Budapest, Hungary by Marco Aurelio Martins Costa

One particularly captivating country looking for TEFL teachers is Hungary, a fabulously cultural and historic country in Europe. With amazing castles and stunning world heritage sites, as well as bustling cities such as Budapest and the romantic Danube River, the country is unique in its charm and attraction.

The positions in Hungary are in locations like Tata and Budapest, offering competitive wages and in some cases, offer accommodation as part of the employment package.

TEFL England gives you free, lifetime access to the TEFL Job Centre when you enrol on one of their courses, which is extremely handy for keeping you up to date with all of the most recent TEFL employment opportunities. As well as this, there is access to the employer’s directory, which has literally thousands of contacts. They offer full support throughout your course, in aspects like C.V. and interview advice, job placement guidance and even in basic things like choosing the right course for you. This helps make your TEFL experience very straight forward.

Hungary is a fantastically vibrant place to work and live, and an ideal setting to start your TEFL journey.  If you have your sights set somewhere else in Europe, however, why not look to teach English in The Czech Republic, France, Spain, Russia, Finland, Germany – and the list goes on! TEFL is a truly rewarding experience, and a brilliant opportunity to become fully immersed in an exciting and unfamiliar environment.

For more information visit: https://teflengland.co.uk/ or have a look at some of the TEFL jobs available worldwide on: https://teflengland.co.uk/tefl-jobs.asp.

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Canals of Ljubljana, Slovenia / xiquinhosilva

Slovenia

Travellers may start their Eastern Europe adventure by visiting this small country situated east of Italy. Caravan enthusiasts often venture to Ljubljana, which has an excellent caravan resort that many campers use as base camp. The fully equipped facility not only has all of the basic amenities, but additionally offers car hire services, a fitness centre, complete with sauna, and wireless internet. The river flows through the medieval town centre filled with Baroque styled architecture and fountains. Take a charter boat ride, canoe or kayak down the picturesque river while enjoying the scenery. During the first century, the Romans inhabited the area and visitors have the opportunity of stepping back in time at the City Museum and exploring life in the ancient city of Emona.

Take a day trip down the highway for 46.5 km (29 miles) and visit the scenic community of Bled, located near the spectacular Julian Alps. The community also has camp sites for those desiring a longer stay. Take a horse and carriage ride around the deep blue glacial lake or up to Bled castle. Visitors enjoy free swimming on the island side of the lake. Gaze in awe at the green forest covered hills and mountains of the area. At Vintgar Gorge, guests journey a wooden bridge path that leads to beautiful pools, rapids and waterfalls.
Visitors enjoy another interesting day trip by travelling 55km (35 miles) from Ljubljana to Predjama. Of all the castles in the country, Predjama may be the most interesting. In the late 1200s, the Luegar family resided here in the Postojna Cave system and built a magnificent fortress extending out from the cave and into the side of the mountain. Learn the legend of the knight known as Erazem who lived a Robin Hood like lifestyle until succumbing to his enemies. The castle offers tours of the fortress and cave system while providing commanding views over the countryside.

Budapest, Hungary / Marco Aurelio Martins Costa

Hungary

From Slovenia, travellers may follow the highway north to Hungary. The vast Lake Balaton offers the perfect location for a base camp. A four star camp resort offers numerous amenities in addition to the 50km lake that provides the perfect location for swimming or other water sports. Located in the city of Sunshine, the campsite is only 7km (4 miles) from Budapest and within two hour’s drive from other amazing sites.

The capital city of Budapest contains numerous beautiful buildings that include the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in the city. Enjoy the amazing architecture and artefacts then climb the lookout tower for an amazing view of the city. Hero’s square contains many different places to visit including the Scechenyi baths, the Budapest Zoo and City Park.

Drive just 69km (43 miles) from Budapest and see Holloko Village, which is one of the country’s World Heritage Sites. This small medieval village, developed during the 1400s, features many of the original buildings. The location also has a number of cultural museums, dedicated to dolls, the post office and the history of Holloko. Residents also display century’s old crafts that include weaving.

Just 91km (57 miles) from Budapest, visitors find the town of Villany, one of Hungary’s important winemaking regions. The community lies nestled in a valley surrounded by the Baranya Hills on one side and the Villany Mountains on another. Here guests have the opportunity of touring the facilities and vineyards of winemaking locations.

Eastern Europe is sometimes a forgotten destination, but is well worth the trip, to explore and enjoy.

This mini-travel guide is brought to you by Caravan Club – who offer travel advice and caravanning news for caravan enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip, check out their caravan sites on www.caravanclub.co.uk.

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Photo by hungarospa.hu

Healing water has 75°C and contains salt, iodine, bromine, fluoride and many other solutes. It is suitable for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, skin diseases or chronic gynecological problems. It is also good during recovery after injuries and operations.

The spa resort features 13 outdoor pools, including one reserved for children, as well as water park with several slides, and play-ground for beach volleyball or tennis and other sports. Accommodation capacity in the city is huge, you can choose from several hotels, guest houses, camping sites and private accommodation.

A popular area for hiking trips is adjacent Hortobágy National Park with its unique flora and fauna. It is the largest protected area in the country. Twenty-minute ride by car will take you to Debrecen, the oldest center of education, the center of the Hungarian Reformation. The town has many historical and cultural monuments and it is a place of a large number of cultural events, providing an excellent program for those looking for intellectual pleasures.

For further information visit www.hungarospa.hu

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Another interesting mountain range is Börzsöny which is protected by National Park of Duna-Ipoly. It lies at the Slovakian border, above Budapest, and includes also popular Hungarian towns of Visegrád and Nagymaros.

The park is also famous for many castles and forts. It is a pleasant, mostly forested landscape that waves together with the banks of the Danube and Ipoly rivers, interwoven with series of waterways and wetlands. Only in the Börzsöny mountains there are more than 335 different springs and streams. This area is one of the least accessible parts of Hungary. There are no roads, but you can get there by the narrow gauge railway which is also interesting and popular technical monument here. Of course, the best way how you can get to know the landscape is on foot, but be careful, some parts of the park are not accessible at all due to protection.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Tamas Ring

Most features of the landscape were created by volcanic activity, there are an extinct volcanic cones, steep ravines or bizarre rocks. Fourteen million years ago these places were occupied by the great volcano, about 1400 meters high. After the eruption, the central part of the volcano failed down, so today we can see the remnants of the crater. The highest point of Börzsöny mountain is Csóványos peak with a height of 939 metres above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the region. However, there are also other peaks and hills where you can enjoy beautiful views, such as Hegyes-Tető with the great vista of the Danube. In good weather conditions, you can even see the Slovak High Tatras mountains from some hills.

The area a home to many rare and protected animals, especially reptiles, amphibians and birds including several species of eagles. There are also wild cats and martens. It boasts also a varied composition of plants, including the relics from the post-glacial period.

Börzsöny Mountains are not very visited areas, in comparison with Balaton, Budapest or any of the Hungarian thermal aquaparks. But the prices here are reasonable and the romantic local scenery is an alternative for less demanding, but interesting holiday – especially for hikers and cyclists.

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For those travelling through Hortobágy National Park probably seems that there is nothing, just an endless horizon. You can hardly see some well, pub, or settlement, smaller trees and shrubs. So why Hortobágy got onto the UNESCO list? It is a cultural area where the coexistence of man and nature dates back to 2000-year old history. It is the largest natural moor in Europe, which was not created by grubbing up of forests. It is also the oldest national park in Hungary As typical animals in the moor, everyone firstly thinks about such as gray cattle, sheep, seagulls, Mangalica pigs and Nonius horse. But Hortobágy is also the famous place due to bird world. So far, there are 342 registered different species, of which 152 nest in the Hortobágy. Among them there is a number of strictly protected species.

Hortobágy National Park consists of steppe, extensive pastures, ponds and swamps. In the area of ​​the park you can see growing some plant species which usually grow at sea. Park protects primarily large number of different species of birds. During the night, the park is a home to nesting but also migratory birds. Around the lakes you can be observed Waders.

You can access Hortobágy National Park from the tourist centers that acquaint visitors with the local nature, past and present of the park. The most popular are Szálkahalom, Hortobágy, Nagyván and Mátapuszta.

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Zalakaros Thermal Spa offers 4000 m2 of water area surrounded by large forested park. The indoor treatment centre which is open all year round, includes several relaxation pools with thermal water and a large thermal pool. Here you can also enjoy a huge sauna complex, wellness center, restaurants and cafes. The large thermal swimming pool is open during the summer months only. Waterpark offers an indoor pool with thermal water and various water attractions and the multifunction sport pool. Outdoor thermal park covers a total area of ​​10 hectares, where you can enjoy the thermal relaxation pool, multipurpose pool offering lots of attractions, swimming pool with artificial waves, a children’s pool and paddling pool.

Zalakaros is one of the newest spas, its 85-99 °C hot water was discovered during exploring of oil deposits. The springs provide the active iodine and bromine water, and feature highest fluorine content of all Hungarian spa waters. The baths are suitable for treating post-operative conditions, for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, for rehabilitation and are effective in treating chronic gynecological problems and other problems.

From the nearby attractions you should not miss the bird sanctuary in Zimány, which is located only 18 kilometers away. Among other “must see attractions” are watching herds of bison, stretched 10 km from the spa centre. These animals live in Europe only rarely in the wild. Nearby Zalavár is famous for its ruins of Slavic settlements and visitors arriving by car can also include a trip to Lake Balaton.

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Buda Castle is situated on 60 m high ridge known as Castle Hill, overlooking the city already since the 13th century. The first written mention dates from 1255, when Béla IV. built a fortified castle here. Around 1356 Ludwig I. then began to build a Royal Castle on the southern slopes of Castle Hill. With the advent of the year 1400, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg built a Gothic palace here, which was in 1458 rebuilt into a Renaissance style.

The palace was constantly besieged since the beginning by Turks and the Habsburgs, and was almost destroyed and then rebuilt to a smaller one. After the conquest of Buda in 1541 by Turkish troops the palace served as stables and storage of gunpowder. Its expansion was issued later by Maria Theresa, who changed it into a palace with 203 chambers. Habsburgs made a reconstruction of the palace in the 18th century by which they rebuilt it into a huge palace.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Benjamin Vander Steen

Buda Castle includes several major institutions such as the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and National Széchényi Library.

The Hungarian National Gallery is a home to an extensive collection describing the turbulent past of the country. It was founded in 1957 and now holds exhibits of Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present. Originally, these works were located in the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, but in 1975 were moved to the royal palace. Visitors can now see the six permanent exhibitions of the most valuable works of Hungary.

The Budapest History Museum is in operation since 1873, when began to collect historical artifacts related to the capital city. During the World War II was in the south wing of the royal palace discovered medieval hall in which you can now see an exhibition called The Royal Palace in the medieval Buda. Here you can find the weapons, sealants, tiles and early crafts. An exhibition shows development of the city from Roman times up to the Hungarian settlement in the 13th century. The first floor hosts an exhibition of contemporary Budapest, the city’s history from 1686 to present.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Országos Széchényi Könyvtár

National Széchényi Library holds a stunning collection of books. The library was founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchenyi. It consisted of 15,000 books and 2,000 manuscripts. Now the collection includes five million prints, it’s everything that has ever been issued in Hungary. Among the most valuable gems are Corvinus manuscripts, which are collections of old books and manuscripts which formerly belonged to King Matthias Corvinus. This collection formed one of the largest libraries in Renaissance Europe.

Once you are in Budapest, I’m sure you cannot miss this great Castle!

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The oldest city of Hungary was known as Savaria – the capital of Pannonia. It has been an important city since the very beginning. There were built the imperial residences, public baths and amphitheater. From Roman times you can see the preserved Savaria Mithraeum shrine, which was discovered during the construction of a new shopping center in 2008.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by János Tamás

In one area of ​​excavation (Romkert Templom tér) you can find the remains of the Forum, which belonged to a civilian city. There are also fragments of the largest mosaic of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Palace. Majority of the most important Roman monuments, including remains of Roman road signs, customs, shops and the medieval castle walls, can be seen in the so-called Garden of Ruins.

Once you are in Szombathely you should visit Savaria Museum, which takes care of the fortress foundations, findings from the Mercury Temple and public baths, and almost fifty metres long part of two thousand years old Amber Road. The cellar is full of Roman altars and blue glass vials found during excavations in Savaria. The first floor of the museum provides an overview of local history, including the collection dedicated to the Romanesque church of Jak.

Jak is the nearby small village boasting a Benedictine church, which is one of the finest examples of Hungarian Romanesque architecture.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cecilia, Lili & Krisztian

In Szombathely there is also a huge cathedral designed in 1791 by Melchior Hefele for Bishop János Szily. This Bishop’s double-towered cathedral was covered with stucco and frescoes by Franz Anton Maulbertsch and supported by large marble pillars. It is the largest Baroque church in Hungary. Its interior is decorated with frescoes, paintings and sculptures, which were, however, in 1945 seriously damaged during a bombing and are still restoring.

Those are just few of lots of sights you can see here. Szombathely is really worth a visit!

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Entertainment
The aquapark has 10 swimming pools. The indoor pools are: a huge adventure pool with geysers, accelerator channel, pool with massage jets and cave, relaxing pool with massage jets Jacuzzi for 8 persons and water paradise for children.

The summer part of Aquasziget Esztergom is open during the summer season, from 1 May to 31 August. Out of the summer season you can still use outdoor swimming pool and outdoor relaxation pool, which are connected with indoor pools. There are also 2 playgrounds for children, beach volleyball court and barbecue on the terrace.

Indoor adventure spa
The aquapark includes adventure spa with infra sauna, ornamental lake, a mini terrarium, a pub and a number of chairs. The air-conditioned playground for the smallest kids offers a number of creative toys and games

Infrared sauna
Infrared sauna is a deep thermal procedure that regenerates the muscles, skin and tissue. Its advantage, due to lower temperature (35-55 ° C), is that the organism is less affected than in the traditional Finnish sauna.

Infrared sauna does not heat the air, as in traditional saunas, which makes the body sweat at lower temperatures and the effect is better. Infrared radiation get 1 cm below the skin surface, where release toxins (poisons) accumulated under the skin and through sweat glands push them out of the body. It is an excellent way to detoxify the body, reduce weight, stop the pain and remove cellulite. It cleans and tones the skin and improves its elasticity, reduces stress and fatigue.

Aquapark Aquasziget Esztergom is open every day and the basic whole-day admission is 2,700 HUF (approx. €10). For further information see the Official site of Aquasziget Esztergom

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The miraculous effects of water were already known in the distant past. According to archaeological excavations, this place was inhabited since the Stone Age. And the mineral water has been used since the Middle Ages, first in the tannery, and later to medicinal baths. Lake Gyógy-tó has been adjusted as a private resort for the first time in 1795 by Count György Festetics from Keszthely.

Thermal lake is surrounded by park and is fed with the spring that rises from the crater about 40 meters below the surface. Thermal spring produce about 80 million liters of hot water daily. Thermal lake has a funnel-shaped ground with a depth of 36.5 meters. Almost throughout the whole year, the lake surface is covered with white and pink Indian lilies and with Egyptian lotus, which give the lake a special charm of romance.

Due to the favorable water temperature in the lake, it is possible to bathe here all year round. Fine cloud of steam over the lake creates a special look and high evaporation makes bathing more comfortable also in the coldest winter days. Various flows and pressures, including a pleasant water temperature allow visitors to stay longer in the lake.

In the spa area there is also a swimming pool for kids, as well as for children under 3 years.

Slightly radioactive lake water contains sulfur, alkali, bicarbonate salts and especially calcium salts. Medicinal baths are suitable for articulated diseases, rheumatism and even gynecological problems. As a drinking cure, it is recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. If you need further treatments, for example mud, local spa offers almost all types of thermal treatments that you can imagine. Mud from the bottom of the lake is made ​​up of 50% of organic materials rich in iodine and estrogen.

Hévíz is internationally recognized as one of the world-class spa resorts and is also a home to frequent professional medical conferences. It is well known spa center with everything that implies, including housing services, and cultural and entertainment options at a high level. Hotels in Hévíz represent the highest quality and offer various options of sauna, relaxing massages, baths and beauty treatments.

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