Xpat Interview: Adri Bruckner
- 14 May 2003 12:00 PM
Adri Bruckner is an American fluent in Hungarian who has lived in Budapest for a dozen years. She has spent the past eight years helping foreigners, both tourists and residents, enjoy this vibrant city, currently via her blog, www.adriknows.com. She also offers seminars chock-full of tips on life in Budapest, paired with fun team-building activities via partner companies, such as a walking tours or a zip-wire course in a downtown park.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in 2000 with a Hungarian husband I acquired in the US and curiosity about his home country.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I've lived in Tokyo, Paris and Amsterdam. In each, I learned the language and tried to get to know the locals.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The difficulty of the language and the chaotic beauty of Budapest.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
They must eat and drink outdoors, soak in a spa, stroll the streets of the less-than-perfect parts of downtown Pest, peek into inner courtyards, and eat pogácsa, ice cream, and cakes, preferably at Daubner Cukrászda.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Hortobágyi palacsinta, a crepe stuffed with spiced ground pork and slathered with creamy paprika sauce.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Pesto and Erős Pista.
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Öntözőkanna, watering can. It's the first word I learned, because I thought it looked ridiculous.
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Mom and donuts.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Singer and novelist.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Accountant.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Croatia.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
The US.
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I was a cheerleader, briefly, and loved Duran Duran.
14. What can't you resist?
Donuts. With colored sprinkles.
15. Red wine or white?
Red. Hungarian red.
16. Book or movie?
Books on my Kindle.
17. Morning person or night person?
Night.
18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Care of the elderly. I learned Hungarian and heard the whole history of Hungary from my husband's grandmother.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
I lived in Pest for 8 years and thought I would never leave, but now love the suburbs beyond Buda...
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Seize the day!