"I'm the father of six and of course I love my children and all children. One of my own was diagnosed with diabetes before the age of one and lay between life and death for several months. It was a ghastly experience that I've never forgotten. I felt as if that trial had given me a vocation, to do something really good and important in life. My work now allows me to utilize the experience, connections, endurance and willingness I've built up over the years."

"I fell in love with Budapest and made it my 'base' in 1996. Although I spent a lot of time in Holland as well, with my children, I basically live here. Singapore, where I spent almost two decades, is so far away. Holland is too small.

For a long time, I'd never been to East-Central Europe, although I'd worked in countries like Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Then one day I arrived in Budapest and said to myself, 'This is it!' I was enchanted by the architecture, the history, the rich past, the cultural traditions, and the strange language, which I now speak a little."

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
In 1996. The Danube and the music.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Since my adulthood.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The friendliness towards outsiders and the 'fighting' among themselves.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend-what must they absolutely see and do?
See the Danube and all what is to be seen from the Danube and hear beautiful music offered during that weekend.

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
The most unhealthy dishes.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Fruits.

7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
None.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
My children.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
No other than my present activities for the Smiling Hospital Foundation, which is my passion, hobby and vocation.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
To be a lawyer for criminals.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
St. Petersburg

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Spain

13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Playing field hockey.

14. What can't you resist?
Watching beautiful things (nature and man-made items)

15. Red wine or white?
Depending on various factors.

16. Book or movie?
Both

17. Morning person or night person?
Both

18. Dog person or cat person?
I love dogs

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest side

20.What would you say is your personal motto?
'Je maintiendrai' (I try to persist)