My career as an English teacher began ten years ago after studying as a mature student. It marked the successful culmination of a lot of hard work that led me to teach as an assistant in university and more recently and regularly, in the secondary classroom. I enjoy the challenge of helping people to master their abilities with the language and to helping them improve.
While teaching, I looked forward to exploring the world and the opportunities that exist beyond the classroom which was but one reason for my interest in Hungary. I found myself returning and then seeking residence in Budapest which has been enriching and sustaining.
I look forward both to continuing my studies for professional development, but also to become adept in the usage of the Hungarian language. It's been wonderful to combine the best aspects of work and personal interest here.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
It was my good fortune to first arrive in Hungary in August of 2003. At that time, I came as a tourist, having heard so many wonderful things about the country and knowing a number of Hungarians prior to my trip.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No, I have not. Being in Hungary, a person really enjoys it and looks forward to staying.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
As with most people travelling in a new country, I expected everything to be different and it was. I really enjoyed that. However, if I had to choose one thing, I would say that the tendency for people to be out so often was a very pleasant surprise. Coming from North America, people tend to live indoors a lot during the winter.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
There are so many wonderful things to reccomend. A visit to Godollo is a must, time at the Lukacs or Heroes Square, a visit to Lake Balaton, especially the new Opera House would all be things I would insist on brining a friend to see.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
I have several, but since it was made so wonderfully, chicken paprikash would be my choice.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A nice bottle of sweet Tokaji!
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
It's a phrase, but it sounds so lyrical to me. Szeretlek.
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Unless you are Canadian it would be hard to understand, but Tim Horton's coffee. I miss my parents at times, but I look forward to hosting them.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I would welcome the opportunity to work in communications as part of the business world.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Undertaker. No, thank you.:)
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Transylvania.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Debrecen.
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I really enjoyed the film, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," as a teen. At that time, I used to play tennis a great deal which is something I hope to do more of in Budapest. As far as a favourite band goes, I was always a fan of Bruce Springsteen.
14. What can't you resist?
A beautiful smile on the streets of Budapest.
15. Red wine or white?
White.
16. Book or movie?
It's a difficult choice because it depends on the mood of the occasion. However, I enjoy them both a great deal and have read a lot.
17. Morning person or night person?
I can be both, but in Budapest it's just so much more fun being a night person.
18. Dog person or cat person?
I am a dog person because I am allergic to cats.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Claim life as your own and share it to the fullest with those you love.