Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October 1, 2009.
A delicious start of the day by having breakfast at the Hasik Hotel, which so kindly sponsored my accomodation for one night. First meeting of the day was with the Notary Public of both villages of Döbrönte and Ganna. Total population about 500 only, but Mrs Bóka Istvánné took 6 membership-cards with the confidence of someone, who will succeed.
The next meeting was with the mayors of Pápakovácsi, Nóráp and the deputy mayor of Kup. The very pleasant meeting ended with the mayors taking up five membership-cards in spite of the small population of about 1.300 for the three municipalities together.
Also the new mayor in Dáka kindly took 2 membership-cards and the jegyző of both Pápaderecske and Nyárád asked for 3 membership-cards.
Sofar the good news. The mayor of Nemesszalók could not be reached and the notary of Külsővat showed so much disrespect and disinterest, that I for the first time left angrily.
All in all, a good day in superb sunny weather. But we are also ready to change the format of our visits as the time-consuming visits of small villages are generating not enough memberships.
The next meeting was with the mayors of Pápakovácsi, Nóráp and the deputy mayor of Kup. The very pleasant meeting ended with the mayors taking up five membership-cards in spite of the small population of about 1.300 for the three municipalities together.
Also the new mayor in Dáka kindly took 2 membership-cards and the jegyző of both Pápaderecske and Nyárád asked for 3 membership-cards.
Sofar the good news. The mayor of Nemesszalók could not be reached and the notary of Külsővat showed so much disrespect and disinterest, that I for the first time left angrily.
All in all, a good day in superb sunny weather. But we are also ready to change the format of our visits as the time-consuming visits of small villages are generating not enough memberships.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
September 30, 2009.
One never knows how planned meetings with mayors will turn out. It is interesting that mayors of the smallest villages either forget the meetings or simply just do not turn up. The mayors of the larger cities are always there. Is this a matter of efficiency or a matter of feelings of importance (how smaller you are, the more you have to show your importance).
In any case, the first meetings were quite disappointing, but fully made up later in the day by the very pleasant and constructive meetings with the mayors of Mezőlak, Margyargencs, Kemenesszentpéter, Vinár and Marcalgergelyi. Especially, the discussion with Mr Tamás Boros, mayor of Magyargencs, was a high point of the day; and this not only because he assessed the number of members from his village to be five in spite of the small population of only of 600. If the mayors are right in their evaluation of future members, the day will bring us 22 members.
It was an other beautiful day driving in the countryside, West of Pápa. I am writing this note from Hotel Hasik in Döbrönte, which has very kindly offered accomodation as a "sponsorship in kind". A Swiss-owned small hotel, which has all the necessary and unnecessary amenities of a small luxurious hotel. No wonder that so many staff-members of Nato (base near Pápa) stay in this hotel before their residence is found or made ready.
In any case, the first meetings were quite disappointing, but fully made up later in the day by the very pleasant and constructive meetings with the mayors of Mezőlak, Margyargencs, Kemenesszentpéter, Vinár and Marcalgergelyi. Especially, the discussion with Mr Tamás Boros, mayor of Magyargencs, was a high point of the day; and this not only because he assessed the number of members from his village to be five in spite of the small population of only of 600. If the mayors are right in their evaluation of future members, the day will bring us 22 members.
It was an other beautiful day driving in the countryside, West of Pápa. I am writing this note from Hotel Hasik in Döbrönte, which has very kindly offered accomodation as a "sponsorship in kind". A Swiss-owned small hotel, which has all the necessary and unnecessary amenities of a small luxurious hotel. No wonder that so many staff-members of Nato (base near Pápa) stay in this hotel before their residence is found or made ready.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29, 2009.
Ten municipalities today again. And so happy to be now in Hotel Villa Classica in Pápa to find some rest.
A day of small villages only. Some of the mayors or public notaries were very forthcoming and helpful (Vanyola, Vaszar, Takácsi, Várkesző and Egyházaskesző); others did not show much interest. If actions will realise the intentions, then we will have 14 more members in due course.
We have to see the results by the end of this year.
What a beautiful country-side it was. A pleasure to drive around near Pápa in this wonderful autumn weather. A compensation for the sometimes diasppointing meetings.
An other very positive note is the highly professional manner our office has arranged the program. I am very proud of the staff in our Budapest-office and of course tremendously grateful towards Dr András Béres for the translations of my daily experiences in Hungarian.
A day of small villages only. Some of the mayors or public notaries were very forthcoming and helpful (Vanyola, Vaszar, Takácsi, Várkesző and Egyházaskesző); others did not show much interest. If actions will realise the intentions, then we will have 14 more members in due course.
We have to see the results by the end of this year.
What a beautiful country-side it was. A pleasure to drive around near Pápa in this wonderful autumn weather. A compensation for the sometimes diasppointing meetings.
An other very positive note is the highly professional manner our office has arranged the program. I am very proud of the staff in our Budapest-office and of course tremendously grateful towards Dr András Béres for the translations of my daily experiences in Hungarian.
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28, 2009.
An interesting day in nine small villages. Some mayors quite engaged and clearly planning to support us as much as they can by finding the number of memberships we agreed to be possible (Csót, Pápateszér, Gic, Nagydém and certainly also in Lovaspatona (where some Dutchmen and Germans have a summer-house). But also I visited the mayor's offices of very small villages, where the mayors were not around and clerks looked at me with eyes telling me "what are you doing here".
Those are the days that I wonder whether this very much time-consuming project is worth it. Tonight I am the grateful guest of the Griff Hotel in Pápa. A good night's rest will tell me tomorrow whether we have to change course or keep going the same road.
Those are the days that I wonder whether this very much time-consuming project is worth it. Tonight I am the grateful guest of the Griff Hotel in Pápa. A good night's rest will tell me tomorrow whether we have to change course or keep going the same road.
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25, 2009. Highlight in Pápa.
The deputy-mayor of Pápa, Dr Áldozó Tamás, warmly welcomed me in the company of Rita Benecz and Bea Varga. Also a journalist from the county newspaper, Veszprémi Napló, joined us in the meeting and took pictures afterwards. I heard an interesting lecture about church history in Pápa (the building of the municipality one time belonged to the Benedictine Order like still in present times Tihany and Pannonhalma). Then we had our good discussion about the membership in an other order, namely the "Order of the Smiling Knights". When I mentioned the wish to see 30 members in Papa, Mr Áldozó increased the number to 33 (based on 33.000 inhabitants); this I regarded as a much encouraging sign for our membership in Pápa.
Also the meetings in the small villages of Bakonyjákó, Adásztevel, Nagytevel, Homokbödöge and Ugod were pleasant and gave hope for more members.
This week I saw mayors and other representatives of about 50 cities and villages. It was a well-organised schedule. My sincere thanks to our Project Manager, Anikó Kada, who arranged it all in a very professional and structured manner.
Also the meetings in the small villages of Bakonyjákó, Adásztevel, Nagytevel, Homokbödöge and Ugod were pleasant and gave hope for more members.
This week I saw mayors and other representatives of about 50 cities and villages. It was a well-organised schedule. My sincere thanks to our Project Manager, Anikó Kada, who arranged it all in a very professional and structured manner.
September 24, 2009.
The mayors of Herend, Szentgál, Úrkút, Kislőd, Városlőd and Farkasgyepű were very understanding and certainly will try hard to support us by finding members. Also the deputy-mayor of Márkó, the mayor's assistant in Csehbánya and a staff-member in Bánd will do their very best. Hopefully the total target of the day of 25 will be reached.
And what a success for these municipalities it will be if indeed they are able to get these members! The life in villages is so very difficult with high unemployment, hardly any support from the state and not much hope for a better future. Hearing the stories in the villages gives me a sad picture of the economic circumstances for a great deal of the Hungarian population For many, the time of communism was far better than the present time. Analysing the causes may not be difficult (many decades of communism and - since the change - failing governments), but finding ways to improve the situation is far more challenging.
And what a success for these municipalities it will be if indeed they are able to get these members! The life in villages is so very difficult with high unemployment, hardly any support from the state and not much hope for a better future. Hearing the stories in the villages gives me a sad picture of the economic circumstances for a great deal of the Hungarian population For many, the time of communism was far better than the present time. Analysing the causes may not be difficult (many decades of communism and - since the change - failing governments), but finding ways to improve the situation is far more challenging.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
September 23, 2009. A good day it was!
Not every day includes major cities. But if mayors of small villages take the time to kindly welcome me and to seriously listen to my explanations in broken Hungarian (that often is already a reason for being so attentive:-)), then we are half way. The second half is totally on the part of the mayors when they in all earnest proclaim to support the Foundation for the sake of sick children in the county of Veszprém. Such a day it was today!
Mayors of Csesznek, Bakonyoszlop, Bakonyszentkirály (the three mayor-musketeers during one most pleasant meeting), Borzavár, Bakonybél (here the mayor acted like a Dutchman by stressing that promises to act will be kept - even on the following day!), Pénzesgyőr (four members for a village with only 366 people), the notary public of Porva and the representative of the municipality in Hárskut, made my day! The total target of the day is 23 members and the tone and contents of my discussions today give me full confidence that this target will be reached thanks to the kind support from the municipalities.
Herend Szálló kindly awaited me for a good night's rest. Many thanks for this much appreciated sponsorship.
Mayors of Csesznek, Bakonyoszlop, Bakonyszentkirály (the three mayor-musketeers during one most pleasant meeting), Borzavár, Bakonybél (here the mayor acted like a Dutchman by stressing that promises to act will be kept - even on the following day!), Pénzesgyőr (four members for a village with only 366 people), the notary public of Porva and the representative of the municipality in Hárskut, made my day! The total target of the day is 23 members and the tone and contents of my discussions today give me full confidence that this target will be reached thanks to the kind support from the municipalities.
Herend Szálló kindly awaited me for a good night's rest. Many thanks for this much appreciated sponsorship.
Letter of Dr. Royaards for the Smiling Knights on September 22
For some reason my internet is so slow that the website
and blog does not appear ( I am in the middle of the
country-side now). Would you please put the following
"post" on my blog?
September 22, a most difficult day.
"You can't win them all on each day". After the glorious
feelings of yesterday, it was now the most difficult day
sofar. This is typically a region where unemployment is
high, money scarce and morale very low. And of course for
all the good (or better: bad) reasons. In spite of the
prevailing problems in the villages, the mayors of Tés,
Szápár, Csetény, Bakonynána, the deputy-mayor of
Nagyesztergár, the notary of Jásd and the deputy Notary
of Zirc will still try to do their best finding the
members on the basis of "one member for one thousand of
inhabitants".
The day has given me plenty of time to reflect about the
differences between Hungary now and Holland after the
second world war. Two important elements are crucial. In
Holland we had the Marshall help from abroad to give a
boost to investment, work and optimism. In Hungary, there
is no such great financial support from outside; the
European Union should be the motor, but the financial
impact may not be sufficient and in any case hardly
reaches the smaller towns and villages. Secondly, the
Dutch had a great confidence in the capabilities and
character of the Dutch government at the time; when
I hear mayors in general on this topic, very few
- if any - has any good opinion about the Hungarian
governments after the change in 1989. A sad story,
which must be changed to give new hope for a better life
in this otherwise beautiful country with intelligent
and kind people.
Albert Royaards
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 21, the best day sofar!
Today I visited ten municipalities and in most cases met with the mayor. Four of the mayors were ladies and so clearly one feels an additional empathy for the cause of sick children when women are the interlocutors - without diminishing in any way the wonderful support received today from the male-mayors.
The mayors of Papkeszi, Balatonkenese, Balatonvilágos, Csajág, Küngös and Ősi all predicted three to four times more than our target of "one member for each 1.000 inhabitants". The mayor of Berhida was very certain to reach ten members in her municipality of 6.133 population. The mayor and the referenc of Várpalota, the largest city today with nearly 22.000 inhabitants, was shooting for thirty members. But the mayor of Pétfürdő (5.000 inhabitants), Mrs Horváth Éva, was confident to reach even 50 members; I believed this to be over-optimistic and we settled for twenty members first. If the targets today would be reached, it would mean 87 additional members. I have to see it before I could believe it. Are the mayors over-confident in their projections? We soon will find out!
But in any case, it is wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and spirit demonstrated by the mayors. And for this I am already very grateful!
With all these good thoughts I entered the hotel, named "Két Bagoly Fogadó" ("Two Owles Inn"). They so kindly sponsor my accomodation tonight. A great gesture in this period of economic crisis.
The mayors of Papkeszi, Balatonkenese, Balatonvilágos, Csajág, Küngös and Ősi all predicted three to four times more than our target of "one member for each 1.000 inhabitants". The mayor of Berhida was very certain to reach ten members in her municipality of 6.133 population. The mayor and the referenc of Várpalota, the largest city today with nearly 22.000 inhabitants, was shooting for thirty members. But the mayor of Pétfürdő (5.000 inhabitants), Mrs Horváth Éva, was confident to reach even 50 members; I believed this to be over-optimistic and we settled for twenty members first. If the targets today would be reached, it would mean 87 additional members. I have to see it before I could believe it. Are the mayors over-confident in their projections? We soon will find out!
But in any case, it is wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and spirit demonstrated by the mayors. And for this I am already very grateful!
With all these good thoughts I entered the hotel, named "Két Bagoly Fogadó" ("Two Owles Inn"). They so kindly sponsor my accomodation tonight. A great gesture in this period of economic crisis.
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 18, 2009
A really great day, mainly because two kind and very supportive persons:
a) Mrs Viktória Francz from the mayor's office in Balatonfűzfő. Clearly from the heart, she promised all possible help to get us ten members (of which hopefully being the municipality). I have great hopes that her actions are commensurate with her good intentions.
b) The mayor of Vezprém, Mr János Debreczenyi, has in the past already given so much of his support to our Foundation. For this we are indeed very grateful. Now comes a most difficult "task" to find 60 members as Veszprém is by far the biggest town in the Veszprém County with 58.000 inhabitants. If there is anyone I regard highly because of abilities and determination to get results, it is the mayor of Veszprém! Thank you Mr mayor for our most pleasant and constructive meeting today!
The mayors of Sóly and Litér also demonstrated a keen interest to help us finding members.
But after 12.00 noon, most municipalities were closed. Nearly everyone from the government has a long, very long weekend. I have always been wondering how Hungary could lift itself up out of the prevailing dreadful economic circumstances if the state and local authorities give such example. After the second worldwar the countries in Western Europe worked even on Saturdays for many decades. After a degree of prosperity was reached, the Saturdays were given as a free day. But in Hungary, for most government offices the weekend start on Friday at noon. This is a luxury, the government has not deserved. It may also be partially a reason why so many people work as government-employees. Too many people doing too little.
a) Mrs Viktória Francz from the mayor's office in Balatonfűzfő. Clearly from the heart, she promised all possible help to get us ten members (of which hopefully being the municipality). I have great hopes that her actions are commensurate with her good intentions.
b) The mayor of Vezprém, Mr János Debreczenyi, has in the past already given so much of his support to our Foundation. For this we are indeed very grateful. Now comes a most difficult "task" to find 60 members as Veszprém is by far the biggest town in the Veszprém County with 58.000 inhabitants. If there is anyone I regard highly because of abilities and determination to get results, it is the mayor of Veszprém! Thank you Mr mayor for our most pleasant and constructive meeting today!
The mayors of Sóly and Litér also demonstrated a keen interest to help us finding members.
But after 12.00 noon, most municipalities were closed. Nearly everyone from the government has a long, very long weekend. I have always been wondering how Hungary could lift itself up out of the prevailing dreadful economic circumstances if the state and local authorities give such example. After the second worldwar the countries in Western Europe worked even on Saturdays for many decades. After a degree of prosperity was reached, the Saturdays were given as a free day. But in Hungary, for most government offices the weekend start on Friday at noon. This is a luxury, the government has not deserved. It may also be partially a reason why so many people work as government-employees. Too many people doing too little.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
September 17
Some days will be quite hard and one such day happened to be today. If mayors let me wait for a long time (while they know that my schedule is tight), do not offer at least some water and in one case, do not even offer a seat, it is difficult to remain polite (which is required just for the sake of the good cause). At such moments, one wonders why to spend so much time, energy and heart without any remuneration if so little appreciation is being shown. Luckily this kind of meeting is seldom, but today three times!
Better to think about the good moments and there were quite a few as well today. The mayor of Hidegkút showed much understanding and will do his utmost in his small village of only 450 people.
Also the mayors of Lovas, Alsoörs and Felsőörs were most forthcoming. I am convinced that they could produce small miracles if ...............they take indeed the time to make a personal effort.
The meeting with the aljegyző from Balatonalmádi, Mrs Kovács Piroska Rózsa, was very pleasant and constructive. Wonderful to hear so many initiaves to be undertaken in Balatonalmádi for the nameawareness of the Smiling Hospital Foundation. But hopefully ten members will be found as well in this city, because that is the main objective of the present membership drive.
Better to think about the good moments and there were quite a few as well today. The mayor of Hidegkút showed much understanding and will do his utmost in his small village of only 450 people.
Also the mayors of Lovas, Alsoörs and Felsőörs were most forthcoming. I am convinced that they could produce small miracles if ...............they take indeed the time to make a personal effort.
The meeting with the aljegyző from Balatonalmádi, Mrs Kovács Piroska Rózsa, was very pleasant and constructive. Wonderful to hear so many initiaves to be undertaken in Balatonalmádi for the nameawareness of the Smiling Hospital Foundation. But hopefully ten members will be found as well in this city, because that is the main objective of the present membership drive.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
16 September, 2009
A most wonderful start was made this morning in Balatonfüred. The deputy-mayor, Dr Kiszeli Pál, immediately felt the essence of our activities in the hospitals and promised his strong support by trying to get 20 members. After his return from a business trip to Turkey later in September, we will meet again to discuss what else could be done in Balatonfüred for the Smiling Hospital Foundation.
After this auspicious meeting in Balatonfüred, I met an other great supporter for our cause. The mayor of Balatonszőlős, Mr András Nagy, believes to be able to get us ten members while the population in his place is only 600. An other beautiful example of "what looks small creates big".
This great experience was actually similar in the village Vöröstó, where the kind mayor, Mrs Rákos Margit, will try hard to raise two memberships from a village with only 93 people!
And the last meeting today was equally inspiring, when I discussed with mayor Kertész Lajos his great efforts to help with five memberships from his village Pula, which has only only 228 inhabitants.
A wonderful day in beautiful country-side with a great result of 48 new memberships, if.............the mayors will match their supportive statements with same strong actions!!
After this auspicious meeting in Balatonfüred, I met an other great supporter for our cause. The mayor of Balatonszőlős, Mr András Nagy, believes to be able to get us ten members while the population in his place is only 600. An other beautiful example of "what looks small creates big".
This great experience was actually similar in the village Vöröstó, where the kind mayor, Mrs Rákos Margit, will try hard to raise two memberships from a village with only 93 people!
And the last meeting today was equally inspiring, when I discussed with mayor Kertész Lajos his great efforts to help with five memberships from his village Pula, which has only only 228 inhabitants.
A wonderful day in beautiful country-side with a great result of 48 new memberships, if.............the mayors will match their supportive statements with same strong actions!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15, 2009
Nine meetings today again with kind mayors, deputy mayors and notaries public of small villages with the exception of Tihany, which has a population of 1.390. Mr Tósoki Imre, mayor of Tihany, promised to do his very best finding ten members; I am sure he will!
A wonderful encounter I had with Dr Papp Judit, notary public in Aszófő, because Dr Papp had given me accomodation in her lovely home for one night during my four months biking tour in 2005. She never gives up to support the Smiling Hospital Foundation.
An other most encouraging meeting was held with mayor Szönyeg József of a very small village called Vászoly. Mr Szönyeg was confident to find for us five members in his village of 235 people. I wish we could make a statue for him as an example for thousands of mayors, who govern small villages in Hungary:-).
In late afternoon, I also met with Mr Jenő Nagy, General Manager of the Annabella Hotel in Balatonfüred and Member of Parliament. He promised to help us whenever we would face a problem in County Veszprém.
Albert Royaards
A wonderful encounter I had with Dr Papp Judit, notary public in Aszófő, because Dr Papp had given me accomodation in her lovely home for one night during my four months biking tour in 2005. She never gives up to support the Smiling Hospital Foundation.
An other most encouraging meeting was held with mayor Szönyeg József of a very small village called Vászoly. Mr Szönyeg was confident to find for us five members in his village of 235 people. I wish we could make a statue for him as an example for thousands of mayors, who govern small villages in Hungary:-).
In late afternoon, I also met with Mr Jenő Nagy, General Manager of the Annabella Hotel in Balatonfüred and Member of Parliament. He promised to help us whenever we would face a problem in County Veszprém.
Albert Royaards
Monday, September 14, 2009
First day in Veszprém County
Nine meetings with representatives of nine different municipalities. Kind mayors, deputy mayors, notaries public and in one case a kind librarian. Total population of these nine municipalities: 5.500. But target of members (officially one member for each 1.000 population), as given by the representives, are not 5 or 6, but 30! Big question is whether these good intentions could be realised. Are the representatives really willing and able to convert their clearly expressed support into actions?? My past experience with promises in Hungary makes me doubtful about such good result. But it is also fair to give them the benefit of the doubt and my sincere wish for their successful efforts. In the end, it is all for sick children in Hungary.
One special note for the mayor of Révfülöp, Mr Miklós Tamás. I left our most pleasant meeting with the feelings that his appraisal of 10 to 20 members (Révfülöp has 1.048 people) will be realised indeed through the active and convincing power of the mayor.
Albert Royaards
One special note for the mayor of Révfülöp, Mr Miklós Tamás. I left our most pleasant meeting with the feelings that his appraisal of 10 to 20 members (Révfülöp has 1.048 people) will be realised indeed through the active and convincing power of the mayor.
Albert Royaards
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Note of Thanks to Danubius Group
The last part of the phone calls to the mayors are made by our office. All seems ready to take off on September 14, 2009. Biggest news today was the kind support from the Danubius Hotels Group to support our "membership drive" with the first four nights accomodation in the beautiful Annabella Hotel in Balatonfüred. This will give me also the peaceful time to prepare for the next 19 days of an altogether hectic schedule, meeting 230 mayors in 23 days. A personal thanks to Csilla Erdélyi and her team from the Danubius Hotels Group.
Albert Royaards
Albert Royaards
Friday, September 4, 2009
Second Megye to start on September 14, 2009.
On September 14, 2009, the Fiat Bravo is ready to bring me to about 230 municipalities in the county of Veszprém. Every day I hope to see ten mayors or their respective representatives. The goal was and remains: for each 1.000 inhabitants at least one member in the Order of the Smiling Knights.
In the evenings I will write summaries for this blog and hopefully some pictures attached. Pannon has given us great support by donating a mobile internet modem and SIM Card for easy communication without cost to the Foundation. We are very grateful towards Pannon.
In the evenings I will write summaries for this blog and hopefully some pictures attached. Pannon has given us great support by donating a mobile internet modem and SIM Card for easy communication without cost to the Foundation. We are very grateful towards Pannon.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Day no. 7
This was a day full of philosophical discussions.
Kecskéd. I was 20 minutes early on this first appointment of the day. Nevertheless mayor Grúber Zoltán already awaited me outside in the blazing sun. That show of gracious hospitality continued during our talks together with the alpolgármester and the jegyző. I look forward to take up the kind invitation to return for a bit of sightseeing and for luncheon. But first things first: five members are expected in this village of 2.000 inhabitants. Wonderful goal!
Bokod. Although I was much on time (after letter, e-mail and tel. calls to arrange meeting), no mayor. You can't win them all. Hopefully his secreatary will be able to convince mayor and others taking up at least two memberships.
Oroszlány. Too little time for an exchange of philosophical thoughts with alpolgármester Rajnai Gábor. Yesterday Mr Rajnai enjoyed picking berries in the forest and fishing this early morning, while I am racing around to meet mayors and sitting behind my computer in evening hours. Who is more happy in life? We were not able to answer the question, but for now I hope that the most supportive Mr Rajnai will as much enjoy catching berries and fish as he will "catch" 20 new members for the Order of the Smiling Knights. I wish him all the best and good luck!
Várgesztes. With the mayor, Mrs Memoni Gabriella, I had an other exchange of deep thoughts, even in French (mayor speaks far better French then I speak Hungarian). What is more enjoyable: to try to find your mission in life and having enough time for other things to do or to be fully involved with your found mission and having no time for anything else. I left without the answer, but with the jope that two more members are on the way.
Vértessomló. A most kind jegyző, Mr Szennay István, was waiting when I arrived late. We talked about personal matters and I realised that a serious sickness in the family is far over-shadowing the importance of the right choice between two happy alternatives.
If all goes well, we will have an other 32 members originating from the discussions today.
Kecskéd. I was 20 minutes early on this first appointment of the day. Nevertheless mayor Grúber Zoltán already awaited me outside in the blazing sun. That show of gracious hospitality continued during our talks together with the alpolgármester and the jegyző. I look forward to take up the kind invitation to return for a bit of sightseeing and for luncheon. But first things first: five members are expected in this village of 2.000 inhabitants. Wonderful goal!
Bokod. Although I was much on time (after letter, e-mail and tel. calls to arrange meeting), no mayor. You can't win them all. Hopefully his secreatary will be able to convince mayor and others taking up at least two memberships.
Oroszlány. Too little time for an exchange of philosophical thoughts with alpolgármester Rajnai Gábor. Yesterday Mr Rajnai enjoyed picking berries in the forest and fishing this early morning, while I am racing around to meet mayors and sitting behind my computer in evening hours. Who is more happy in life? We were not able to answer the question, but for now I hope that the most supportive Mr Rajnai will as much enjoy catching berries and fish as he will "catch" 20 new members for the Order of the Smiling Knights. I wish him all the best and good luck!
Várgesztes. With the mayor, Mrs Memoni Gabriella, I had an other exchange of deep thoughts, even in French (mayor speaks far better French then I speak Hungarian). What is more enjoyable: to try to find your mission in life and having enough time for other things to do or to be fully involved with your found mission and having no time for anything else. I left without the answer, but with the jope that two more members are on the way.
Vértessomló. A most kind jegyző, Mr Szennay István, was waiting when I arrived late. We talked about personal matters and I realised that a serious sickness in the family is far over-shadowing the importance of the right choice between two happy alternatives.
If all goes well, we will have an other 32 members originating from the discussions today.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Day no. 6
Bakonyszombathely. Mayor Pintér Lajos made clear that three members will sign up from his municipality. I left gratefully not only because of the doubling of members compared to our general goal (the village has only 1.500 inhabitants), but also for what the mayor wrote in our large green book.
Bakonybánk. Kind mayor Major László, who clearly showed heart and soul for our project. One member to be expected in this small village of 520 inhabitants.
Réde. Received with a smile on the face of mayor Pölöskei József as one could see so well in Thailand, where the mayor had been and I so often (during my 17 years living in Singapore). Three members for a population of only 1.500. Wonderful support from the mayor!
Súr. This was one of the two highlights of the day! Szluka Zsuzsanna welcomed me in the Teleház. She had also invited three young girls, who would like to see our artists in action in one of the hospitals (will be arranged). While the village of Súr has only 1.400 inhabitants, Zsuzsa is confident that ten members will be recruited. This is again a clear proof that only personal contacts will be the source of success. Thank you, Zsuzsa!
Ácsteszér and Csatka. The mayor of Ácsteszér and the notary public of both Ácsteszér and Csatka received me graciously in the meeting room. Three members are likely to come from these two intertwined villages.
Aka. The mayor, Mór Antal, had forgotten our appointment. Luckily he lived next to the Köszség Ház. If he is indeed able and willing to find five members in this small village of 264 people, not only will he be totally excused for his forgetfulness, but Aka will also make a chance to be one of the very best performing municipalities in Komárom Esztergom Megye. Thank you very much for your kind intentions, Mayor Mór Antal.
Bakonysárkány. A pleasant meeting with mayor Weilandits István and képviselő, Székely Márton. What better result is possible than to expect ten members in a village of only 1.000 inhabitants. I want to thank both very much for their great support! It was the second high point of the day.
Vérteskethely. Last and least :-). After 45 minutes waiting, I was finally directed to meet at a petrol station. There a good meeting took place with mayor Petkovics Gyula and one of the képviselők. I hope they are able to find at least one new member....
If all will go according to plan, an other 36 members will join the Order of the Smiling Knights.
Bakonybánk. Kind mayor Major László, who clearly showed heart and soul for our project. One member to be expected in this small village of 520 inhabitants.
Réde. Received with a smile on the face of mayor Pölöskei József as one could see so well in Thailand, where the mayor had been and I so often (during my 17 years living in Singapore). Three members for a population of only 1.500. Wonderful support from the mayor!
Súr. This was one of the two highlights of the day! Szluka Zsuzsanna welcomed me in the Teleház. She had also invited three young girls, who would like to see our artists in action in one of the hospitals (will be arranged). While the village of Súr has only 1.400 inhabitants, Zsuzsa is confident that ten members will be recruited. This is again a clear proof that only personal contacts will be the source of success. Thank you, Zsuzsa!
Ácsteszér and Csatka. The mayor of Ácsteszér and the notary public of both Ácsteszér and Csatka received me graciously in the meeting room. Three members are likely to come from these two intertwined villages.
Aka. The mayor, Mór Antal, had forgotten our appointment. Luckily he lived next to the Köszség Ház. If he is indeed able and willing to find five members in this small village of 264 people, not only will he be totally excused for his forgetfulness, but Aka will also make a chance to be one of the very best performing municipalities in Komárom Esztergom Megye. Thank you very much for your kind intentions, Mayor Mór Antal.
Bakonysárkány. A pleasant meeting with mayor Weilandits István and képviselő, Székely Márton. What better result is possible than to expect ten members in a village of only 1.000 inhabitants. I want to thank both very much for their great support! It was the second high point of the day.
Vérteskethely. Last and least :-). After 45 minutes waiting, I was finally directed to meet at a petrol station. There a good meeting took place with mayor Petkovics Gyula and one of the képviselők. I hope they are able to find at least one new member....
If all will go according to plan, an other 36 members will join the Order of the Smiling Knights.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Day no. 5
An exhilarating day it was! In many places a show of lots of heart and soul from mayors, képviselők and jegyzők.
The day started in Környe. Mayor had not much time, because of festival in his city. But enough time to agree that four members could well be reached.
Mayor of Kömlőd interrupted his own holiday to meet me in his office. Two members may be realistic.
The mayor of Dad was exceptionally hospitable. If her charm and dedication to our project reflects the nature of her small village, then 3 members may well be the result.
A meeting together with the mayor of Bársongyos and the jegyző of both Bársonyos and Kerékteleki. Both were very forthcoming and I much appreciated their clear support. In each village likely to find three members.
Tárkány was one of the two high points of the day. When I arrived at the municipality, mayor Fúto Lajos Sándor was waiting at the front door and led me in the meeting room, where nine képviselők were already waiting. Brief speeches, picture taking and also reminiscing the time when I had arrived in Tárkány on the bicycle five years ago. With a population of only 1.616, are they indeed able to get ten members? If so, perhaps one of the best ratios of all 3.200 municipalities!
In Szákszend again a kind polgármester, who only came to office to welcome me and to discuss to receive three membership cards.
Kisbér was the other high point of the day. Two very kind képviselők, Szabó Sándorné Erzsébet and Vaderna Tamás, arranged our meeting in the local hospital and later invited me for drinks in Hotel Kincsem. More pleasant talks about our families than about memberships. But if their wonderful intentions to support us, are as successful as the races of "Kincsem", we will be great winners in Kisbér!
The day started in Környe. Mayor had not much time, because of festival in his city. But enough time to agree that four members could well be reached.
Mayor of Kömlőd interrupted his own holiday to meet me in his office. Two members may be realistic.
The mayor of Dad was exceptionally hospitable. If her charm and dedication to our project reflects the nature of her small village, then 3 members may well be the result.
A meeting together with the mayor of Bársongyos and the jegyző of both Bársonyos and Kerékteleki. Both were very forthcoming and I much appreciated their clear support. In each village likely to find three members.
Tárkány was one of the two high points of the day. When I arrived at the municipality, mayor Fúto Lajos Sándor was waiting at the front door and led me in the meeting room, where nine képviselők were already waiting. Brief speeches, picture taking and also reminiscing the time when I had arrived in Tárkány on the bicycle five years ago. With a population of only 1.616, are they indeed able to get ten members? If so, perhaps one of the best ratios of all 3.200 municipalities!
In Szákszend again a kind polgármester, who only came to office to welcome me and to discuss to receive three membership cards.
Kisbér was the other high point of the day. Two very kind képviselők, Szabó Sándorné Erzsébet and Vaderna Tamás, arranged our meeting in the local hospital and later invited me for drinks in Hotel Kincsem. More pleasant talks about our families than about memberships. But if their wonderful intentions to support us, are as successful as the races of "Kincsem", we will be great winners in Kisbér!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day no. 4
Most mayors "make my day" through their own enthusiasm and very few disappoint me (as happened today once).
In Csolnok, it was a great pleasure to meet with mayor Bérces József. His assessment is totally in line with my own: "one has to make personal contacts in order to make such large project a success. The opposite from Direct Mailing". Thank you Mr Mayor for these encouraging words.
In Sárisáp, I met with the notary public, Mrs Klórián Józsefné. A lady of few words, but probably many actions. Great to hear that the mayor already had decided for the municipality to become a member in the Order of the Smiling Knights with an amount of HUF 10.000. And perhaps some more members from Sárisáp will join the mayor.
In Kesztölc, the mayor was not available. But three ladies warmed up to the concept of the Order of the Smiling Knights. I have all hopes that these "Three Musketeers" will help us with at least three members.
Esztergom was the high point of the day. A meeting in the local hospital; could not be more fitting. Dr Osvai László and Mrs Bártfainé Borz Gyöngyi were clearly planning to use all possible media sources in Esztergom (30.000 inhabitants) to help try finding at least 30 members. With such personal support such goal may well be reached.
The mayor of Tokod, Pánczel Mihály was very forthcoming and assured me to help realise four members from his village.
This time a variation of "last, but not least", namely: last and very least, the mayor of Tokodaltáró, who made clear in one minute that he had no time, the municipality no money and his secretary would further talk to me as he had other meetings to attend to. For us, a gracious secretary may be more valuable then a non-interested mayor; hopefully she will still be able to get us three members.
All in all, a very good day!
In Csolnok, it was a great pleasure to meet with mayor Bérces József. His assessment is totally in line with my own: "one has to make personal contacts in order to make such large project a success. The opposite from Direct Mailing". Thank you Mr Mayor for these encouraging words.
In Sárisáp, I met with the notary public, Mrs Klórián Józsefné. A lady of few words, but probably many actions. Great to hear that the mayor already had decided for the municipality to become a member in the Order of the Smiling Knights with an amount of HUF 10.000. And perhaps some more members from Sárisáp will join the mayor.
In Kesztölc, the mayor was not available. But three ladies warmed up to the concept of the Order of the Smiling Knights. I have all hopes that these "Three Musketeers" will help us with at least three members.
Esztergom was the high point of the day. A meeting in the local hospital; could not be more fitting. Dr Osvai László and Mrs Bártfainé Borz Gyöngyi were clearly planning to use all possible media sources in Esztergom (30.000 inhabitants) to help try finding at least 30 members. With such personal support such goal may well be reached.
The mayor of Tokod, Pánczel Mihály was very forthcoming and assured me to help realise four members from his village.
This time a variation of "last, but not least", namely: last and very least, the mayor of Tokodaltáró, who made clear in one minute that he had no time, the municipality no money and his secretary would further talk to me as he had other meetings to attend to. For us, a gracious secretary may be more valuable then a non-interested mayor; hopefully she will still be able to get us three members.
All in all, a very good day!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Day no. 3.
A hard and tiring day, mainly because of mistakes we made in the preparations for this project. It becomes clear that it will not be possible for me to meet 12 or even 13 mayors a day and neither to drive always within 20 minutes from one meeting to another. This is a mad-race, creating tension for me (as I hate being late) and is not fair for the mayors where I arrive late. Mea culpa; hopefully my assistant Gyula will protect me from any further hubris on my part. The schedule for the first county (seven days) could not be changed anymore, but for the other 18 counties we should change in a way to have only 8 meetings a day and to carefully calculate the kilometers between the places of the meetings. Never too old to learn!
The positive side of the day were the pleasant and constructive meetings in the mayors' offices.
The first appointment was in Tatabánya and also the most important one as the city has about 75.000 inhabitants. A very kind welcome by Mr Takács János, képviselő and Mr László Ferenc, aljegyző, while Barbara Botos with her fluent English was the best possible interpreter. Local television was waiting for an interview and local newspapers will write about our project. I believe it will be extremely difficult to get 75.000 members from Tatabánya and any success will much depend on the personal input and guiding from the municipality. I am very curious.
The meeting with Dr Sándor Nagy, the mayor of Vértesszőlős, was exceptionally inspirational. It is wonderful to hear and feel so much support (asking for extra posters to hang at strategic places in the city; the offer of local television and radio "to spread the word", etc.). The fact that Dr Nagy could speak in English, made the conversation a lot easier for both. The number of inhabitants of 3.000 would justify only 3 membership cards; however ten cards were requested!I am very grateful for his kind support.
The positive side of the day were the pleasant and constructive meetings in the mayors' offices.
The first appointment was in Tatabánya and also the most important one as the city has about 75.000 inhabitants. A very kind welcome by Mr Takács János, képviselő and Mr László Ferenc, aljegyző, while Barbara Botos with her fluent English was the best possible interpreter. Local television was waiting for an interview and local newspapers will write about our project. I believe it will be extremely difficult to get 75.000 members from Tatabánya and any success will much depend on the personal input and guiding from the municipality. I am very curious.
The meeting with Dr Sándor Nagy, the mayor of Vértesszőlős, was exceptionally inspirational. It is wonderful to hear and feel so much support (asking for extra posters to hang at strategic places in the city; the offer of local television and radio "to spread the word", etc.). The fact that Dr Nagy could speak in English, made the conversation a lot easier for both. The number of inhabitants of 3.000 would justify only 3 membership cards; however ten cards were requested!I am very grateful for his kind support.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Second Day of the "Driving Tour of Hungary"
In spite of holidays, eight of the 12 mayors in my schedule were able to welcome me to their office. Each time, there is a brief, but nice discussion. All mayors sofar seem quite receptive to our concept of "entertainment for children in hospitals" and clearly state their support. The actual memberships from each municipality will show whether they succeeded as well.
A special thanks to mayor Horváth Béla, who came to greet me for a short moment and then had to return to the place of catastrophe (a collapse of a bridge because of the bad weather the day before).
The happy face of the Notary Public from Nyergesújfalu, Mrs Adolf Józsefné, and her charming daughter, Livia, will be a long remembered. The daughter acted as interpreter, when her Mother mentioned to remember me from the biking tour through Hungary five years ago. But more importantly, Mrs Adolf Józsefné together with Fleith Péterné and Havasi Sándorné were quite convinced that 14 members (instead of the 8 representing the 7.700 inhabitants) would be identified from their city. If all mayors would be that active and supportive, we would have 15.000 members by the end of next year..................
A most interesting discussion with Mr Czermann János, the mayor of Süttő. From this city the limestone (mézkő) originates for the building materials of many historic buildings in Hungary, such as the Gellért Hotel and the Máttyás Church. The parliament building, however, was built from sandstone (homokkő) and this material proved to be too soft and porous; hence the total rebuilding of the parliament from sandstone to limeston; a project, which started in 1930 and will take an other ten years. I hope to have understood the story well with my limited knowledge of Hungarian..........
My goal is simply to raise as many memberships as I can within the next twelve months. The good discussions with the mayors is a wonderful source of inspiration for keeping up such drive.
A special thanks to mayor Horváth Béla, who came to greet me for a short moment and then had to return to the place of catastrophe (a collapse of a bridge because of the bad weather the day before).
The happy face of the Notary Public from Nyergesújfalu, Mrs Adolf Józsefné, and her charming daughter, Livia, will be a long remembered. The daughter acted as interpreter, when her Mother mentioned to remember me from the biking tour through Hungary five years ago. But more importantly, Mrs Adolf Józsefné together with Fleith Péterné and Havasi Sándorné were quite convinced that 14 members (instead of the 8 representing the 7.700 inhabitants) would be identified from their city. If all mayors would be that active and supportive, we would have 15.000 members by the end of next year..................
A most interesting discussion with Mr Czermann János, the mayor of Süttő. From this city the limestone (mézkő) originates for the building materials of many historic buildings in Hungary, such as the Gellért Hotel and the Máttyás Church. The parliament building, however, was built from sandstone (homokkő) and this material proved to be too soft and porous; hence the total rebuilding of the parliament from sandstone to limeston; a project, which started in 1930 and will take an other ten years. I hope to have understood the story well with my limited knowledge of Hungarian..........
My goal is simply to raise as many memberships as I can within the next twelve months. The good discussions with the mayors is a wonderful source of inspiration for keeping up such drive.
Monday, July 6, 2009
First Day, July 6, 2009
The first day has started! Strangly enough I find walking 2.000 km and biking 6.000 km less tiring than taking the car. But that may be just the impression for the first day.
I met today seven mayors (five on our schedule were on holidays; good for them!). I like to mention three exceptionally happy experiences:
a) The deputy-mayor of Tata very kindly received me as the first of the 3.200 persons representing all municipalities in Hungary. I showed him a nice and very big book and asked for his signature. He graciously obliged and asked to be allowed to write a few sentences as well. This seems to set the example, because the next six mayors also wrote something nice in the big green book. And I now expect to need quite a few more big green books to cover all 3.200 mayors. This is the right spirit for our Tour of Hungary. Thank you Mr Lóránt Horváthy. And we will be even more grateful if you are indeed able and willing to help us with 24 members from Tata for our "Order of the Smiling Knights". Your good intentions are much appreciated.
b) The mayor of Bábolna is an old friend of ours. She already has supported our activities a lot in the past. Her beautiful appearance is wonderfully representing the beautiful city of Bábolna. But appearance and friendship is one thing............., result is what counts and we much hope that Dr Klára Horváth could help us with five new members from Bábolna.
c) A mayor of the small village Mocsa had his daughter ready to be an interpreter (my Hungarian knowledge certainly not good enough for a meaningful discussion). Mayor Áy József explained his wonderful support in many ways. First, he will make copies of the poster I gave him and will hang these copies at strategic places, like the bus-stop, the school and the notice-board at his municipality. Then he will introduce us also to the Red Cross in which he plays an important role. In total, he will try hard to get ten new members in the Order of the Smiling Knights, while his villige of 2.400 inhabitants would require only three members. Thanks to his charming daughter, I was able to understand all this perfectly well :-).
All my thanks to the other four mayors as well. But it would be too long for my blog to describe all beautiful personal experiences of today.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Smiling Hospital soon in Croatia.
On June 28, the Founder of the Smiling Hospital Foundation, Countess Éva Csáky Bornemisza and I made a trip to Croatia for a week. Purpose was to prepare our "smiling hospital activities" in both Zagreb and Vukovar. We met with hospital directors, artists and potential sponsors. It looks that Croatia will be on our map before the end of the year. Especially great support we got from the Regent Hotel and from Nike.
We were quite impressed by the beauty of Zagreb and very moved by the tragic history of Vukovar. This last point being a reason to start first our activities in Vukovar.
Tomorrow will be the first day of the "Driving Tour through Hungary" visiting 3.200 mayors.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What a wonderful event yesterday in Nyíregyháza, organised by and for the Smiling Hospital Foundation. All my compliments to and congratulations for Éva Kosina, the main organiser. She did a sublime job with the great help from her colleagues Bartha Magdolna, Csetneki Hanna and Mezey Viktoria. For organising events we adopt four main criteria in following order of importance:
1) First is the motivation and attitude to do one's very best. To spend as much time as required to get the job done without talking about the time and efforts involved. The spirit is what counts! And in this respect, the artists in Nyíregyháza have shown a wonderful attitude.
2) The second is the quality of the event. We must always strive for the highest qualities possible. In my view, it was a most beautiful evening,which has been enjoyed by an audience of about 70 persons. The choir, the music, it was all excellent and beautiful. My compliments!
3) Then follows the name-awareness. If the above two criteria are positive, most likely the event will contribute to the name-awareness as well. The evening yesterday certainly has enhanced the good reputation of the Foundation and contributed to make the name more known in Eastern Hungary.
4) Only in the fourth place is the fund-raising factor. This is by far the most difficult element of our events. It could not be expected that our young artists and staff in Budapest have enough experience and knowledge to succeed easily on their own. The past history of communism and socialism has certainly not prepared the younger generation in character and skills to become good fundraisers. In general, too many are spending too much time explaining why things did not work instead of concentrating on finding the ways how things could work and then trying with a great deal of motivation to realise the projects. But the event yesterday was a happy exception on a small scale. Bravo to Éva and her colleague-artists.
I am pleased to have made this 500 km return trip to Nyíregyháza. What we have shown there, is a good example for other coordinators of our Foundation, elsewhere in Hungary. I am now preparing for my trip to Croatia together with Countess Éva with the goal to start soon "smiling hospital" activities in that lovely country.
1) First is the motivation and attitude to do one's very best. To spend as much time as required to get the job done without talking about the time and efforts involved. The spirit is what counts! And in this respect, the artists in Nyíregyháza have shown a wonderful attitude.
2) The second is the quality of the event. We must always strive for the highest qualities possible. In my view, it was a most beautiful evening,which has been enjoyed by an audience of about 70 persons. The choir, the music, it was all excellent and beautiful. My compliments!
3) Then follows the name-awareness. If the above two criteria are positive, most likely the event will contribute to the name-awareness as well. The evening yesterday certainly has enhanced the good reputation of the Foundation and contributed to make the name more known in Eastern Hungary.
4) Only in the fourth place is the fund-raising factor. This is by far the most difficult element of our events. It could not be expected that our young artists and staff in Budapest have enough experience and knowledge to succeed easily on their own. The past history of communism and socialism has certainly not prepared the younger generation in character and skills to become good fundraisers. In general, too many are spending too much time explaining why things did not work instead of concentrating on finding the ways how things could work and then trying with a great deal of motivation to realise the projects. But the event yesterday was a happy exception on a small scale. Bravo to Éva and her colleague-artists.
I am pleased to have made this 500 km return trip to Nyíregyháza. What we have shown there, is a good example for other coordinators of our Foundation, elsewhere in Hungary. I am now preparing for my trip to Croatia together with Countess Éva with the goal to start soon "smiling hospital" activities in that lovely country.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The highlight of today was the discussion with the printers of our beautiful poster, Océ Hungária Kft. They will print 500 A3 sized posters and also 500 Membership Cards and will do so as our much appreciated "Sponsor in Kind". We are very grateful for this wonderful support. To get such great backing from corporations in this period of economic recession is a great gift indeed.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A weekend full of talk about the best possible translation of earlier drafted English text into Hungarian for our poster. But most credit goes to the creators of this poster: Valent Design Agency in Miskolc. They did a sublime job. In any case, I am in love with this poster, because of the wonderful mixture and balance of colour, text, playful elements and strong message for "all to become a Member in the Order of the Smiling Knights".
Dr Béres András has also greatly helped in the realisation of the poster. But everyone, who visits this blog, should see for himself............ I hope you all like it as well!
Dr Béres András has also greatly helped in the realisation of the poster. But everyone, who visits this blog, should see for himself............ I hope you all like it as well!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The big trip with our Fiat Bravo is starting soon. We still need to find a good term to describe this "Smiling Tour de Force". I was thinking also of the following catching words: "3.200 mayors in 3 x 80 days" in reference to the book "Around the world in 80 days" by Jules Verne (a Hungarian as some Hungarians are claiming). The title should be in Hungarian: brief, to the point and easy to remember. Perhaps the best words will come some time during the tour.
Our main sponsor so far has been Fiat. The company has provided us with a beautiful Fiat Bravo, while taking care of service, insurance, but not of petrol and police-tickets (:-).
But a next major sponsor will be the Danubius Hotel Group, supporting with complimentary accomodation in the 19 counties. This is a crucial part of the organisation. This morning I will have detailed discussions with representatives of the Hotel Group and hope for the best.
Our main sponsor so far has been Fiat. The company has provided us with a beautiful Fiat Bravo, while taking care of service, insurance, but not of petrol and police-tickets (:-).
But a next major sponsor will be the Danubius Hotel Group, supporting with complimentary accomodation in the 19 counties. This is a crucial part of the organisation. This morning I will have detailed discussions with representatives of the Hotel Group and hope for the best.
Monday, June 15, 2009
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