litres in the worst. He tends the vines in accordance with ancient practices as has been done for centuries in this region.
DeleteIt is, therefore, as you say, such a delight to feel part of these ancient customs and practices and to enjoy these very simple pleasures of life as many have done before us and, no doubt, as many will do after we are no longer.
Oh wow, you know how to live! What a wonderful time you must have had, I just love the whole idea of it, the rustic setting, the wonderful wine, the varied and interesting company, a simply wonderful experience!!! Cheers! Love Linda xx
ReplyDeleteWe really do think that this whole day would have appealed to you enormously, Linda, and both the setting and the company could not have been bettered. And thank you so much for your comment on our previous post to which we have replied.
DeleteHello, Jane and Lance - Your Monday sounds delightful! And I certainly appreciate the work that Horst does. My great-grandfather had a vineyard in Switzerland, and my mother often told me that a year's worth of work could be undone with one fifteen-minute hail storm!
ReplyDeleteMark, how splendid that your great-grandfather should have had a vineyard in Switzerland. We think that Horst would very much endorse your mother's words. So much of cultivating vines, as you know, heavily depends upon the weather. In fact, on the Tuesday after there was a very heavy frost but we do not know whether it affected Horst's vines. We trust not.
DeleteHello Jane and Lance, I simply don't know how you keep up with all these replies...thank you. x
DeleteWe type quickly, dearest Linda, and never sleep!!!!
DeleteWhatever you are doing - traveling, or visiting a vineyard - it is always a little adventure. Anything to deal with wine is not only a pleasure but a mystery to me. Especially the moment when wine accidentally turns into vinegar.
ReplyDeleteWe rather think, Olga, and we are fairly certain that you are the same, that all of life's experiences can be turned into little adventures on the one long journey. As for the technicalities of wine making, we can assure you that we know almost nothing.
DeleteOh, dear Jane and Lance...this is perfection! What a beautiful, delightful experience! And an unexpected little green guest to boot ;)
ReplyDeleteJust lovely...thank you for sharing the gorgeous photos... an idyllic landscape and afternoon! So happy for you...
A splendid week to you both!!
xoxo,
- Irina
The 'little green guest' was a complete surprise. However, we were happy that he chose to stay where he was rather than mingle more closely with the party. The landscape in that part of Hungary is exceptionally beautiful and, as yet, almost totally undiscovered.
DeleteOh what a wonderful escapade you two had! I could almost taste the goodies you described! YUM!
ReplyDeleteA lovely memory to keep indeed!
Hugs,
It was a perfect occasion, Katherine, and the 'goodies' were exceedingly good to eat, as was the wine to drink!!
DeleteI envy you. I can imagine the picnic and specially the fruity rosé. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteWe are sure that you would have loved it all too. Especially, as you say, the rather 'cheeky' Rosé!!!
DeleteWhat a delightful day (and evening, I am sure). Such days do stick in the mind. I'm intrigued at the idea of having a small kitchen built into the rock. It's the sort of thing I would have loved to discover as a child.
ReplyDeleteHolst's little kitchen was so very intriguing and the kind of place where, immediately, even at our ages, we felt we should like to remain and play at 'houses'. And of course the wine store, set right into the hillside, was exceptionally cool.
DeleteDear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteyour description of the picnic sounds so alluring, and (now I can add for once this word) 'bucolic'. Vineyards have their own special beauty (Husband comes from the Mosel, where they have wonderful white wines, and my brother-in-law is French from Macon - precious dark red wines there too.) The Rosé sounded lovely - it is equivalent for spring to me: fresh and light and beautifully coloured.
Oh, Britta, bucolic is such a perfect way to describe the whole ambience of the afternoon. Vineyards do, indeed, have a specially magical quality to them and to sit amongst the vines over a good lunch is perfection in our book.
DeleteClearly, wine runs in the veins of your family. We have German friends and the Mosel wines which we have drunk with them on many an occasion have always been delicious.
What a glorious day! What a perfect meal! ok, must go and wipe off drool-y chin.
ReplyDeleteA happy day it was indeed. Yes, we are sure that the food and wine would have tickled your taste buds!!!
DeleteHello! Excuse me , for yesterday...I could not write the comment in Your blog...I work in night at the factory...
ReplyDeleteDearest Amin, your comment made us so sad. We are so sorry that you have to work at night in a factory as your creative talent is so uniquely wonderful. It is our sincere hope that one day you will find a way to earn your living in a creative environment for that, we feel, is what you deserve!!
DeleteYou know that I do not know the English very well...If understood correctly///You had good exprience...Thank You very much sharing these beautiful photos...
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the fact that even though you must struggle with the English, you always find time to leave such kind and happy comments. And, we do know, that although you are always so complimentary about our photographs they are of very poor quality in comparison with yours!!!
DeleteWhat a delightful Easter Monday. A pic nic with special friends.
ReplyDeleteHolst's collection of plates are so lovely
I can imagine the wine so good.. I can smell the "bouquet" from here.
Happy times to remember Jane and Lance.
As always, a most enjoyable post.
best wishes
val
We very much like the plate collection and think that we shall copy this idea in some way ourselves!!
DeleteThe Rosé was deliciously crisp and glinted in the sunshine. Now we vow to return to sample more in the heat of the summer sun!!
I have been meaning to write you for days.....
ReplyDeleteYou are quite possibly the loveliest virtual couple I have ever met!
So charming and intriguing!!!
I feel like I have met a modern day Scot and Zelda Fitzgerald.
I would like to employ the two of you to come and stay with me in California and regale us with your life adventures!!! I think it is quite rare to come across treasures like yourselves!!!
So happy you found me and I you!!!
XO
Oh, dearest Terri, what an absolutely charming and gracious comment. Serendipity brought us together and we are so thrilled about it. We love the idea of being Scott and Zelda and shall work upon it!!!
DeleteWe have never visited the USA but it is our sincere wish to travel there one day. Paul and Gil have already promised to show us the delights of Palm Beach and the Dixie Highway and it would be with such delight that we should add California to our itinerary. What fun, we know, we should have!!!
It sounds like an idyllic way to have spent your Easter Monday.
ReplyDeleteIt was, thank you, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
DeleteWhat an special event with special friends! Your adventures in life are those most of us only dream of. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLife is something of an adventure, we think, and occasions such as the Easter Monday at the vineyard are a very special part of it.
DeleteWait, you would have to extend your tour towards New York, so I could show you a little of the Hudson valley treasures..... indeed, what a delightful Easter Day! Nothing better then an almost spontaneous get together, wine and all!
ReplyDeleteOh, Victoria, how perfectly wonderful that would be and we are certain that there are many, many treasures in your area which we should so much love to discover with you. Perhaps one day?!!
DeleteI have never been to Hungary, but your pictures and description spark an interest. In truth most of Eastern Europe is a blank to me; terrible really.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason at all, Mark, why you should have visited Hungary but we are certain that if you were to come you would find much of interest, both in Budapest and also in the countryside.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comments on my blog. I hope you are having a beautiful week.
ReplyDeleteWe are delighted that our paths have crossed. Your poems are enchanting.
DeleteHoping that you too are enjoying a happy and successful week!
That big wind gets everywhere! And now you have made me hungry...
ReplyDeleteSx
You are so right! We were positively windburnt when we rolled down the hillside afterwards!!!
DeleteI'm soaking in the picture postcard scenery and marveling at the vinyard, it's a pity they weren't heavy with fruit you could have all helped yourselves, the perfect accompaniment for the cheese board. The'boros-pince' reminded me of an old derelict ramshackle of a hut I once came across in Guadeloupe, I was keen to take a look inside, so I prised the corrogated iron which covered the window frame and poked my head through the gap only to see a whole family sat down for dinner, all looking at me. I apologised and scarpered down the street like a headless chicken wearing flip-flops. I visited Scarborough yesterday (The UK's answer to Cannes) where I enjoyed a cup of tea and a scone in a cafe that had vinyl tablecloths!
ReplyDeleteDearest Mitzi, how we have laughed at this wonderful comment. As one of us [and we shall not at this point reveal who]was born in Leeds, visits to Scarborough were frequent occurrences in childhood. However, the UK's answer to Cannes it was not,but then, it was all a long time ago and perhaps much has changed? Or a bomb dropped?!!!!
DeleteYour afternoon tea sounds to have been absolutely delightful but, should you wish to 'slum it' one day then we should be only too happy to treat you to a slice of Eszterházy torta and a tejeskávé in an Art Nouveau coffee house in Budapest.....only high heels, no flip flops!!!!
It must have been a very special day, Jane and Lance. But then, you seem to have many wonderful days residing in such a unique area of the world. I am quite envious - but in a good way. :)
ReplyDeleteLove those plates on Horst's wall! And that pink rose sounds absolutely delightful. We had some good wines here on Easter Sunday at my brother's house. He's the big wine maven in our family. I'm partial to Sauvignon Blanc.
Having missed out on so much over the past two years, Yvette, with our hospital trials and tribulations,we are making up for this lost time. And, we are so very, very fortunate to know so many wonderful people who are making our days so intensely enjoyable and memorable.
DeleteYour wine maven brother sounds very much like a kindred spirit and we too are rather partial to a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc. But, when in Hungary, it is Hungarian wines all the way and they are very good indeed!!!
Yes, the plates are charming, we wanted to steal them!
Looks gorgeous! Got to love vineyards. We have some great ones in the nearby Napa Valley.
ReplyDeleteWe have heard of the Napa Valley and can well imagine that a tour amongst those vineyards would be wonderful....and wine tasting too, of course!!
DeleteYou always seem to be involved in the most wonderful and interesting things...this sounds like such an amazing and glorious day. Definately a time to remember.
ReplyDeleteThank you Adrienne for your kind comment. We try to 'seize the day' whenever possible and one never knows what delights will emerge!!
DeleteThat's so wonderful; when the company is good, everything is good. A day out of doors, with good food and a glass or two of splendid wine, that is exactly my idea of paradise. It is too early to spend time sitting out of doors in the UK; I can't wait to set up a table in the shade of a tree and talk until eyes shut in a doze caused by good living.
ReplyDeleteWhich language did you speak?
Yes, we so agree with you that it is the company which makes all the difference. In June Horst has promised that we will all do it again when he will have two opera singers staying who will, we are promised, sing to us all. Now that will be something.
DeleteIn the main we spoke English and Hungarian with, as you might say, a dash of Dutch and German.
I didn't realise you had a blog, I have just found it and I shall enjoy following you and your life in both Hungary and Brighton. I have had a quick look through your posts,but couldn't easily see how you ended up with a place in Hungary, it sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI love Mahjong haven't played it for ages my parents lived in Hong Kong and learnt how to play the game there.
Sarah
We are absolutely delighted to welcome you as a Follower, Sarah. It is very much appreciated. As for our being in Hungary, such a long story but may be one day for the telling!! What a pity that you are at such a distance from us as it would be such fun to play Mah Jong. At present we are without partners with whom to play.
DeleteFor our part we are so pleased to have discovered 'Down by the Sea' and will, particularly with our love of Dorset, much look forward to future posts.
Hello Jane and Lance! Yours is just the kind of blog that I love. Beautiful, beautiful description of an April day; one that one generally dreams of or reads in Jane Austen's novels. Of course, I being an Indian find it all so very terribly exciting, the idea of a little winery of one's own in particular.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Loved the rustic plates!
This is so very, very kind of you. We are, of course, delighted that you enjoy what you read and do hope that you will continue so to do.
DeleteFor our part we find everything to do with India so very fascinating. Only recently a Hungarian friend, just returned from a tour of the northern part of your country, treated us to a show of some of the pictures he had taken. The temples, the palaces, and the colour are truly amazing.
We too love Horst's plate collection.
Dear Jane and Lance
ReplyDeleteThe countryside looks beautiful and what a delightful way to spend Easter Monday. Good food, en plein air, friends and fun well it just does not get any better.
I am fascinated at the image of Horst siphoning the wine from the barrel. This is a delightful and beautiful way to experience country life and wishing you many more picnics.
Helen xx
It was interesting to us, Helen, to hear from Horst, and to see, the processes he employs in the production of his wine. In everything he uses the old, traditional methods, even down to the way in which the vines are grown, around short poles rather than trained along wires.
DeleteWe are hoping for a June picnic with opera singers, friends of Horst, to entertain us!!
I do believe all will be well. It will. Thank you so much. Annie.
ReplyDeleteWe do trust so. You are much in our thoughts.
DeleteOh darn, I got a double edit notation and my comment was lost.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in California we belonged to a dinner group and we'd meet once a month at each other's homes, mostly out of doors though, at a farm, an eco ranch, in my lavender garden and we'd have a potluck dinner and those were the best times.
Love the plates Horst has displayed and the shot of him drawing off the wine, the simple pleasures in the countryside, it doesn't get any better than that, does it?
Oh, Linda, we are so sorry. It is so frustrating when that happens which, it seems to us, is all too often.
DeleteYour pot luck dinners sound to have been great fun. And we imagine that in all that Californian sunshine they could, more often than not, be eaten out of doors.
We should perhaps have shown more of Horst's plates as they are a splendid collection and look absolutely right on the walls where he has them.
I'd been so curious about the lake and wine country, after hearing so much about it over dinner with you and friends in Budapest. The countryside is stunning, and fresh in my memory is the lovely clean taste of the wonderful Hungarian wines you poured which came from those gentle hills. Oh well, another trip!
ReplyDeleteThe countryside around the Balaton is exceptionally lovely and we are delighted that Hungarian wines are now being recognised more widely.
DeleteWe do so hope that your next trip here will not be too long off when we should all venture out of Budapest, possibly to explore one of the wine regions.