I'm trying to make the most of the last weeks of the summer to meet new people and make new connections. Since I spend most of my time alone, after a while I'm happy to go out into the community. The opportunity to spend four days from last Thursday to Sunday came spontaneously from a Facebook post. I felt and knew that I had to be there, so I registered a week before it started. Even though the weather forecast was a bit scary for me, I agreed to sweat for two days in 40 degrees and then get wet and cold in 18 degrees and pouring rain. After all, you have to break out of your comfort zone, right?
I had been in Kesztölc 2 months ago, when we went caving with a group of 10 people in the nearby stalactite caves.
But these days were all about active relaxation, healthy (vegan) eating and environmental awareness, with lots of fun games and more serious self-awareness workshops. As I was actively involved in most of the activities, I took few photos of them, but more of the environment.
In Kesztölc I got a bit lost when I was looking for the location. But I didn't regret it, because I met some beautiful horses and one of them curiously came up to the electric shepherd. In 40 degrees, with a big backpack, I was sweating a lot by the time I crossed the gate of Astro Park.
The park is the centre of an estate of several hectares with a guest house (House of Drums), a yurt of 50 square metres, a cooking area and astrological symbols made of stones (planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, etc.)
The owner couple, Mária and Tamás live in harmony with nature and try to share this with others. They have received a lot of help from books about Anastasia (a shamanic woman living in Siberian Taiga).
The area is rented out for various 'nomadic' events, but they also have a small guest house where people can relax in comfortable conditions.
(See more here: https://www.asztropark.hu/27454-2/)
The yurt outside, made of wood. Perfect for sleeping there in summer.
The yurt inside, with a gong, a huge drum and singing bowls behind the drum. Of course there was also a sound bath.
Rustic rattles, made of leather, wool, with wooden or bone (roedeer antler) handle. They were put out in the big basket for us to try. Each girl and woman chose one, then we sang, danced and shook the rattles while the boys beat the big drum.
The circles represent planets. Some have been identified. This is Saturn and Jupiter.
Jupiter closeup
Blue pebbles shaded by willow twigs - which planet does it symbolise?
Mars?
Pluto?
Children playing tennis
The guesthouse - The House of Drums (See: https://www.asztropark.hu/vendeghaz/)
The first evening we listened to Moldavian Csángó music, learned dance steps and songs.
This is Zurgó band! (Listen: 
)
The first day was mainly spent getting to know each other and making friends. I pitched my tent under a wild pear tree, hoping that it would stay dry for at least two days. The first night there was a strong, warm and dry wind and I could hardly sleep because the door of the compost toilet nearby was flapping and squeaking terribly. Then in the middle of the night, at moonrise, I went out and closed it. Pears also rained down on the tent, but did not damage it. The following days were even more exciting, but I'll write about that in another post.
To be continued!