Gayathri was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to parents of Sri Lankan origin. She had lived and worked in Calgary all of her life, until 2003 when she had the opportunity to spend one semester of university in Puebla, Mexico. She loved learning about other cultures and languages so much that after this trip, she was determined to explore the rest of the world and even work abroad.
In 2004, she graduated with a B.A. in Communications Studies from the Unversity of Calgary. Upon graduating, she worked for a Canadian clothing retailer as a Strategic Sales Manager. Still eager to travel abroad, she quit her job and actively sought opportunites for foreign employment. Gayathri applied for a work term abroad through the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and as luck had it, was accepted to their Young Professional International program. She is now working on a project with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Budapest for a period of 6 months.
In her spare time, Gayathri loves to listen to music, read, experience and taste foods from different parts of the world, and take in the beautiful sites of Budapest.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary on exactly September 19, 2006 (the day of the riots) to start a work term with the Junior Chamber International (JCI).
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I lived in Puebla, Mexico for 1 semester of univeristy in 2003.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I never imagined that there was so much going on in Hungary. This city has some amazing sites, great cusine and a thriving nightlife. When I arrived I didnt know where to begin with experiencing it.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
The view of the parliament from the Buda side, the Chain Bridge and the Castle District at night, the Városliget area and the Christmas market if they are here during the holidays.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Paprikás csirke.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Milk, yoghurt and cheese...and surprisingly I am still not lactose intolerant.
7.What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Hogy vogy? and Bocsánat.
8 . What do you miss most from home?
The view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains from my bedroom window, which is absolutely gorgeous and truely my motivation to get my day going. Also, my second jump start to the morning, Tim Hortons coffee (a tall steeped tea with milk or a double double)...I have been having some Tim Hortons withdrawal here.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
The field of architecture seems very intriguing, so I would be interested in becoming an Architect.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Airplane Traffic Controller.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
For the first time over the Christmas holidays, I will be visiting the beautiful city of Rome in Italy and I cant wait!
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I had many favorite bands: Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Aerosmith and strange to this style of music Boys II Men.
Favorite Film: Breakfast Club.
Hobby: Dancing.
14. What can't you resist?
Cappucinos and chocolate, exactly in that order of preference OR in combination.
15. Red wine or white?
Red, but of course Tokaji when the occasion presents itself.
16. Book or movie?
Nowadays, book.
17. Morning person or night person?
Without question a night person.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog.
19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest, it seems everything is happening on this side of town.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.