Week 1: Nagykölked - Vas County

Paramount in my trip was to visit my closest relative, my 1st cousin Marafko Gabor which I did on the 10th May with the help of Feri who drove me down, suitcases and all.
Nagykölked is an interesting place as it is close to Burgenland, Slovenia and Croatia. I learned, reinforced on a number of occassions, that politics are not the will of the people. People can and do live together in peace and harmony. This was the first place where I learned that in practice.


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Having last seen Gabor in Budapest 1979 with his father Ali - my father's brother and having lost contact with him over the years, it was a significant life experience for me to meet him. It was for him as well.
You see, Gabor became somewhat famous since 1979 as he undertook the most difficult task of learning and playing the Digeridoo - a traditional Australian aboriginal musical instrument. There are a number of youtube links, but my favourite is this one   where Gabor plays his instrument as guest in the band 'Tuzbalna' (Firewhale). Fast Forward 3:40 to see his performance direct.

Then and now:

Marafko Gabor, me, Uncle Aladar and an electric lawnmower 1979 in Labanc Ut Budapest

 

Marafko Gabor practicing the Digeridoo circa 2005

 Now, in 2013 - The 3 surviving Marafkos of my line finally together in Nagykölked outside his rented house/porta. The child is called Samu (Samuel) from his 2nd marriage.
 

Me, Marafko Samu, Marafko Gabor, Kapus Feri 2013 Nagykölked on the 2nd day

How we've all changed. The years have taken a toll on us all.

More about Gabor and his amazing chosen lifestyle in the next post.