XpatLoop Interview: Marie Pataky-Kovalevitch, Chairwoman, International Women's Club
- 29 Oct 2002 11:00 AM
I was born in Germany. I left when I was 3 years old. I am French and a graduate from the University of Paris X Nanterre in Litterature and English-American civilisations.
I lived in England for 2 years , first as an au pair and later worked and studied at the same time in London. This was a defining moment of my life, it was my very first International total immersion.
Back home, I worked for a car shipping company and later for the Manufacturing and Human Resources Department of an American Pharmaceutical company in Paris. There I met my Swiss husband.
My husband's work sent him overseas in Africa and Asia where I worked as a teacher at the French International School of Jakarta. I also lived in Geneva for 4 years.
When we came to live in Hungary in 1995 I joined IWC Budapest. I am now the International Women's Club Chairwoman.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
January 1995 - My husband's job
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes. Africa and Asia
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
On tram or bus, people leave their seat for mothers with young kids. Only the young kids sit down.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Citadella (Budapest in one glance), the Castle, Csarnok and Ruszwurm
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Lecsó, Székely gulyás
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Cheese, wine and chocolate
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Satöbbi, satöbbi and cukrászda.
8. What do you miss the most from home?
The open markets in France
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Diplomacy
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Hairdresser
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Venezuela
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Caribbean
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Beatles
14. What can't you resist?
Chocolate
15. Red wine or white?
Champagne
16. Book or movie?
Movies
17. Morning person or night person?
Night
18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Social injustice
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Depends on circumstances