Xpat Interview: Gary Lukatch
- 3 Oct 2006 12:00 PM
After college and three years in the US Army (in Texas and Germany), spent 29 years in the financial business in the US. Worked in Los Angeles, El Paso (Texas), Las Vegas and Albuquerque (New Mexico).
Married twice, one daughter, two grandchildren. Moved to Budapest in 1999 to teach English as a Foreign Language. Travel extensively in between classes. Am the author of three published books, available on amazon.com. Also write song lyrics.
Former weightlifting champion, I have crewed an America's Cup racing yacht, been inside a pyramid in Giza, ridden a camel in the Sahara Desert, visited 21 pubs in four days in Dublin and flashed Beverly Hills. At present, planning a world trip for early 2007. Can usually be found at The Stage Pub on Friday evenings, enjoying the ambience and singing karaoke.
1.When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Arrived late September 1999, to teach English as a foreign language and to travel around Europe. Was very tired of being a banker'
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Not per se, although I did live in Germany for two years in the late 196ös, when I was taken there by my Uncle Sam.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The beautiful women, the food and the outstanding architecture.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
The castle, Heroes Square and the museums, walk along the Danube, visit a thermal bath.
5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
(Jókai Bableves )but only at Foir Sale Étterem)
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Arabic pitas
7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Tessék
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Krispy Kreme donuts and cold water drinking fountains
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Freelance travel writer
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Cleaning up after elephants in the circus
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Corfu
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Doing an around the world trip
13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Mark of Zorro (film). Band - Chuck Berry. Hobby - girl-watching
14. What can't you resist?
Guinness
15. Red wine or white?
Red
16. Book or movie?
The Far Pavilions (Book)
17. Morning person or night person?
Definitely a night person!
18. Dog person or cat person?
Cat
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest - where the action is!
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Eat, drink and be merry!
Former weightlifting champion, I have crewed an America's Cup racing yacht, been inside a pyramid in Giza, ridden a camel in the Sahara Desert, visited 21 pubs in four days in Dublin and flashed Beverly Hills. At present, planning a world trip for early 2007. Can usually be found at The Stage Pub on Friday evenings, enjoying the ambience and singing karaoke.
1.When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Arrived late September 1999, to teach English as a foreign language and to travel around Europe. Was very tired of being a banker'
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Not per se, although I did live in Germany for two years in the late 196ös, when I was taken there by my Uncle Sam.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The beautiful women, the food and the outstanding architecture.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
The castle, Heroes Square and the museums, walk along the Danube, visit a thermal bath.
5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
(Jókai Bableves )but only at Foir Sale Étterem)
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Arabic pitas
7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Tessék
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Krispy Kreme donuts and cold water drinking fountains
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Freelance travel writer
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Cleaning up after elephants in the circus
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Corfu
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Doing an around the world trip
13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Mark of Zorro (film). Band - Chuck Berry. Hobby - girl-watching
14. What can't you resist?
Guinness
15. Red wine or white?
Red
16. Book or movie?
The Far Pavilions (Book)
17. Morning person or night person?
Definitely a night person!
18. Dog person or cat person?
Cat
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest - where the action is!
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Eat, drink and be merry!