Weekend at Lake Balaton

A weekend began with mulled wine and a lángos, followed by reflections on luxury hotels. The scent of paprikás krumpli and túrós tészta brought back childhood memories, as old places revealed new stories. The closing thought: solving problems starts with calling them by their name.

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Friday:
A long walk along Lake Balaton. I adore the old bathhouse hidden behind the tiny reeds.
At the main square, no one and nothing is trying to snatch the mulled wine from my hands today, so I even indulge in a lángos. Starting next week, I’ll rarely have such treats again.

Saturday:
Thirty years ago, the stretch between two ports on the lakefront was a protected natural area. Today, it’s a row of brand-new hotels and luxury apartments.
This lake is the size of Lake Geneva, and I cling to the hope they take it seriously here, as they do in Geneva:
the lake belongs to everyone,
and you can walk along its entire shore.
In the massive sauna area of the new hotel, I’m delighted to find the staff are excellent: kind, helpful, attentive. With the regal view of the open water, this truly feels like European luxury. Of course, the prices are steep too.

Sunday:
I wake up to the smell of paprikás krumpli; it seems my father remembered me telling him that no other country makes this dish.
In the morning, on my way back from the store, I stop by a café for a coffee. I’m surprised when they tell me they’re about to close.
– But isn’t there enough business from alcoholics to keep a 24/7 bar open?
– What planet are you from?!
– Twenty-five years ago, when I lived here, this was the place to play billiards.
– Alcoholics buy their drinks at discount stores and drink at home. The young folks go into town. Now, people only come here for coffee in the mornings.

At noon, I prepare túrós tészta. Now, this is a type of cheese you won’t find anywhere else.
Afterward, I tidy up the apartment one last time before setting off on Monday.
In the evening, I have dinner at my sister’s house and play with her little girl, who, naturally, refuses to go to bed again tonight.

I found a few notes from the past three days:
“We reject everyone, even ourselves.” – Gergely Litkai, a leading comedian at Comedy TV.
In the 20th century, he’d be considered a cool guy; in the era where today’s children are growing up, he’s seen as a harsh character.
I don’t want to defend him; I want to support him. But until we name the problems, whatever happens will just be spreading the mess around.
December 29, 2024.