He currently teaches third graders at the American International School of Budapest. A celebrated author, Phil has also written two popular books about life in the classroom.

For more information about Phil and his writing, you're welcome to visit his website: www.phillipdone.org or his recently launched blog, An American in Budapest at www.anamericaninbudapest.com.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
August 2000.

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

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The jaw-dropping view when I first drove over the Elizabeth Bridge into Buda

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Soak in Szechenyi, Brunch at Corinthia, Walk across Chain Bridge, Promenade down Andrássy, Gawk at Opera House

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Hortobágyi palacsinta. Hands down!

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Erős Pista

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Egészségedre! I love when I carry my lunch tray down the hall at school and every Hungarian I pass will say it.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Target.

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

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
First grade teacher. synonym: SAINT

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Poland in December!

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Someplace WARM!

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Film as a teen: It's a Wonderful Life
Film now: It's a Wonderful Life
Film when I'm retired: It's a Wonderful Life

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
Hortobágyi palacsinta.

15. Red wine or white?
Red!

16. Book or movie?
Book

17. Morning person or night person?
Definitely NOT morning

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Literacy

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda for rest, Pest for fun

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Carpe diem