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Writer's picture Kester Eddy

TeChnotronic graffiti & Scowling man - KesterTester113

Updated: Jun 2

I know, I know, this one is pretty ridiculous, but I've given you some easy peasy ones in the past - by your own admission = so you really have no right to complain this is difficult.

Cryptic Clue Added! UPDATED with results!

This gent does not look too happy with me taking his visage in the street. OK, it's Budapest, but which street?


He must be in his mid-60s, which means he's seen a lot. The pic was taken in, I think 1993, so he was probably a young teenager in the war years, and early-mid 20s in 1956. Now he has to put up with a shrinking pension, fast-rising prices, graffiti on buildings (already in need of some TLC) and strangers flashing fancy Japanese-made cameras at him as he takes an afternoon stroll. It just ain't right, is it?


I have to admit I'm scraping the barrel when it comes to KesterTester photgraphs these days. So you get toughies like this one. Now don't complain, because the more devious among you have been using google-ap-whatsits for some time now to help you nail the answers and win fabulous prizes along with world-wide fame.


Even so, my soft-soft heart says I have to give you a bit more of a clue. So here goes: I'm pretty sure I've used a piccie from this street before in a Tester. Can I be fairer than that?


So, answers please using the site messaging system or an email, please put KT113 in your message so I don't lose you and get into trouble with the Competition Committee -not to mention the Brussels authorities - and global celebrity status awaits if you get the right answer. (And of course, the chance to buy me two beers.)


Otherwise, well, I hope you like the piccie - I just hope the gent is a bit happier wherever he is these days, with no need to scowl at snappers in the streets up above.


EXTRA CLUE: Well, this seems to have everyone well and truly flummoxed. So what can I do to help ease your pain over not solving this one?


OK, with my heart in super-soft mode, here's a cryptic clue: This street is what might be considered as 'hard': well, I suppose that's true, but it's also what you might call 'brittle'.

:)

Happy Sleuthing!


UPDATE - the RESULTS: Apologies for taking so long over this one – interviews/stories for the elections here and a book launch taking up so much time.


Yup, KT113 is a toughie, although I think my late clue did help a bit.


First in, always prepared to give a shout, was Jerry Taylor.


Hi Kester

Looks a tad like Isabella south of Kiraly but could just as easily be an earlier view of our street!

Cheers, Jerry”


Izabella south of Kiraly utca. Well, south-east, towards the Pesti Magyar Színház sort of direction then? Hmmm.


KT113 jogged some neurons in Steve Saracco's memory box into action:


I actually remember seeing that graffiti....."


This was back in the heady days of Budapest Week, I think he means.


It was a slog for that 25 dollars,” he added, after I mentioned the bargain-basement payments for a 500-word piece. (Warning to any youthful readers: Don't try journalism if you seek a life of luxury!)


I'm gonna guess inner district 6 but I really don't remember....”


Yup, I understand, Steve. You are forgiven.


Another punter always willing to send in a shout is Misi Hollós.


Hello Kester,

My guess is that the pic featured was taken in Wesselényi utca (district 7).

Mind you, I never use the internet or any form of help when it comes to these Kester Testers … [it] kills the joy, the very fun of the KT thing. 

Best, Misi.!"


I sympathise, Misi. Mind you, the temptation for many – the adulation of fans and that chance to buy me two beers – perhaps is too much for some punters, and I can understand it, weak beings that we humans are.


Zsolt Maroti has proved to be a more than capable sleuther in the past, but he admitted KT113 was a street too far for him.


Clueless is the word to define me trying to crack your latest KT,” he wrote.


Frank Hegedus is a responsible soul, who always takes time out to ponder each tester.


Well Keszter...


So far, I have found that the rock band in question toured Hungary in 1990, so I assume the photograph was taken then or shortly before or after in front of kapu number twelve somewhere, suggesting close to the start of the street. The gentleman is right out of the 1930s, but I do not see any other identifying data on him or the street. So, I am on the case....”


Not sure they were a rock band Frank, more electronic I suspect, but you might be right (not my music scene, I'm afraid).


Mind you, few take as much trouble as Hubert “Le Poirot” Warrsman, who, after pondering the clue, was nothing but succinct.


“KT113 Looks like Vas utca nyolcker could be the one.”


Sorry, but yes, the clue did favour those who speak Hungarian – vas (pronounced vosh) means 'iron' in the vernacular.


Otherwise, of course, it could easily be in any of those districts from VI to IX, each of which has a fascinating series of vistas.


I'm not sure if you were still writing for the Week when the office was in Nagydiófa utca, Steve, but I think I was walking on my way there from Magyar Radio HQ on this particular day when I happened on this scene in KT113.


In fact, I have an idea it was in May 1993 - so 31 years ago exactly - during the time of Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Hungary, and I'd done something for Charlie Coutts' Radio Budapest broadcast that evening and was off over to Budapest Week to write a piece for the paper when I took this pic.


(And also the piccie long, long ago that was KT14 – featuring another love-struck graffiti 'artist'.


I shall have to take a walk down there when I next get a chance


Meanwhile, congratulations to all who made an effort on this one, and especially to Hubert “Le Poirot” Warsmann for using all his skills to nail this one!


KT114 is still open for entries.


Have a great week!

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