Gödöllő is a town that preserves its
past values and embraces the future and a day trip from Budapest would mean a
combination of History and tradition come alive….
HISTORY
Only
30 km east of Budapest, Gödöllő is easily accessible from the capital by most
means of transport. As I entered the impressive former summer residence of
Queen Elizabeth, the beloved Queen of the Hungarians, I was mesmerized by the
interior at once. Originally the 18th-century central estate of the
Grassalkovich counts, the castle is an outstanding example of Central European
Baroque architecture and happens to be the second largest in the world. The
estate was transferred to the ownership of the Hapsburg kings in 1867. After this
historical highlight I took a leisurely stroll through the vast park area
gardens surrounding the castle.
TRADITION WELCOME
Next
the group moved on to the horse-ranch of the Lazar brothers, the complex was
developed by the Lazar brothers, Vilmos and Zoltan, two former multiple world
champion four-hand carriage drivers. It is a truly bucolic location on gently
rolling hills, with horses grazing in the distance… a sheer delight. A glass of
Palinka, a traditional Hungarian drink, welcomed us and I was absolutely ready
to resume imbibing a delectable Hungarian alcoholic beverage along with
delicious savoury scones.
HORSEMANSHIP
After
the warm welcome we proceeded to watch a superb show of remarkable
horsemanship held by the staff. Four-hand carriage drivers in full gallop
regaled the visitors, thrilled as well by masterly nomad bow and arrow
demonstrations, where the rider aimed and found targets in full gallop. Our
visit was highlighted by a demonstration of various riding feats like archery
at gallop, standing on horseback, racing teams, etc. The riders were masterful,
including a lady riding side-saddle. The show also had its lighter moments,
especially when a hapless rider tries to convince a donkey to replicate the
horses tricks, Far from complying, the donkey has some tricks of his own, it’
hilarious!
As for me I was bowled over by the ‘puszta-five’, a stunt devised by
the csikos (chi-kos), the cowboys. This involved a team of five horses, three
in front, two following. A single rider stood upright with one foot on each
rump of the last two horses, driving the entire entourage at breakneck gallop. The
star of the show however was when I was invited to participate in a contest to
mimic the skills of the Hungarians with the bullwhip. With a few training shots
at the bottle, I managed the perfect whip and manage to tumble the bottle off
its pedestal, and yes I was rewarded with the same bottle which was indeed a fine
Hungarian wine.
FOOD AND FUN
After
all this excitement a carriage ride through the property took us to the stables
and the Lazar Brothers trophy room.
A typical Hungarian meal of goulash,
roast chicken, veal schnitzel, sausages and vegetables with paprika, downed
with a constant flow of Hungarian wine and a decadent apricot pastry ended the
trip. All along entertainment was in full swing with vibrant gypsy music and
folkloric dances. For a taste of the countryside without getting too far
from Budapest, this attraction is highly recommended. And I would like to
applaud the Lazar brothers for taking on such an ambitious project to highlight
Hungary’s rich past.
FAST FACTS
·
Best Way to
Reach- Book a day trip from Budapest
·
For more info-
Log onto www.gotohungary.com
Published in Food & wine
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