Echoes of Brutalism: A Journey Through Budapest’s Past and Present

Echoes of Brutalism: A Journey Through Budapest’s Past and Present

Apr 23, 2024 | Blog, Joakim, The world in my eyes

I want to be like the people in Budapest, experiencing what they did during the times of Socialist Modernism and Brutalism. We took the tram to the Buda side, unsure why, but I knew we had to start somewhere. So, it began at a random tram station.

As we walked through the park, I noticed a house characterized by simple, geometric forms and a lack of ornamental detailing. ‘Pretend we’re back in the era of Brutalism,’ I suggested. You simply replied, ‘Oh, you’re a time machine.’ ‘Yeah,’ I said.

We found a bar on the ground floor, where the indoor design echoed a collective society: rugged, with raw concrete as the primary material, complemented by traditional Hungarian patterns. Notice the house facade, the red galleon sofa, and the style of tiles behind the bar.

Wanting to further immerse myself in the Budapest experience, I started to appreciate Dreher Bak, a double bock with a full-bodied dark flavor and a hint of caramel.

Reflecting on History: My Journey to 1956 Budapest, Embracing the Spirit of an Era

Mar 16, 2024 | Blog, Joakim

The Almighty asked me, ‘Which age would you like to live in?’ My answer led me through Hungary to Budapest in 1956. I find myself in the old man in this trailer; my eyes mirror his, looking back in time to the era of heroes. I see the masses of people in Budapest rising up in 1956.

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars of Europe. So, I made the decision to book a ticket to Budapest. I will be the old man in the trailer on the streets of Budapest, yes I will, and the stars will shine brightly.

The Timeless Elegance of the Fleur-de-lis: A Symbol of Enduring Friendship and Historical Majesty

The Timeless Elegance of the Fleur-de-lis: A Symbol of Enduring Friendship and Historical Majesty

Feb 12, 2024 | Joakim

This is one of my favorite ties, adorned with a Fleur-de-lis pattern, a gift from a dear friend who has significant Hungarian connections.

The Fleur-de-lis is not just a symbol; it’s a kind of magic that resonates within your soul and mind, enduring across millennia, echoing Hungary’s own survival as a nation-state for over a thousand years.

It was Charles I, King of Hungary, who skillfully incorporated the Fleur-de-lis into the national coat of arms, blending it with the traditional per pale design of the Angevins, the Capetian dynasty in France who ruled and developed selected parts of Europe.

Exploring the Prestige and History of St. James’s Square: A Blend of Business and Tradition

Exploring the Prestige and History of St. James’s Square: A Blend of Business and Tradition

Feb 5, 2024 | Joakim

Time to summarize, reflecting on all impressions and distilling the atmosphere into key points.

After a tour through St. James’s Square—a place characterized by a mix of corporate headquarters, private residences, and members’ clubs—it’s clear why it’s a significant location for businesses. It’s also home to my favorite club in the city. The East India Club.

Located in St. James’s Square, this private members’ club was originally founded for officers of the British East India Company, a key institution in the British Empire.

Lunch at Historic Sweetings: Blending Tradition and Business Wisdom in the Heart of London’s Financial District

Lunch at Historic Sweetings: Blending Tradition and Business Wisdom in the Heart of London’s Financial District

Feb 5, 2024 | Board of Directors, Joakim

Lunchtime at my hidden secret, Sweetings — a traditional British seafood restaurant located at 39 Queen Victoria Street in the City of London, operating at its current location since 1889. As per my ritual, I begin with their signature Black Velvet, a Guinness and champagne cocktail, followed by a Chardonnay from Burgundy paired with their exquisite fish in mustard sauce. It’s a splendid time, and I take great pride in presenting this almost unchanged menu, spanning 130 years, to my guests.

After lunch, the board will engage in a hands-on workshop to dissect the decline of one of the world’s largest companies alongside the British Empire. The key question: What lessons can we learn from this historical parallel?

This area around Bank station in London, seamlessly merging its deep historical roots with a vibrant present, offers a unique tapestry of cultural, historical, and business threads, mirroring the city’s diverse persona. It serves as a vivid window into the peak of the Empire, offering an insightful narrative into the financial hub during the era when the sun never set on the imperial United Kingdom.