Xpat Interview: Diana Smith Walsh, Author
- 3 Jun 2009 12:00 PM
Diana Smith Walsh was born in Jamaica West Indies and studied in the United States of America. She received her master degree from the University of Rochester, Simon School of Business. Prior to her current role as an expat wife, she was a banker, a not-for-profit president, and an adjunct professor in economics.
Diana has published many articles and has written a book on life as an expat.
She speaks English and Chinese and is currently learning Hungarian. Smith Walsh travels a lot and is very adventurous. She is married with no children and when she is not studying Hungarian or traveling she is exploring the wonders of Hungary.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I came in 2008 as an expat wife
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, America,Taiwan and Mainland China
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Nothing surprises me after Taiwan and Mainland China...but there seems to be more pigeons and dog pu pu than any other place thus far
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Memento Park, Go to one of the many bath and spa, walk up to the castle, get tickets to the opera, have a drink at the Four Seasons, visit the Synagogue, take a drive to Szentendre, and dine at any one of the great restaurants on the Buda or Pest side
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Duck
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A bottle of Hungarian sparkling wine, Dreher beer, orange juice and cold water
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
nagyon jó
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Bookstores
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Photographer/Writer
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
To be a politician
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Cape Town, South Africa
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Jamaica
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
What are you kidding....Bob Marley, 007 and changing caterpillars into butterflies
14. What can't you resist?
A nice red wine and a cold glass of champagne
15. Red wine or white?
Red
16. Book or movie?
Book
17. Morning person or night person?
Night person
18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Abuse
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda side
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Don't allow anyone to steer you from your dream.