Accounting, Dzsozy, builders, Xander's pens and the family arriving

You may remember that some 6 or 8 months ago I promised Alex that I would do some of his accounting stuff for his kayaking business. I sort of got on with it, but because over the winter there wasn't much happening, I left it. Then when I tried to pick it up, I couldn't remember a thing. So Alex explained it again, and things went OK for a while, then in April, when I last tried to catch up with myself, I couldn't remember how to access the e-mail account and the other files.

Alex in an earlier kayak some time ago

So, after I last posted, I had a nearly two hour phone call with Alex, and I think I am now OK. We sorted my access to his e-mail account, which from now on is going to be through Chrome and permanently signed in, so I do not have to go through all the hassle of security, time and time again, when he needs to be around to click his phone with YES. Also, he created a "For Mum to file" section, so I do not have to gather the stuff for filing, just go there and it takes less time.

Alex sporting his T-shirt and cap

 He's obviously made a great success of his kayak teaching, hiring and selling business, and even got awards from local chambers of commerce for his startup successes. The local hotel even has a cooperation with him, so he does the kayaking and they do the food and accommodation. He always had a good sense of business, just until now had no chance to display it. It is always such a pleasure reading the notes of thanks he gets from his students, who on the whole seem to think that he is a great guy and a good teacher.

Alex's latest ad for his courses

The only question now is, will this become something that will provide him with a sufficient income in the long run, or just a side show that brings in a bit of money and a lot of enjoyment? We'll see, but I am really happy, irrespective of its long term prospects or not, for it having provided him with an activity, that is healthy, active, done outdoors and gets him lots of new friends.

This is apparently what we bought for Callum's 15th birthday in about a fortnight. I sent the money over and he has already got it as he had an urge to play. I cannot believe that Callum is near 15 years old. He is such a lovely young man, it's a shame I only see him once a year or less.

I also finally managed to get in touch with Dzsozy, a fellow geocacher, who has access to a motor boat and is willing to take some of us round the Eastern side of Csepel Island, where I have already found all the land based caches, but two I have never got to as you need a boat for those. I am in the process of organising a day trip with some caching friends and while they will probably go to all the caches, I will finally clear that area and be happy about that.

The garage door and surround

The most of last week, we also had two guys from the village working around the houses, doing some remedial work where needed. We had the SE corner of the Bunkhouse repaired, as there was a bit of subsidence as well as re-plastering, repainting and filling of cracks to do. Later they did around the garage door at the back of the Farmhouse and behind Mike's bench, where there seems to be some rising damp. Nice two guys, they are not too expensive and quite conscientious workers. 

The worst corner nice and new

We travelled in to BP on Friday, on Saturday we did some food shopping, picked up the ordered pens and art pad for Xander's drawing and bought two lunch boxes for the kids. And finally, on Sunday evening sll three of them arrived. Their flight was a bit late, but we managed to feed them before going to bed. 

The classic poses of today's children

Xander with his new hobby

 

On Monday, Stephen and I went to the bank, where he wants to open an account, but Hungarian bureaucracy is making it a bit difficult. He can't have an international account, as that is totally unknown in Hungary, he can't open one here without an address card with a Hungarian address on it and the third version, namely have a document which is like a contract for rental, that has his address is on, is nearly £200 for the work of a notary to legitimise it. Alternatively, we could go to the Council and get him an address card, but we ran out of time on this visit, so that'll have to be done later.

The balloon that didn't fly

Lángos in the City Park

 

On Monday afternoon we went to the City Park, hoping that the big balloon will be flying as we all, except Roy, wanted to go up in it. Unfortunately, the wind got up and it was unsafe to go up, so we'll have to come back some other time to see if we can catch it on a day it is operating. With this disappointment, we walked towards our favourite lángos place opposite the zoo and had one each for lunch. I had a plain one, Roy and Xander had theirs with the usual sour cream and cheese, while Elian had his with rocket and ham.

Xander doing Australian trampolining

On our way back Xander spotted a trampoline place, where we spent £15 for two of them jumping about for half an hour. Steep touristy price, but at least it made up for the balloon not flying for the kids. The main event of the day was our, by now usual, visit to Sushi Wan, our favourite sushi place in King Street. We really stuffed ourselves silly and had a really good time. Unfortunately, I left my telephone behind in the flat, so have no pictures, but managed to get some from the restaurant's website.

We had a plate of sushi just like that in Sushi Wan

We sat at the furthest table on the right

And yesterday Stephen, Valeria and the kids have gone down to the Balaton for 4 days, followed by just the adults travelling on to Slovenia and Croatia for a week, while Roy and I go down on Friday to fetch the kids and have them with us until Stephen and Valeria get home Saturday week. Next week is going to be hectic, with Xander's football camp and Elian's climbing training.