Frido is the chairman of the Dutch Club, which was founded almost 11 years ago with the purpose of bringing Dutch people in Hungary and their partners -often of Hungarian origin- together for a variety of activities, many designed to benefit charities.
The Dutch Clubs main annual event is the Queen's ball, a birthday bash for former Queen Juliana, and a celebration of the fact that Holland is still a kingdom. In addition, the Club hosts a very popular song festival each year during the Dutchies sing a song based upon the melody of a Dutch tearjerker but with personalized, hopefully funny, lyrics.
The forthcoming contest will be held on November 19th in the HJB bar. Other Dutch Club activities include, tours of parliament for new comers, wine tastings, special film screenings, plus golf and tennis events.
Frido was born in the Netherlands, though Hungarian blood is flowing though his veins, as his grandmother from mother's side was Hungarian. He studied in Amsterdam, where his education included European Studies and Law School (Law Degree obtained in 1998). He is fluent in Dutch, English, German, French, New Greek and Hungarian.
By joining recruitment and headhunting firm PROFIPOWER Frido is able to combine his legal and financial knowledge and experience in recruiting talented people with legal and financial backgrounds. He says he is also committed to further developing a relationships with the automotive, and food & beverage industries, in which he was active during his banking year".
Frido's hobby is playing gypsy music. It is perhaps more than a hobby, as he performs regularly at big events. For more info, visit his website
www.gypsymusic.i12.com .
Xpat Interview:
When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
In November 2000. Love brought and kept me here.
Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I have been working as a waiter in Greece, but we can't call that an expat status, as I had just finished university, and lived from the tips in the restaurant.
What surprised you most about Hungary?
Not too much, as I know the country since I was an embryo. We used to come here regularly in summer, my grand mother being Hungarian.
Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
Lay in the baths, walk on the island, have a view from the Citadella, take a cup of coffee at Gerbeaud, parliament, the castle district, Opera, well, a weekend is too short for Budapest!
What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Stuffed cabbage.
What food from home do you miss the most?
Bitter balls (meet balls).
What is never missing from your refrigerator?
It is always empty. I like others to cook.....
What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I would like to be director of a music hall, and just invite musicians of my own taste.
Whats a job you would definitely never want?
I would rather not work as a dentist. All those smelly people....
Where did you spend your last vacation and where do you hope to spend your next one?
In Greece, sailing between the islands. Wonderful. Austria, try the first fresh snow somewhere in November.
What was your favourite film as a teen?
Favorite film as a teen and still: the Godfather trilogy.
What cant you resist?
I could fill a book.
Red wine or white?
I look both, as long as they are good.
Decaf or regular?
Regular.
Book or movie?
Movie.
Morning person or night person?
Depends on the night before.
Dog person or cat person?
Dog.
Buda side or Pest side?
Pest.
What would you say is your personal motto?
Why wait until tomorrow?