Mummy, why is New Year coming in winter and cold? Survive Happy New Year 2013 as a Hungarian

So here we are, after the end of the world (do you remember? it was 21 december 2012), sound and safe, fat after all those Christmas feasts and cookies, and in the usual winter depression. Actually, I never understood why the New Year has to come in the middle of the December-January transition full with darkness, cold, snow and depression... I'd rather have it in spring when the flowers blossom, it would make more sense, wouldn't it?... Anyway, long story short, this is how we do it today and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and see what you need as a Hungarian to glide into 2013 with luck and happiness :)

And… ACTION 2- Hungarian Hollywood: Budapest!

I was curious about the hungarian film-studios who assisted in the many foreign productions and found out that Korda Film Studio – one of the five biggest  film-studios near Budapest is open for visitors. I was really excited about it and on a nice and sunny Sunday afternoon I visited the film-studio in Etyek.  

This our Budapest Contemporary Art Pulse tour

"I am a huge fan of art, the meditations of art history, and generally curious about the culture and accomplished artists in the local scene of any destination that I travel to. Local avant garde, fashion, sculpture, and designer handicrafts are inspiring and allowed for my brain to digest the cultural history absorbed from a traditional tourist agenda...

And… ACTION 1 - Hungarian Hollywood: Budapest!

The star couple in Budapest

Over the last few years Hungary has became home to many international film productions. Two years ago, Angelina Jolie directed her first film in Budapest and a year after that, her husband filmed a zombie movie, called World War Z in Hungary. This summer, another american blockbuster, Die Hard 5 chose Budapest as it’s filming location.

The Coolest Hungarian souvenirs, batch 1.

I love Budapest T-shirt? Naah. I love Hungarian Girls T-shirt? A little bit better, but come on, really? You can do better! We start a series with cool souvenir suggestions - real 21st century Hungaricums, made by Hungarians for travellers and compatriotrs... With love.

Goose Liver Festival in Budapest

Now the festival season is upon us, why not venture up to the Buda Castle for this year's annual Goose Liver Festival. You will have chance to taste all of the Hungarian goose liver dishes Hungary has to offer. These dishes are based both on traditional and redesigned recipes with wines from the Tokaj region (this years guest) and other Hungarian delicacies, at pretty decent prices!

Let the Festivals Begin...!

Many festivals grace the sands of our beautiful country, and with summer fast approaching it is time to start preparing! Here a few of Underguide's favorite festivals...!

Budapest Pálinka Festival 10th-13th May, 2012

The Hunyadi Court in Buda Castle plays host to the spring Pálinka Festival the aim of which is to introduce high-quality Hungarian fruit brandies, pálinka in Hungarian, to both locals and tourists.

Musical programs, concerts enhance the atmosphere during the 4-day event.

This year the focus will be on pálinkas made from apricot.

Daily tickets: 2 000 HUF includes a tasting glass, 4-day pass (includes a tasting glass): 5 500 HUF.

Opening hours: Thurs-Fri: 14.00-02.00, Sat-Sun: 14.00-24.00

More information: Budapest Pálinka Fesztivál