MODERN HUNGARY AT-A-GLANCE

INTRODUCTION
Hungary brims with culture, history (i.e. Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály ,György Kurtág, George Cukor, Ernő Rubik) and natural beauty. Budapest - one of the finest capitals in the world, Lake Balaton - Europe's largest freshwater lake, and numerous nature conservation areas and thermal spas await visitors, lovers of culture or nature alike. Hungarians, a nation of 10 million, legitimately claim international recognition for outstanding achievement in arts, science, sports and gastronomy. Its history is a fascinating saga from the Urals via the Turks, Tatars, The Habsburg Emperors, The Nazis, The Soviet Army to 1990 when the Soviet Army left Hungary. Enjoy these wonderful Hungarian Panoramas!

BEST PROFILE CONTEST SPONSORED BY:

Malév Hungarian Airlines has generously donated EuroCircle's BEST PROFILE WINNER 2006 two roundtrip business class tickets from New York City to Budapest (restrictions may apply). The Best profile nominations will be accepted online from Jan 15 to March 15. EuroCircle members vote online March 15 - March 31. The lucky winner will be announced by April 7, 2006.

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Self Portrait with Cows Going Home by Hungarian-born photographer Sylvia Plachy - WIPI 2004 Distinguished Photographer Award Recipient. Richard Avedon wrote of Sylvia Plachy: "She makes me laugh and she breaks my heart. She is moral. She is everything a photographer should be." Read about Sylvia and her talented Oscar winning son at this article!

MUSIC
www.tzumo.com

WINES AND FOOD
Veal Paprikás, Székely Gulyás, Dobos Torta, Somlói Galuska... Aah! Just a few of the perennial favorites of those who have had the good fortune of trying Hungary's wonderful cuisine. And now, on Hungarian Night at the Consulate of General of Hungary on January 27, we all had a chance to enjoy these culinary delights in NYC at our 7th Anniversary Party, thanks to the Hungarian Consulate's very own expert chef, Nándor Berecki. . Jó étvágyat! (Bon Appétit)

To match the delicious fare, we had on offer some of Hungary's sexy new wines by Craftsman Wine. We started with two whites, a 2004 Craftsman Királyleányka (hints of Riesling and Viognier) and a 2004 Craftsman Cserszegi Fuszeres (think Muscat and Gewurztraminer). Followed by two reds, a 2003 Craftsman Cabernet Franc and a 2003 Craftsman Falconer's Cuvée, a delightful blend. Egészségdre! (Cheers!)