Simon Lee Saunders, Regional GM for Gold's Gym Central & Eastern Europe. Worked for "LivingWell" the Health & Fitness arm of Hilton Hotels before arriving in Hungary to set up the successful Danubius Premier chain for the Danubius Hotels Group.
The former international cross-country runner now manages clubs in Russia, Czech Republic and the groups latest acquisition here in Budapest as the search for new locations in other regional territories continues. Gold's Gym aims to raise the standards in customer service and club operations within the industry. Simon enjoys a balance of the "good life" Hungary has to offer counter balanced by some serious fitness at Gold's Gym.
Xpat Interview:
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Jan 2000. Promise of a better lifestyle!
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Not in this life.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Hungarian women still surprise me!
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
Thermal baths, outdoor bars and coming out of Piaf as the sun comes up.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Hortobagy Palacsinta.
6. What food from home do you miss the most?
Salt & Vinegar crisps.
7.What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Mold and anti-wrinkle eye cream.
8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
UN representative.
9. Whats a job you would definitely never want?
Hungarian politician.
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Madrid.
11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In a hammock.
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Public Enemy and break-dancing.
13. What cant you resist?
Just one more.
14. Red wine or white?
Red - Gal Tibor.
15. Decaf or regular?
Regular expresso.
16. Book or movie?
Movie - Star Wars.
17. Morning person or night person?
Night leading to early morning.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Pussy cat.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest - less distance between bars!
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
That which does not kill you cannot harm you.