Xpat Interview: Andy Higgins

I am English, 45 years old, married to Julie, with 3 children? Andrew (19 at University in UK), Emily (18 with us here in Budapest, but planning University later this year, and William (7 , attending the American International School in Buda). 

Also brought our dog, and 2 cats with us, from Zurich. I work for General Motors, in BudaOrs. We enjoy walking in forests, swimming in lakes, skiiing, reading, movies and meeting friends. 

I also enjoy golf (but not very good) and cars (including watching motor racing)

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Arrived with my wife, Julie, daughter, Emily (18) and son William (7) from Zurich in January 2008, as a result of a work assignment here in Budapest.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
We lived in Zurich for 6 years, during which time I have also worked in Frankfurt, Germany

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Friendly people and the weather climate is much better than we expected.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Not really in a position to advise too much as yet, given that we haven`t yet had chance to do much more than unpack.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
We like all good food, and some of the soups and stwes we have had a chance to try so far are amazing.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Hungarian champagne, german beer, Swiss chocolate and of course Marmite!

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Szia

8. What do you miss most from home?
Still thinking of Zurich as home at the moment, so it has to be the mountains, lakes and forests. looking forward to seeing what Hungary has to offer here, particularly Lake Balaton in Summer, and good locations to Ski within a reasonable travel distance from Budapest. 

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Michael Schumachers, or Tom Hanks`.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
President of the United States.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Walt Disney World, Orlando.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Same again. My family are big Disney fans.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
As a teen; The Police and The Jacksons, It`s a Wonderful Life and playing football.

14. What can't you resist?
Good malt whisky and a golf ball on a tee.

15. Red wine or white?
Red with food, or dry white just to drink.

16. Book or movie?
I read every day, but enjoy good movies, of all types as well.

17. Morning person or night person?
Both, its the afternoon that I find harder.

18. Dog person or cat person?
We have both, but I prefer dogs.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Not sure yet. We need to explore both.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
A little les conversation, a little more action.