Adrian and Alexandra on Hungarian TV Show

[Victoria]

Adrian and Alexandra have recently finished renovating a unit in Budapest. The progress of the renovation was filmed by Hungarian TV show ?tleth?z. The show is now broadcasting the footage from their renovation. The first show has both Adrian and Alexandra talking about the design of the unit and more.

We must thank our Hungarian Highlander fan group the ?Hunlanders? who have very kindly sent across the taping of the show which will allow all Adrian Paul fans to be able to view it.

Adrian talks about living in Budapest for the past 6 years, and how he adores the city. He mentions how he and Alex think alike, and they want the flat to have a Mediterranean feeling. Alex says, that she is studying interior decoration, but she hasn't the necessary experience and that is why she has asked her teacher to help them to plan their flat.
The teacher praises both Adrian and Alexandra on how they have a great sense of style and also mentions how Alexandra is a very good pupil.

Click on the link below to view the TV clip now. If you have a problem with the page refresh it as this seems to work most times. Please be patient and allow the clip time to load as it is a very large clip. I will be putting up two smaller clips, faster loading later on today.

http://victoriaspeechley.com/renoaa/renoclip1.html

If on dial up l would suggest to go and cook a nice meal and then come back LOL

[Cara et Pax]

Great clip Victoria.Thanks ever so much for all the work to post it and thanks to the Hungarian fans for the translation.Good to see Adrian and Alex relaxed and happy.

[StephyC]

Thanks Victoria,
Please pass on our thanks to the Hunlanders group for recording this for us all to see.

[Marjon]

My thank you to the Hungarian fans / friends as well.

Normally with languages I can pick up here and there what the dialogue is about. I don't say that I can understand it all, but I usually get the geste of it.

Hungarian is a totally different matter. When they all stood around and spoke fast Hungarian they could have easily spoken about a great recipe for chickensoup. Mediterian chickensoup, I would guess. :)

Can we also see the finished product?

TV programmes about houses (DIY and dream homes) are here popular too. In the end we all want to see how the other one lives...

[Victoria]

There will be more clips as the episodes are aired on TV. Keep checking the Forum for updates.

The link below is for the same clip but a smaller size.

http://www.victoriaspeechley.com/renoaa/renoclip1med.html

[renate]

Thanks so much Victoria-that was great:) :)
Wished I knew Hungarian-sighh-(and I call myself a foreign Language Major)?? Hmmm:D :o

Renate

[MeridianXO]

You're a foreign language major, Renate? I can speak English and, er, English.
I couldn't seem to conjugate my verbs properly when I took French in college and Spanish...well, some people just weren't meant to speak more than one language. *Hmph and crosses arms*

As for the episode, thank you, Victoria, for posting it. I watched it again today just to see if I can figure out what some of the words meant by comparing it to what Adrian was saying and later on, what Alexandra was saying. I still think they need to take the mic away from the guy translating. *Grrr*

~Heather

[Beatrice]

Victoria and Hungarian's Friends: THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the interesting video!!! I hope to have other news in the future about the beautiful flat of Adrian and Alex, and of course I wish them a great and wonderful time in Budapest!:D
Thnak you again;)
Love,
Bea.

[grace]

I still think they need to take the mic away from the guy translating.

I know! I'd love to hear it without that guy's voice overs.


Thanks for posting it and looking forward to more!

[Sam]

:D*waving Hi to you all!! Grace nice to see you!!*
Thank You Victoria!! Please do send our Thanks to the Hunlanders group!! This was delightful. I look forward to seeing the finished product. Thanks for the synopsis too. I could barely hear what Adrian was saying and I couldn't begin to speak Hungarian. I would have been totally lost!!!

[Hilandlas]

I can't wait to see more episodes so we can see the progress. Adrian looks so relaxed and happy. I don't think he understands what is being said either, but he is so polite that he just listens with interest anyway. What a man!!!!!! ;)

Teresa

[LOVEAP]

Victoria,

The second episode is out :D. I have seen it ;) on YOUTUBE and on VeohTV.
I have no idea what they are talking about :rolleyes: ... well except for the little part where ADRIAN says that he likes really big spaces in bathrooms :D.
Hope to have news from our Hungarian friends as to what they are talking about.

[Victoria]

There will be descriptions up for the clips in the next few days. The third part has recently aired in Budapest so keep checking Veoh.

[muzsgal]

Looks like I'll be visiting youtube, can't wait to see the second installment and there is even a third!! Can't wait.

Hugs,
Carrie

[TinaMarie]

ha!ha! i didnt want to hear that voice over him either!lol..Alex sounded kool talking in that language that is her language right?

[Sam]

:) Just caught patr 3. Thanks for the translation as well as the video!! Without Adrian speaking English in the background I wouldn't have understood a word of it. It doesn't seem though as if Alexandra is going for longlasting durability though. No steel reinforcement for the upper floor?? Seriously limits what can be put up there and in the long run that could prove costly in repairs. Also noticed she was using some sheets of what we call particle board. Now for those who don't know that stuff doesn't hold up to moisture. And any place with concrete absorbs moisture and Heaven forbid if a bathroom leaks!! The steam from a few hot baths alone will destroy that stuff. I love the fact that she's keeping the archways though. They give a lot of character to the place!! :cool: I LOVE architecture. Looking at and admiring different styles are sort of a hobby of mine. :D I come from a long line of contractors.

[Tessa]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here we are in the kitchen!
Footage courtesy of Hunlanders.They talk in the kitchen about Hungarian kitchens being Americanized. Alex says,the kitchen is "tailor-made".They only had a small space for the kitchen,because behind the door next to Juli,there is a gas furnace that heats the flat.Also the dishwasher, oven,microwave are built-in.There is not much space for storage,that's why every little corner is used.Szilárd asks how often they are in the kitchen.Alex answers quite often saying that it is Adrian who does the cooking.They talk about how wine is very important in Italian households during meals.Alex shows how the wall behind the cupboard isn't straight,but they did not want the cupboard to follow this corner. Alex wanted the upper cupboard&counter to be in the same line.Szilárd asks Adrian if he can cook Hungarian food.He answers that he cooks pasta.Szilárd asks him if he cooks "gulyásleves".Adrian answers,it's easy,it's only a soup. (They laugh,because for Hungarian people,the gulyás soup is much more than "just a soup")


http://www.veoh.com/videos/v70754764...6597504&rank=3

[Scarpetta]

Interesting 'flat'. Got a kick out of Adrian's grin and shoulder shrug, when they are speaking Hungarian. I'm sure he is learning the language, but it sounds like it is rather difficult.

Isn't Alexandra Canadian? Thought she had graduated from an Eastern US college.

Nice looking couple and creative home.

As for the "gulyásleves" . A very hearty soup, but good.

[Beatrice]

Hi Victoria, its Bea!
How are you?
I am asking one thing: can you have a total translation of all videos from our Hungarians's friends??
I image very very interesting what Adrian and Alex saying in the videos....but we can understand just few words in English. All translation will be great!!!
Thank you Vic.
Have a great time,
love Bea.

[Tessa]

Beatrice, there is a translation of sorts there and I copy/pasted it in my post above. It gives you an idea what they were talking about, but it of course is not an exact transcript of what is said in the video. It should be easy enough to get a direct English translation from someone. ;)

[Victoria]

Hi Bea,

Full translations will be available for all clips soon. I would also suggest to anyone checking out the clips on Veoh to wear headphones for the ones where Adrian is talking. You will hear Adrian a lot clearer. :)

[Beatrice]

WOW Vic!!
GREAT:D!!!
Thank you....
Love,
Bea;)

[Hilandlas]

The apartment looks great!! It was fun to watch the new episodes. Adrian looks great but he could use a little sun!! :D

Teresa

[Victoria]

This is a link to the first clip of the show with a description below.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v64109758hQXW6ZN?searchId=274253457868416237&rank=7

"Adrian speaks about living in Budapest for 6 years, and how he adores the city. They looked around at many apartments and liked the style and possibilities of this one. They also liked the area the apartment is in and it is easy to get around with the train station close by. Adrian mentions how he likes to mix styles with a modern and old feel together. He mentions how he and Alex think alike, and they want the flat to have a Mediterranean feeling as the courtyard has a Mediterranean style to it.
Alex talks about studying interior decoration, but she hasn't the necessary experience, that's why she asked her teacher(Juli) to help them plan their flat.
The teacher praises Alex saying she is a good pupil and that Alex and Adrian both have a very good sense of style. Alex says how she adores the baroque, but it does not suit this apartment.

Adrian’s name was spelt wrong in the first episode but corrected before the next aired."

[Victoria]

This is a link to the second clip with a description below.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6490329HKqxxRKT

First there is a short summary of the first clip.

Alex shows the different areas of the apartment:
first the kitchen (the big hole)
then the fridge (she shows it with both arms)
a little study (when they are standing in front of the ladder)
and you can go out to an areaway (it's called Lichthof in Hungarian, the same as the original German word)
Alex still doesn't know what their plans are with this little open space, a barbeque area maybe, but there is the window of the neighbor, so there isn't a lot of privacy there.

There will be a bedroom upstairs, you can see a drawing where there will be a new window in the wall and behind the hole in the wall, there will be a bathroom. After being asked by the TV host about the Bathroom space Adrian says how he likes big bathrooms and would be happy if the whole upper level would become a big bathroom. Adrian then gets asked about the differences around the world when he has dealt with contractors in other countries. Adrian’s answer “You know that’s funny, contractors are usually the most unreliable people l have ever met and are the same everywhere, but Csaba is great, he is so on time l can not believe it” Alex then translates what Adrian has said.

[Victoria]

This is a link and description to clip 3.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v65839224mbg5bwB

They quote a few scenes from the last episode.

Adrian isn't there because it is casting time in the US and he had to fly back to LA.
On the left, just when you enter the flat, there will be a little bathroom.
The reporter's name is Szilárd. He likes the room he sees, it's nice, spacious. The arch will stay.

Szilárd asks Alex if she could tell him some gossip about Adrian. He already knows that they don't drink coffee.
Alex says that the main sin of Adrian is that he likes dark chocolate very much. It's bad because he exercises every day and eats generally healthy, fitness food, but he also eats chocolate every day. He doesn't smoke.
Szilárd asks if he likes gambling. Alex says they go to Las Vegas sometimes and Adrian has won a few times, but if he loses his money he is able to quit, he sees it as a game. Alex says that Adrian always loses his money if she is looking, she does not bring him good luck.

Upstairs, Juli is looking at the scheme of the lighting. The cables are placed in plasterboard. It should be reinforced with metal inside if you want to put some heavy furniture on it, like radiator. But there is no need for it here.

[Victoria]

This is the link to clip 4 and a description below.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6964067DzGeT2yH&source=fl-mll

The reporter sitting in the armchair says that the floors are now being done and the walls painted.

The female reporter arrives saying that she got lost, because there are many rooms that lead into the apartment. The young men are just applying the stuccos. She asks why there are stuccos in the apartment. The young man answers, not only because it looks good, but it is also useful. It hides a conduit with hidden lights. The reporter says: just like her Christmas lights on the balcony. He answers it’s similar, but these lamps are more powerful. It’s a mood lighting of sorts. The girl discovers that the stucco is made of plastic and she says that they are cheating  It will be painted twice and look like plaster. She is very unhappy, she hoped to meet Adrian but he isn’t there. She asks when he will be there again, but the young man doesn’t know. It’s always a surprise when he shows up. The reporter would like to come back when he is there. He says that they are trying to make big changes before his next visit. She asks if Adrian and Alex are pleased with their work. He answers, yes, they are, and the workers do their best to work fast and well.

The girl and Juli chat about the differences between the traditional and the laminated parquet.
Juli has a piece of hard-wood parquet in her hand. Laminated parquet is chipboard covered by a plastic foil and ally resin enamel. She asks which one is more durable. It’s the traditional parquet because it can be trimmed and it tolerates water too. But it costs more and its placement also takes more time. You can lay them using floor joist or adhesive. This parquet is glued.

There are many directions and lines in the flat. This is because of the difference between the old and the new level of the ceiling. They don’t use many colors, because it would be too much, it would make a flickering impression.

[Victoria]

This is the link to clip 5 and a description below.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v701818787458wSw

It is now time to have a look around at the finished home.
The reporter asks if Alex made the cake, but she bought it. She had no time to cook or bake. But it's very fine, something Italian, with chocolate. She offers it to the reporter, and he says that he would like to have some, but they should visit the apartment first.
He asks Adrian when did he arrive back in Budapest.
About a month and a half ago, he will be shooting a movie in Budapest in January, so a mixture of business and pleasure.

They are now in the living-room. Szilárd likes the fresco. He asks how they chose it. Alex tells that it was her father who felt that the ceiling seemed empty, compared to other parts of the apartment. Adrian wasn't there, so Alex began to look for a painting, they wanted something Italian, European. Adrian likes this room, he loves the ceiling but he also likes his office, because it belongs only to him. That is where he can relax best.

His "little office" is very comfortable. To do business, you need to be comfortable as Adrian could be sitting here for the whole day. He writes here. The styles mix here, old and new. The paintings are part antique, part contemporary. Adrian points to a painting and tells how it is by a Hungarian painter, Tamás Ajtai.

As Adrian said, many things mix here. The desk comes from Alex’s old flat. The armchair was bought at a flea market and then they had it recovered. The bricks are old bricks with initials of different families.

When Alex made the plan for the apartment, she tried to save the original spirit of the home. We should respect the past of a building, we can't change everything. This is what Alex wanted taken into consideration.

[Victoria]

This is a link to clip 6 and a description below.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v707547643yQCDJe

Szilárd says, that at every party, everyone always ends up in the kitchen, they chat there.
Alex says, that it's normal, this is why the American kitchen is open, and she asks Juli, how many years have people been building American kitchens in their homes in Hungary. I think she answers approximately 15years.

Alex says, that the joiner worked very well, everything is "tailor-made" in the kitchen.
Juli explains, that they only had a small space for the kitchen, because behind the door next to her, there is a gas furnace that heats the whole home. Also the machines, the dishwasher, the oven, the microwave should be built-in. There was not much space for storage, that's why every little corner is used.
Szilárd asks how much time do they spend in the kitchen.
Alex answers quite often and points to Adrian, saying that it's Adrian who does the cooking.
Adrian agrees and shows a rack for spices that he finds very practical.
He loves the rolling drawers, the simple things.
Szilárd asks if they often have a romantic dinner at home, after Adrian has cooked it. He notices the wine rack. Alex says that it's very important. It's part of the European, Italian style. Wine is very important in an Italian household. Juli helped to plan it. She shows how the wall behind the cupboard isn't straight, but they did not want the cupboard to follow this corner. Alex wanted for the upper cupboard and the counter to be in the same line.
Adrian opens a cupboard and says that all Alex knows is that this is a pan, that's all she knows, then while laughing says sorry and that Alex does cook sometimes.
Szilárd asks Adrian if he can cook Hungarian food. He answers that he cooks pasta.
Szilárd asks him if he cooks "gulyásleves". Adrian answers, it's easy, it's only a soup. (They all laugh about it, because for Hungarian people, the gulyás soup is much more than "just a soup". After asking Helga how to characterize this soup, if it is science, or art or mystery. She answered, it's all of these :) *Helga is the wonderful lady who taped all of these episodes that made these clips possible.

[Victoria]

This is the link for clip 7, the final clip and a description.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v8715794ET5saM4M

Adrian says, now come the ladies' rooms.

Alex asks Szilárd if he likes the handrail. He answers, he likes it very much.
Alex says the name of the artisan who made it. It's wrought iron. Szilárd mentions how the material and color matches those of the luster. Alex explains that they bought the luster first, and the handrail was made to look antique in order to match the luster.
Szilárd likes the bathroom very much. The vault is original.Alex says that the contractor helped a lot, because he understood how she imagined her future home.

Alex tells about the mirror. First she bought a smaller mirror, took photos and sent them to Adrian in the USA. He wrote back saying that he didn't like it, because it was to small. Alex admits that he was right, because they changed it into a larger one and it looks much better, it makes the room seem bigger. She also says that they didn't debate about it. Szilárd says that the Italian temperament won.

Adrian comes and brings them cakes. He says that the mirror was very small, it didn't make the space big enough. He loves big bedrooms, but here, the room is small, because it's the second floor and because of how the room is situated with the arches in the room, but he does like the arches. Some compromises had to be made. There are also many corners, many points were fixed, like the stairs, you couldn't make a bigger room because of these reasons. The area where they are standing is used as a dressing room with the bedroom on the other side of the wall.

Adrian explains about how if a contractor says it will be ready in one week expect it in two to three weeks. It's the same everywhere. Adrian says the contractor Csaba and workers worked very well. He likes people who respect other people's work.
Alex says that it was hard, but Juli helped her a lot.
Juli says that Alex doesn't know the Hungarian conditions too well, but she is a good decorator and she would have succeeded without Juli's help.
Szilárd likes the flat and wishes them good times here.
Adrian promises that they would only relax here :)

I hope you have all enjoyed the clips . Please thank the Hungary group "Hunlanders" and Helga for taping the show and sending the footage to me which after some adjusting allowed it to be uploaded for all to see.

[Tessa]

The clips have been great Victoria. It was so much fun to watch the progression and really wonderful of Adrian and Alexandra to share something so personal. I think they've done a beautiful job of renovating and decorating their apartment and I hope they get lots of enjoyment out of it and are very very happy together there. :)

Thanks to the Hunlanders and to Helga for sharing it and making it possible for us on this side of the pond to see it, and for the translations which made it all the more interesting.

[EROM]

Thank you for sharing the videos. It has been great fun watching them and the summaries really helped.

[renate]

they were great Victoria.

Renate

[Coolwater]

That was very interesting and a lot more technical than we'd usually see here on television in the US. That's a great house, and a challenge. It's fun to have a house with character, because you're trying to make the quirks into assets!

Chocolate every day, hm? I knew there was something about that guy that I liked.

[Sam]

:d Thanks Victoria For The Videos And Translations!!
It Was Really Great Of Alex And Adrian To Share This With Us!!!
I Especially Want To Thank Helga And The Hunlanders!! They Are A Great Group !!

[grace]

:d Thanks Victoria For The Videos And Translations!!
It Was Really Great Of Alex And Adrian To Share This With Us!!!
I Especially Want To Thank Helga And The Hunlanders!! They Are A Great Group !!

Ditto! Its so nice to see some glimpses into real life :)

[JustBecause]

It's wonderful to see that Adrian, who contributes so generously to the well-being of others, has such happiness and love in his own life.

They've made a lovely home to share! :)