Xpat Interview: Alketa Varga
- 13 Jul 2011 12:00 PM
My name is Varga Alketa, born and raised in Albania in a south city of Korca. During my young years I was attracted to books, reading and writing and learning new languages. I learned French at the very young age and Italian after my high school. For 12 years worked with Christian humanitarian group and had the possibilities to work in Albania for 4 years, Kosovo for2 years as a humanitarian worker, then lived in Montenegro for 4 years as a youth trainer. It was a great wonderful experience.
Last 6 years we moved to Hungary in order to give the children a needed education. We have 3 boys and live in 13 district, in a very quite area.
Besides being a busy mom I have a online business, where I market my art and crafts, and study Hungarian. My long term vision is not only to speak Hungarian, but to study in depth and have a diploma for it. I would like to receive training as a nurse and work in a old folks home.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
First time visited Hungary in summer 2003, come to visit my husbands parents.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, if you can call it so. Kosovo, Montenegro
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I was surprised to see that there were no mountains...lol never before I have seen a city without high mountains. Hungary is a beautiful country with lot of lakes and rives and forests, and sweet people.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
One thing is for sure they can not sleep; there isn't enough time to see everything.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Goulash
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Milk, chicken
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Figyelj ide!
8. What do you miss most from home?
Mother, lamb meat and friends
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Designer
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Singer
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Montenegro
12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Not sure.
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Mireille Matheiu and Celentano, loved books, crafts and fine arts.
14. What can't you resist?
I can not resist a party with friends, with cream whiskey as well.
15. Red wine or white?
None
16. Book or movie?
Both
17. Morning person or night person?
Night
15. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
Being a mother.
19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Don’t let yesterday hold you down. Is not about winning, is about never giving up