Xpat Interview: Brandon Krueger

Brandon originally moved to Budapest from San Francisco to complete his Master's degree in International Relations at Central European University. After graduating he worked for an Internet start-up in Hungary, before moving to Holland to work for a peace research organization in the Hague.

Finding the the world of NGOs fulfilling but too draining, he moved back to the US for a short stint, until beginning his latest incarnation at CEU as Communications Director. His current focus is on web development and design for the university, as well as with other clients.

...which covers the daytime. As for the evening part of life, Brandon organizes occasional parties at venues such as Vittula and Kultiplex, and is a resident dj for the local outfit 'Gumipop' (weekly indie/electronica parties). In this capacity he's played in cities such as Prague, Belgrade, and New York.

Travel, design, writing, and picture taking take up the rest of his free time.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Summer '98. Grad school.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
In Holland, the Hague.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Just how long i could manage to stand in line if i concentrated on happy thoughts.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
Attend one of my parties, thermal baths, repeat. Maybe check out the Danube river view for shits and giggles.

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
Ordering sushi delivery (sorry Hungary)

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Mold. (okay, mostly a joke) Um, most definitely dijon mustard.

7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
That would have to be 'rendben'.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
In no particular order: Jack-in-the-Box, proper saran wrap, old friends, reese's peanut butter cups, salads, price and variety of electronic goods, New York.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Writing books, making movies. (though i'm trying my damndest with the former)

10. What?s a job you would definitely never want?
Any one where i have to be superficially cheery to the public-at-large

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Not counting weekenders away - my last 'mini-vacation' was to Iceland this past summer. The last 'proper' vacation was to Thailand and Japan this past spring.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
If my 'spin a globe and throw a dart at it and go there' method puts me somewhere i've been already, then probably japan, i can never get enough of Tokyo.

13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I'll go crazy and answer all three: New Order, Harold and Maude, playing with pet rabbit and hamster (no, that is not code for something else)

14. What can?t you resist?
Popcorn. Pens that you can change the color. Porches. Palindromes. Peninsulas (skinny ones). Puppets. (those are just the Ps)

15. Red wine or white?
Until age 22: red only. Then white only until a couple years ago. Now i'm just a lush. Though lately i've rediscovered the wonders of grape juice.

16. Book or movie?
Books when I feel like letting my too imaginative imagination run free. Movies when i feel like eating popcorn.

17. Morning person or night person?
Night. Though if I wake up in the morning naturally (without alarm) after a good night's sleep, I find the early daytime can have its own charm.

18. Dog person or cat person?
Generally cats but if in an outdoor area with room to run, then dogs for sure. But really I'm a fan of rodents - Ii like their style. Also, I can watch chickens for hours at a time, seriously.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest all the way. I get nervous when I have to leave district VII. Though, it must be noted that there are far more jacuzzis in Buda. Take that as you will.

20.What would you say is your personal motto?
Well, it's from an old new order song: "on 1000 islands in the sea, I see 1000 people just like me"