There were about ten British people living here at that time, all married to Hungarians, so we were regarded as quite an oddity, as well as with some suspicion. I taught at a language school, as well as in many parts of the country from a State Farm in Mez?hegyes to a glass factory in Salgótarján, and from the bottle-making plant in Orosháza to a furniture factory in Baja.

My two children were born here and went to Hungarian schools for their entire educations. They are both now studying at London University. I have written two books about my years in Hungary which have just been reprinted: Now You See It, Now You Don't (Hungary 1982-1989) and House of Cards (1989-1996). I also keep a blog about matters Hungarian on www.budapestthenandnow.blogspot.com

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
My first visit was in 1978; I came to live here in 1982. My husband's research for his PhD on the music of Liszt was what brought us here first.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Back in 1978, just about everything! But mostly the warmth and openness of those we met.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Come down on the chair lift from János hegy, whatever the season or time of day.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Juhturó, and anything made with it.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Cheese - as many varieties as possible, and cat food.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Pitypang and pipacs - I just love the sound of them!

8. What do you miss the most from home?
The history (really old buildings and towns etc.), the countryside and the sea.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Orchestral cellist.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Working in an office.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
London.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
London (my children are at university there!)

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Classical music - playing, concert-going, listening to it or reading 19th century literature.

14. What can't you resist?
Music of many kinds.

15. Red wine or white?
Red in winter (especially mulled); white (chilled) in summer

16. Book or movie?
Both or either - it's all about quality.

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Opportunities for the handicapped to have a good quality of life

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest, definitely.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
There's a price to be paid for everything.