Day 1, Wednesday: Visit to Kerékteleki
On our way to my cousin Sárika at Kerékteleki, a small village south of Komárom, we stopped in Dad at Manci néni, mother of Sárika. After her sister Zsuzsi and Zsuzsi’s daughter Patri had arrived from Budapest we all five continued our journey to Kerékteleki. As usual Sárika prepared a lavish feast for us: chicken soup, carp – caught by her husband Gyula – chicken paprikás, roast duck, breaded pork slices, cakes and gateaux. Home-made pear and plum brandy as welcoming drink and a bottle of red wine on the table were obligatory. Although it was raining heavily Ann could not miss the opportunity to look around in the garden. For years now the family have not bought any vegetables, fruit or meat: they produce them all themselves. We departed for Dorog mid-afternoon, dropping our passengers in Dad.
Sárika is checking whether the soup is ready.
Manci néni brought with her lots of cakes. Patri is helping her to arrange them on trays.
The steam from the chicken soup ‘Újházy’ almost hides Patri and me.
There are plenty of extras for Zsuzsi, myself and Patri to add to the soup: vegetables, noodles, meat and some red paprika to make the soup picant.
Gyula is enjoying his wife’s soup but Sárika does not seem to want any.
The main dishes with plenty of accompaniment.
Manci néni, Rika (Sárika’s daughter) and Zsuzsi have started on the sweets while I am still chomping through the main dishes with the help of a glass of wine.
Manci néni’s master pieces. After trying all the main dishes I was, alas, not in a position to try them but I have been assured that they were delicious.
Home-grown fruit, coffee and brandy closes the feast.
After lunch Sárika and I sat down to discuss our websites.
Sárika
Gyula and his dog; in the background our rented Polo
A kitten hiding among the sacks
The paprika field
The cellar is full of home-made produce. Ann swears that she has never tasted better bacon than Gyula’s.
A wannabe Dianysos
Group photo with me
Group photo with Ann – to prove that she too was there